S3133

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 3133, sponsored by Sen. Mannion, an act to amend the Highway Law, on a roll call vote of 58-0. The bill addresses barriers to broadband expansion in rural areas, particularly by eliminating a Department of Transportation requirement that utility poles be resurveyed when fiber optic cable is added to them. Sen. Borrello, explaining his affirmative vote, called the resurveying requirement "ridiculous" and "expensive," noting that utility poles do not move. He also praised the bill for ensuring that broadband expansion efforts are aware of available state grants and funding. The measure passed without opposition.