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Study finds Vermont lacks precise data to reliably monetize telecom use of state right-of-way
Summary
Chief engineer Jeremy Reed told the Senate Transportation committee that existing records and reporting do not give the precision needed to charge fees or lease right-of-way occupancy; he recommended starting with limited-access highways and building data and administrative capacity before pursuing broader monetization.
Jeremy Reed, chief engineer for the Agency of Transportation, told the Senate Transportation committee on Jan. 9 that Vermont currently lacks the precise, GIS-linked data needed to confidently monetize telecommunications infrastructure in the state right-of-way.
“Communications infrastructure data is lacking in both completeness and accuracy,” Reed said, summarizing a consultant report required by Act 145 (2024). He said the study’s purpose was to inventory current practice and review peer states, not to produce definitive revenue estimates.
Reed outlined two broad approaches states use to regain value from right-of-way telecommunications: barter or in-kind arrangements (for example, requiring buildout of broadband or installation of ITS — intelligent transportation systems — equipment) and direct revenue generation through fees or long-term leases. He cautioned that each approach carries…
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