Bill > HB682

This bill amends Kentucky Revised Statutes to expand the rights of utilities, specifically including cable operators and broadband providers, regarding facility relocation during highway construction projects. The legislation allows these entities to be reimbursed for the costs of moving their infrastructure (such as cables, wires, poles, and other equipment) when a highway project requires their relocation. The bill standardizes the process by which utilities can be compensated, requiring them to submit detailed relocation plans to the transportation department for approval, including proposed plans, cost estimates, and completion schedules. Utilities can either integrate their relocation work into the department's construction contract or perform the work independently, with the understanding that they will be reimbursed for allowable costs if the relocation is done in conformance with the approved plan. The bill gives utilities up to 12 months after project completion to submit reimbursement requests and provides flexibility for schedule extensions due to circumstances beyond their control. By explicitly including cable operators and broadband providers in the definition of utilities eligible for reimbursement, the bill ensures these communication infrastructure providers receive the same treatment as traditional utility companies during public infrastructure projects.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb682.html