Broadband Growth with Environmental Responsibility:

Lark worked with the United States Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and a Tribe in the Great Plains Region on NEPA compliance for funding under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. Lark developed an Environmental Assessment (EA) that evaluated the environmental impact of constructing four new wireless communication towers in North and South Dakota. 

The successful completion of a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record, in accordance with NEPA, was achieved in 2024, allowing the Tribe to proceed with the project. This will allow the Trieb to provide fixed wireless service to approximately 1,000 underserved tribal households and support telehealth, education, public safety, and economic development.

The new towers will significantly enhance the Tribe’s network, greatly improving potential fiber connectivity for fixed wireless and mobile broadband. The project will strengthen connectivity for residents and emergency services, provide redundancy and expand coverage in underserved areas, enhance telecommunication infrastructure for future broadband and fiber-optic expansion, and improve access to digital services such as e-commerce, telehealth, and remote learning.

Additional Highlights