The City of Vallejo Receives $3.8 Million CPUC Grant for the Last Mile Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 12, 2024

From left to right: Naveed Ashraf (IT Director for the City of Vallejo), Stephen Stukas (CEO of Smart Fiber Networks) , and Karin Ingwersen (Public Utilities Regulatory Analyst)

City of Vallejo

City Receives $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for the Last Mile Expansion in Vallejo

Vallejo, CA - City of Vallejo’s Underserved Areas to Benefit from $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for Expanded Broadband Infrastructure

The City of Vallejo is happy to announce the California Public Utilities Commission on November 7 awarded the City a $3.85 Million grant that will improve internet connectivity for underserved areas of the City. The grant will provide funding for four major broadband infrastructure projects that will address the need for reliable high-speed internet access. These projects include the Mare Island Build, North Sonoma Boulevard expansion, Porter Street to Seaport connectivity, and the Trailer City Park initiative.

Project 1: Mare Island Build

Mare Island has grown with new businesses and this grant will help ensure that these developments are supported by cutting-edge digital infrastructure and in turn, attract new growth.

Project 2: North Sonoma Boulevard

The grant will help improve internet connectivity for residents and small businesses in the diverse North Sonoma Boulevard community. This improved service will provide greater healthcare access and educational opportunities.

Project 3: Porter Street to Seaport Expansion

The Porter Street to Seaport project will benefit area businesses with improved broadband infrastructure and boost business operations to compete with industries that rely on fast and reliable internet service.

Project 4: Trailer City Park

Broadband expansion in The Trailer City Park project will help one of Vallejo’s most underserved residential areas. The grant will help residents better connect with online services and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

The CPUC's Federal Funding Account was established to address such disparities by funding broadband infrastructure projects in communities where private investment has been slow to arrive.

Naveed Ashraf, City of Vallejo’s IT Chief Innovation Officer, praised the collaboration between the city, Smart Fiber Network and Cal Consulting, stating, “This funding will allow Vallejo to make significant strides in addressing our broadband needs. Reliable internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and this grant will help us provide that to all corners of our city, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The four projects funded by the CPUC grant are expected to begin in early 2025, with completion timelines varying depending on the complexity of the infrastructure work.

Please feel free to read the press release on the Vallejo Weekly as well!