This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to streamline the permit application process for telecommunications facilities seeking to install broadband infrastructure in rights-of-way controlled by the Division of Highways, particularly when projects span multiple districts. It establishes that applicants can submit a single unified application for projects crossing multiple districts, and it sets a maximum permit fee of $10,000 or one percent of the total project cost, whichever is less. Additionally, the bill allows for the distribution of permit fee proceeds among the affected districts based on project impact.

The bill also outlines the timeline for the Division of Highways to respond to applications, mandating that any application not acted upon within 60 days is automatically approved. It requires the division to notify applicants of any deficiencies within this timeframe and allows for a 30-day review period for resubmitted applications. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the applicant's responsibility for environmental compliance and mandates the division to provide necessary information for environmental clearances. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate broadband expansion while ensuring regulatory compliance and efficiency in the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-2E-3