Construction Begins July 8 on SB156 Middle Mile Project
July 08, 2025
Construction Begins July 8 on SB156 Middle Mile Project
Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, Northern CA — The Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District (HVPUD) will begin construction on the SB156 Middle Mile Project on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. This historic infrastructure project is a collaboration between HVPUD and the State of California, with construction led by Glass Roots Construction. It marks the first joint broadband build between a Tribe and the state.
Roadwork will take place on Highway 96 starting at mile marker 0.5, proceeding north. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes in this area as crews work to safely install underground fiber optic cable. Construction will continue throughout the summer, moving in segments along the highway from Willow Creek to Weitchpec.
The SB156 Middle Mile Project will bring high-capacity fiber infrastructure to the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation and surrounding tribal lands. Once complete, it will lay the foundation for fast, reliable internet that supports distance learning, telemedicine, economic opportunity, emergency services, and more.
Traffic impacts will vary as construction progresses. HVPUD will continue to share timely updates so residents and travelers can plan accordingly. As of right now, construction is expected to be completed by February 2026, with full completion expected by November 2026.
A community groundbreaking event will also take place on August 12, 2025, at the Tribal Office Building located at 11860 CA-96, Hoopa, CA. More details about this event will be shared soon.
For project updates, traffic alerts, and additional information, visit acornconnected.com.
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.
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