Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County adopts ordinance requiring duplicate conduit for major broadband installs
Summary
The Commission approved Ordinance No. 282 to amend Chapter 20 of the county code, requiring broadband companies installing conduit across more than two residential blocks to place duplicate conduit for future providers to lease or buy; supporters said the move will limit repeated street disruption.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission voted Tuesday to adopt Ordinance No. 282, which amends Chapter 20 (Utilities) of the county code to require broadband companies that trench or install conduit across more than two residential blocks to install a duplicate conduit alongside their work.
Planning Director Carl Hamming said the requirement aims to prevent multiple, parallel fiber builds by competing providers and reduce repeated damage to streets and sidewalks. The additional conduit may be sold or leased to subsequent providers, he said, and mirrors language adopted in some other counties.
CEO Bill Everett praised the ordinance as a first step to address mounting infrastructure problems caused by multiple fiber contractors: "Fiber optics in Montana is the biggest issue we’re all dealing with as a community," Everett said, noting instances of disruptive construction and safety risks where contractors have worked without strong controls. County Attorney Morgan Smith had recommended edits to the draft ordinance prior to consideration.
On a motion by Commissioner Paul Smith, seconded by Commissioner Mike Beausoleil, the Commission approved Ordinance No. 282 by a 5-0 vote. The ordinance will be added to the county code and enforced through the county’s permitting and public-works processes.
