Franchise Fee Dispute, Delays in Getting Permits Slow Some BTOP Projects

摘要

Despite Q3 progress on BTOP projects overall, some faced delays due to problems in nnegotiating franchise agreements and getting permits. An $11 million project in Oregon nstalled in Oregon City over franchise fee issues. Cities have been more deliberate than nexpected in resolving generic issues about the county's right to own a fiber system in their nrights of ways, according to the latest progress report by David DeVore, deputy information nofficer of Clackamas County, Ore. The county won $7.8 million in stimulus funding to build a n185-mile fiber network to connect anchor institutions in places including Oregon nCity. Although the county got permits to work in the city's right-of-way, Oregon City officials nclaimed the county failed to reach a franchise agreement. The Oregon City Commission npassed an emergency ordinance Sept. 7 that redefined "telecommunications service" under ncity code to reflect changes in technology and help the city negotiate franchise agreements, nCity Recorder Nancy Ide said. NTIA is aware of the issues and will closely monitor the project, na spokeswoman said.