Project Summary

In 2024, the Makah Tribe received funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Connectivity Program to deploy a 2.5GHz broadband network infrastructure project to provide reliable and affordable broadband services to its community. TBEC was tasked with conducting a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review for this project. Before construction can begin, an environmental review must take place to ensure that project activities will not interfere with the surrounding environment, or if they do, that proper mitigation efforts are taken to ensure minimal disturbance.

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TBEC prepared this environmental review using location and project details provided by the Makah Tribe, as well as research, mapping, and reviews of agency websites. In accordance with NEPA requirements, determinations were made on the impact that the project will have on the surrounding environment like wetlands, habitat, and other unique ecosystems. It also investigates potential impacts on culturally important historical or Tribal sites. Maps of the proposed fiber route and nearby wetlands, designated habitat, and floodplains were created as well. Information about the project was also used to submit an IPaC review, which is a list provided by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of any endangered species or protected habitats nearby the project site that could be affected by project activities.

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Once all the necessary information was gathered, including maps, TBEC compiled it all into the official environmental review, which includes a project description and our determinations on the effects proposed activities will have on nearby environmental and cultural assets.

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Project Deliverables:

• A NEPA-compliant Environmental Review

• GIS maps supporting the review

  • Project site and nearby wetlands, floodplains, protected habitats

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External Links:​

Makah Tribe website