Indiana § 8-23-5-10 - Dig once broadband corridor program for communications infrastructure in limited access highway rights-of-way; required installation of fiber conduit by excavators; fee for use of communications infrastructure; discrimination among entities requesting access prohibited; department to adopt rules

§ 8-23-5-10. Dig once broadband corridor program for communications infrastructure in limited access highway rights-of-way; required installation of fiber conduit by excavators; fee for use of communications infrastructure; discrimination among entities requesting access prohibited; department to adopt rules

Sec. 10. (a) The following definitions apply only throughout this section:

(1) "Communications infrastructure" includes all facilities and equipment used to provide communications service (as defined in IC 8-1-32.5-3), including fiber conduit. The term does not include a vertical structure.

(2) "Dig once program" refers to the dig once broadband corridor program required under subsection (b).

(3) "Fiber conduit" means protective conduit of a size and material that is suitable for underground installation of broadband fiber infrastructure.

(4) "Limited access highway" means any roadway that is under the jurisdiction and control of the department and that is one (1) of the following:

(A) An interstate.

(B) A toll road, tollway, or toll bridge.

(C) U.S. 30.

(D) U.S. 31.

(5) "Vertical structure" means a privately owned structure that is more than one hundred (100) feet above ground and that is used primarily for providing wireless communications service. The term includes related equipment associated with the structure, including air conditioned equipment shelters and rooms, electronic equipment, and supporting equipment.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2022, the department shall:

(1) implement a dig once broadband corridor program to manage the location, installation, and maintenance of communications infrastructure that is used for the provision of broadband services and is located within highway rights-of-way of limited access highways; and

(2) adopt policies, procedures, and standards under the dig once program for required installation of fiber conduit by a public or private entity that performs an excavation within a limited access highway right-of-way.

(c) The dig once program shall apply only to locations along or within a limited access highway right-of-way. The dig once program shall not apply to the placement of communications infrastructure that laterally crosses a roadway under the control of the department.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), the department shall impose a fee for the use of communications infrastructure installed and maintained under subsection (b). The amount of the fee may not be more than the reasonable fair market value of the use of the highway right-of-way within the broadband corridor.

(e) Except for portions of a U.S. route that is a limited access highway under subsection (a)(4), with respect to state routes or U.S. routes, the department may impose only:

(1) a one (1) time permit application fee for the location or installation of communications infrastructure that is used for the provision of broadband services and is placed along or within a highway right-of-way; and

(2) routine right-of-way permit fees to enter the department's rights-of-way for the maintenance of existing facilities.

(f) The department shall not unreasonably discriminate with respect to the following among entities requesting access to broadband corridors or other department controlled rights-of-way:

(1) Approving applications, issuing permits, or otherwise establishing terms and conditions for the location, installation, and maintenance of communications infrastructure used for the provision of broadband services.

(2) Providing access to rights-of-way, infrastructure, utility poles, river and bridge crossings, and other physical assets owned, controlled, or managed by the department.

(3) The type of technology deployed for the provision of broadband services.

However, nothing in this subsection abrogates or limits the department's authority under IC 8-23 to safely and efficiently manage and operate the state highway system and associated highway rights-of-way for the benefit of the traveling public.

(g) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to establish the policies, procedures, and standards required under subsection (b) and to otherwise implement this section.

As added by P.L.189-2019, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.156-2021, SEC.1; P.L.93-2024, SEC.86.

IC 8-23-6Chapter 6. State Highways in Municipalities

8-23-6-1Selection of routes; maintenance; construction of drainage structures 8-23-6-2Construction of outside drainage facilities and sidewalks 8-23-6-3Construction and maintenance of streets surrounding railway tracks, pipes and conduits, drainage facilities, and sidewalks; regulation of traffic 8-23-6-4Business routes; improvement and maintenance 8-23-6-5Construction, improvement, and maintenance by municipalities 8-23-6-6Excavations, obstructions, and utility work; restrictions; violations