Arcata Bay - Vero Fiber Networks Project

The Arcata Bay Project, led by Vero Fiber Networks, involves the installation of approximately 18 miles of underground fiber-optic cable along two parallel routes, FH1 and FH2, near Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California. The alignment follows State Route 255, Myrtle Road, J and 11th Streets in Arcata, and connects to an existing segment on Old Arcata Road near Indianola. The project employs trenchless construction methods, specifically directional boring, to minimize surface disruption, with 6-inch and 8-inch conduits installed for FH1 and FH2 respectively. While the bore process itself avoids ground disturbance, temporary excavations for manholes, hand holes, pull boxes, and bore pits are planned at select locations along road shoulders and highways, with depths up to 4 feet. These structures will be designed to sit flush with the ground, leaving only small permanent footprints. All construction activities are intended to avoid sensitive biological resources, and siting of access points has been carefully planned to reduce environmental impact. The project is governed by the California Public Utilities Commission, with Andrew Chan serving as the CEQA Project Manager and primary point of contact. The project was posted as a forecast on July 21, 2026, and performs within the City of Arcata and surrounding unincorporated communities including Indianola, Manila, and Samoa. No set-aside type or NAICS code has been assigned, and the procurement process is anticipated to follow state regulatory and environmental review protocols under CEQA.