THURSTON COUNTY, Neb. -- A proposed alteration of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska/ Winnebago Tribe Broadband Fiber Optic Project, located on the Winnebago Reservation and in the adjacent communities of Emerson, Homer, and Wakefield in Thurston County, Nebraska, is currently available for public review and comment. The purpose of the project is to deploy a broadband infrastructure network to connect unserved/underserved tribal households, businesses, and community anchor institutions (i.e., schools, medical facilities) to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.
The proposed Winnebago Broadband Project consists of internet fiber to be placed below the channel grade and floodplain width of floodplain crossings under the Missouri River in the affected areas.
The Winnebago Reservation includes a high percentage of residents and businesses without internet service either because of lack of infrastructure or high cost. Lack of available internet service or inadequate access at higher-than-average prices has limited opportunities for residents of the Winnebago Reservation to pursue educational enrichment, employment opportunities, economic mobility, and access to vital health care services.
The project would provide qualified broadband service to approximately 600 unserved Native American households, 40 unserved Native American and/or tribal businesses, and 16 tribal anchor institutions. In addition, the project includes a rate stabilization program designed to provide up to a maximum payment on broadband household monthly bills to alleviate the burden felt most heavily by those in poverty and to prevent disconnection of service.
By providing qualified broadband service to the Winnebago Reservation and adjacent communities, the project is expected to facilitate economic development and commercial activity, create remote employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and increase availability of remote learning and telehealth services.
Only project elements that would alter the Federal Project are within the review scope for the Section 408 permission request.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the proposed alteration. The reference number for the project is 408-NWO-2024-0011. It is available for viewing at:
Public Notice: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll15/id/6164
Comments can be emailed to: section408nwo@usace.army.mil or they may be mailed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District CENWO-PMA-C
ATTN: 408-NWO-2024-0011 Public Comment
1616 Capitol Avenue
Omaha, NE 68102-4901
Comments must be postmarked or received no later than August 19, 2024.