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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 22, 2023 12:04 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jonathan Fritz and Rep. Martin T. Causer, Rep. Tina Pickett, Rep. Joe Hamm, Rep. Alec J. Ryncavage, Rep. Clint Owlett |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ending the Cycle of Haggard Telecommunication Infrastructure |
| When telecommunication infrastructure is not maintained properly, it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. During a recent PUC hearing in the Northern Tier, we heard stories of dozens of telephone poles that are broken, structurally compromised, or precariously listing. We also heard about provider junction boxes and panel boxes that have been ignored and, as such, are no longer weather tight. Subsequently, moisture has compromised this critical infrastructure. This could have been easily avoided. Simple fixes have become major fixes because they were avoided or ignored for too long. This inaction is unacceptable and must be addressed. Reliable communication is critical to the safety and welfare of rural residents. In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will require a telecommunication company that has a formal complaint brought against them via the PUC to provide both the PUC and the General Assembly with a formal report of all the broken poles, compromised lines or line junction infrastructure that is not currently up to industry and PUC standards. This report will be due six weeks after the formal complaint is made with the PUC. This report will help the General Assembly in drafting legislation to keep our communities safe as well as help the PUC implement corrective action measures. Please join the effort by signing on to this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1623