Milford, CA February 2, 2012 – Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications has commenced construction of the 183-mile fiber optic network that will bring much needed broadband backhaul access to our rural region. In September 2010, Plumas-Sierra accepted a grant award totaling $13.7 million to build a fiber optic network from Reno to Susanville and Quincy. The grant is from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency inside the federal Commerce Department, and is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Plumas-Sierra also received a matching grant of $1.7 million from the California Advanced Services Fund as part of the project. The Plumas-Sierra Fiber Network will extend from Reno to Hallelujah Junction, north to Susanville and west to Quincy. Lateral extensions will include Herlong, Loyalton, Portola and Graeagle. The project has completed the required environmental studies and obtained its California Environmental Quality Act and Federal Finding of No Significant Impact allowing the project to move into the construction phase. The project is benefiting from the mild winter weather, allowing a jump start on the construction schedule. Crews began construction in January; the project is scheduled for completion by July 31, 2013. When completed, this network will provide local businesses, Internet service providers and major institutions in our region with access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband, on both wholesale and retail levels. Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative providing high-quality telecommunications services to Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties in California and Washoe County, Nevada. Founded in 1937, Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) is a member-owned electric distribution, transmission and generation utility providing electrical power and related services to more than 6,600 member/owners in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties in California, and parts of Washoe County, Nevada. The cooperative is controlled by the membership through an elected seven-person board of directors. Office headquarters are in Portola, California.

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