Press release from the Hoopa Valley Tribe:

A major broadband project is set to begin in the Hoopa Valley, led by the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District (HVPUD). Known as the SB156 Middle Mile Project, this collaboration marks the first joint build agreement between a Tribe and the State of California. It’s a major step toward improving internet access and digital equity on the reservation and surrounding aboriginal territory.

Spanning more than 92,000 acres, the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation is the largest in California. Many households are located in areas with steep terrain and dense forests, making wireless coverage weak or unreliable. Wildfires and inclement weather have damaged above-ground infrastructure and disrupted essential services. Installing underground fiber optic lines will provide a more resilient solution.

“Reliable internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Linnea Jackson, General Manager of the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District. “This project reflects years of planning and partnership, and it will finally give our Tribe and surrounding community the connectivity we need to thrive—for school, work, and health care.”

Glass Roots Construction, the primary contractor for this project, was selected for its track record of delivering quality work with similar projects in the region, its understanding of the unique topography, and its proven commitment to partnership.

“We’re honored to have been selected by the Hoopa Valley PUD to help bring this critical fiber network to life,” said Marty Snella, CEO of Glass Roots Construction. “The trust they’ve placed in us is deeply valued, and we’re excited to partner with such an amazing community. This project is more than infrastructure—it’s about connection, opportunity, and future growth. We look forward to working hand-in-hand to deliver lasting impact.”

The SB156 Middle Mile Project will extend a high-capacity fiber optic network from Willow Creek through the Hoopa Valley Reservation to its northern boundary near Weitchpec. This new infrastructure will provide reliable, high-speed internet to homes, businesses, and public facilities, creating long-term benefits like improved access to education, healthcare, employment, and emergency services. It also aligns with California’s broader goal of expanding equitable high-speed internet in underserved, rural communities.

Construction is scheduled to begin within the next two months, with completion required by December 2026. During this time, residents should expect traffic delays along Highway 96 between Willow Creek and Weitchpec. Longer wait times are anticipated in certain bluff areas due to safety requirements and limited room for construction zones. HVPUD will continue to share updates as the project moves forward, so residents can plan accordingly.

“We know construction can be disruptive in the short term, but the long-term benefits of this project are significant,” Jackson said. “Fiber optic broadband is significantly more reliable than wireless and offers faster internet speeds, which will provide a reliable connection that lasts for decades.”

HVPUD is also advancing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Project (TBCP), bringing high-speed internet service directly to homes and businesses. More information about that initiative will be released in the coming weeks as we advertise the Request for Proposals and select a contractor.

The Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District is dedicated to community engagement and collaboration throughout this process. Regular updates, traffic notices, and project milestones will be shared on HVPUD’s website, social media, and local communication channels to keep residents informed and engaged every step of the way.

About Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District

The Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District (HVPUD) has been a trusted provider of essential utility services to the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation for over 40 years. Founded in 1982 under the authority of the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s Constitution and By-Laws, HVPUD is committed to supporting the tribe’s long-term growth and economic vitality. In recent years, HVPUD expanded its services to include high-speed internet through Acorn Wireless, a broadband division dedicated to closing the digital divide and enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses in the region.

The mission of the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District is to provide a level of service and utility resources that enable and advance tribal strategies to grow economic opportunity, build a strong foundation of utility infrastructure, and ensure a framework for quality growth and development on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation.

About Glass Roots Construction:

Glass Roots Construction (GRC), a subsidiary of VFN Holdings, Inc. (a/k/a Vero Networks), was founded with a specific focus on building fiber optic networks for some of the largest companies in the world. By pairing the latest technologies in field equipment and geospatial project management with industry-leading talent, GRC strives to be a different type of construction utility. GRC’s focus is on accurate, real-time cloud-based data, outstanding communication, and best-in-industry safety programs that deliver superior results for its clients.