Inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain highway construction projects

(a)

In general

Chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

331.

Inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain highway construction projects

(a)

Requirement

(1)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notification and requirement to States that each State is required to evaluate the need for broadband conduit in accordance with this section as part of any covered highway construction project. (2)

Consultation

The evaluation shall be done in consultation with local and national telecommunications providers, including telecommunications service and equipment providers. (3)

Results of evaluation

If the evaluation reveals an anticipated need in the next 15 years for broadband conduit beneath hard surfaces to be constructed by the project, the conduit shall be installed under the hard surfaces as part of the covered highway construction project. (4)

Date of completion

A State shall complete the evaluation described in paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary issues the notification described in paragraph (1) to such State. (b)

Installation requirements

In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure with respect to a covered highway construction project that— (1)an appropriate number of broadband conduits, as determined by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, are installed along such highway to accommodate multiple broadband providers, with consideration given to the availability of existing conduits; (2)the size of each such conduit is consistent with industry best practices and is sufficient to accommodate potential demand, as determined by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information; and (3)hand holes and manholes for fiber access and pulling with respect to each such conduit are placed at intervals consistent with industry best practices, as determined by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. (c)

Standards

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, shall establish standards, consistent with applicable requirements in section 156 of this title, section 1.23, part 645, and part 710 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, and the Approved Utility Accommodation Manual, to carry out subsection (b) that consider— (1)the ability to accommodate broadband installation without impacting the safety, operations, and maintenance of the highway facility, its users, or others; (2)population density in the area of a covered highway construction project; (3)the type of highway involved in such project; and (4)existing broadband access in the area of such project. (d)

Pull tape

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall ensure that each broadband conduit installed pursuant to this section includes a pull tape and is capable of supporting fiber optic cable placement techniques consistent with industry best practices, as determined by the Secretary. (e)

Depth of installation

The Secretary shall ensure that each broadband conduit installed pursuant to this section is placed at a depth consistent with industry best practices, as determined by the Secretary, and that, in determining the depth of placement, consideration is given to the location of existing utilities and the cable separation requirements of State and local electrical codes. (f)

Access

The Secretary shall ensure that any requesting broadband provider has access to each broadband conduit installed pursuant to this section, on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate. (g)

Waiver authority

The Secretary may waive the application of this section if the Secretary determines that the waiver is appropriate with respect to a covered highway construction project based upon— (1)a showing of undue burden; (2)a determination that the installation of broadband conduit beneath hard surfaces to be constructed as part of a covered highway construction project is not necessary based on the availability of existing broadband infrastructure; (3)a cost-benefit analysis; or (4)the consideration of other relevant factors. (h)

Coordination with FCC

In carrying out this section, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information shall coordinate with the Federal Communications Commission, including in making determinations with respect to an appropriate number of broadband conduits under subsection (b)(1), potential demand under subsection (b)(2), and existing broadband access under subsection (c). (i)

Publication of conduit availability

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall provide information to the Federal Communications Commission and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information for inclusion within the National Broadband Map. (j)

Definitions

In this section, the following definitions apply: (1)

Broadband

The term broadband means an Internet Protocol-based transmission service that enables users to send and receive voice, video, data, graphics, or a combination thereof. (2)

Broadband conduit

The term broadband conduit means a conduit for fiber optic cables that support broadband or, where appropriate, wireless facilities for broadband service. (3)

Covered highway construction project

The term covered highway construction project means a project to construct a new highway or to construct an additional lane or paved shoulder for an existing highway that is commenced after the date of enactment of this section and that receives funding under this title. (4)

Hard surfaces

The term hard surfaces means asphalt and concrete pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalk.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

331. Inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain highway construction projects.