TDS Telecommunications d/b/a Winterhaven Telephone Company (TDS) is constructing a broadband telecommunications network within the boundaries of the Quechan Tribe’s Fort Yuma Indian Reservation in Winterhaven, California. Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd. (Tierra), is assisting in providing the necessary land services to complete Phase II of the project.
Project Overview: Phases 1 and 2
Construction for Phase I of the project was completed in Spring 2021 and involved installing approximately 12.4 miles of new fiber-optic and ethernet-over-copper lines along existing roads on the Reservation. The new network delivers high-speed broadband service to households in the area and institutions such as schools, Quechan Tribal government offices, and the Indian Health Service Fort Yuma Heath Care Facility. Phase II of the project involves another proposed approximately 3.65 miles of lines to provide additional access to broadband telecommunications services.
Right of Entry Forms
Tierra mailed out notification letters to allottees whose allotments are along the project route and is currently mailing out Right of Entry forms to affected allottees. These forms are a request for formal written consent/permission from the allottees/landowners for a “right of entry” onto their land in order to conduct field surveys and appraisals for the purpose of preparing right of way documents for Phase II of this project. If you receive a Request for Right of Entry, please respond within two weeks.
Formal Right of Way Grants
Once field surveys and appraisals are completed and right of way consent documents are prepared and approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the right of way consent documents will be sent to the allottees and other landowners for their review in consideration of granting TDS a formal “right of way” over/ across their land(s) for the Phase II construction of the broadband services project for a proposed term of 35 years with an option to renew for an additional 15 years for a total of 50 years.
Open House Handouts
Tierra and TDS hosted two in-person open houses on December 8 and 9, 2021, at the Paradise Casino Event Center. You can view the open house handout here.
Figure 1. Project Overview.
Figure 2. Allotments Overview.
Questions, Comments, and Concerns
We would like to hear any feedback or comments you have on the project and the proposed Phase II route. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please call (505) 208-0260 or email winterhaven@tierra-row.com. We appreciate your input early in the process.
Information last updated: January 10, 2022.
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