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Utica Council unanimously approves Metro Fibernet Metro Act permit for citywide fiber access
Summary
Council approved Metro Fibernet LLC's Metro Act permit to install fiber in Utica's public rights-of-way, subject to restoration, inspection and as-built requirements. The company said build will include aerial and underground work and that municipalities have 45 days to approve Metro Act applications.
Utica City Council unanimously approved a Metro Act permit request from Metro Fibernet LLC on March 10 to install fiber-optic infrastructure in the city's public right-of-way.
Telly Whitfield, representing Metronet/Metro Fibernet, described the Metro Act permitting process, noting municipalities must approve or deny access within 45 days of a complete application. He said the company will pay annual maintenance fees (5 cents per linear foot of plant installed), will follow city code on restoration and will provide as-built drawings at substantial completion. Whitfield said the project will include underground construction where possible and aerial work as needed and is part of a cluster build that includes neighboring Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.
Council members asked about restoration, construction maps and performance bonds. Whitfield and city staff said each construction section will arrive under a separate permit, will require final inspection before performance-bond release and will provide detailed maps during construction permitting. Whitfield said the company performs restoration as it proceeds and that final as-builts will reflect other utilities.
The council voted unanimously to approve the Metro Act permit application and directed staff to proceed with the permit and construction-permit process.
