Infrastructure development rarely catches the eye, especially when it’s buried underground. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t important or impressive. Miles of buried fiber-optic cable throughout Southwest Colorado, largely on Southern Ute Indian Tribal lands, have brought or will soon bring reliable, high-speed internet and cell service to un- or underserved parts of the region.
The tribe, joined in partnership for some projects by counties and other stakeholders, is leveraging tens of millions of dollars in grants to fund the projects. And last month, La Plata County, Archuleta County, Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning and the La Plata Electric Association finalized an indefeasible right of use agreement with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. More from the Durango Herald