The Cudahy City Council on June 3 approved a right-of-way use agreement allowing the Gateway Cities regional fiber-optic network to run through city rights-of-way, enabling municipal access and expanded broadband for residents and businesses.

Public Works staff explained the project: the Gateway Cities initiative, which secured a $46.1 million grant through the California Public Utilities Commission and joint-build agreement with the state Department of Technology, will deploy fiber in 24 cities. Public Works said Cudahy is in phase 1 and construction is anticipated to begin in July and take roughly six months to reach the segments within the city.

The nut graf: the agreement authorizes the city to host underground and utility-pole fiber within existing rights-of-way at no capital cost to Cudahy; relocation would be a city expense only if the city later requests it.

Staff said the underground routes will use existing right-of-ways and aerial fiber will attach to existing poles; Cudahy’s segment runs via the East side of Santa Ana, up Park Avenue, west of Elizabeth and north on Wilcox Avenue. The agreement lets the city use the network for municipal purposes. “There will be no financial impact to the city as all expenses will be covered through the grant,” a staff presenter said during the meeting.

Council members thanked Gateway Cities staff for securing the grant and noted the project’s potential to improve regional broadband price and speed disparities. One council member asked for confirmation that city relocation of fiber (if requested later) would be at the city’s expense; staff confirmed relocation costs fall to the city if it initiates relocation.

The council moved, seconded and approved the agreement on a recorded aye vote; staff will authorize the city manager to administer and finalize plans and to coordinate construction oversight. Construction in Cudahy is expected to start in July 2025 and take about six months for the initial phase to be built through the city.

Ending: council action authorizes the city to participate in the Gateway Cities digital network’s first phase and positions Cudahy to use municipal connectivity options without direct capital cost to the city.