Categorical Exclusion Developing Proposal

ILEC Reconnect 3 Subproject 2/3 Fiber Optic Project

Gila National Forest Catron; Grant, New Mexico Gila National Forest

Western NM Telephone proposes to install 225.8 miles of fiber optic cable in Grant and Catron Counties, New Mexico, from 10 mi. W of Silver City, along US Highway 180 through Cliff to Alma, then along NM Highways 12 and 32 to Reserve and Apache Creek, also to Mule Creek and Luna.

Location

From approximately 10 miles west of Silver City, New Mexico along U.S. Highway 180 through Cliff to Alma, then the route extends along New Mexico State Highways 12 and 32 to Reserve and Apache Creek. The project would provide fiber optic cable to the Mule Creek area and to Luna along existing power poles in the San Francisco Mountains.​

Project timeline

1
NEPA Start Date
2/10/2026
2
Finding/Decision Date

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical ExclusionNTIA C(8)
Special use management