Public Notice

Last-Mile Broadband Draft Program Environmental Impact Report

November 21, 2024

A Notice of Availability (NOA) is being issued by Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) for the Santa Barbara County Last-Mile Broadband Program (“Broadband Program” or “Project”) (State Clearinghouse No. 2024051301). A description of the Project and its location is provided below. SBCAG is the lead agency under the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) for the Project and has completed a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) in accordance with the requirements of CEQA. This NOA is being circulated pursuant to CEQA.

A Draft PEIR has been prepared to evaluate and inform the public and decision-makers of the potential environmental impacts from implementing the Project.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FINDINGS: The Draft PEIR has identified potentially significant impacts to air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, global climate change, noise and vibration, tribal cultural resources, and utilities and service systems- telecommunication facilities. However, mitigation measures are provided that reduce such impacts to less than significant levels.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: SBCAG invites comments on the adequacy and completeness of the environmental analysis and mitigation measures described in the Draft PEIR. Comments on the Draft PEIR can be submitted to SBCAG in writing Beginning Friday, November 22, 2024, until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025. Written comments can be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; or electronically by emailing info@sbcag.org.

The Draft PEIR, along with all referenced documents is available on the Project webpage. It can also be reviewed in person during business hours. Please contact SBCAG to schedule time to review the document.