HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 110 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 22-110
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 2, 2021
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SUBJECT: UPDATE ON PLACING CONDUIT/FIBER IN ROW
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to respond to a City Council question regarding the
possibility of installing conduit/fiber as part of City and developer projects in the City right-of-way
(ROW) to support efforts to expand broadband and wireless access to the citizens of Fort Worth.
Staff from the Transportation and Public Works (TPW), Information Technology Solutions (ITS),
Law, and Development Services Departments have discussed this matter, with the conclusion
that installation of conduit (or conduit and fiber) can be required as part of both City and
Developer projects. The following are limitations/issues:
• The City would be the owner/maintainer of the installed conduit and fiber facilities
• Third parties could lease the infrastructure for deployment of broadband or wireless
networks, with the lease revenue used for maintenance of the conduit/fiber infrastructure
• Infrastructure leases would need to be on a first-come, first-served basis
Current City Initiatives
• ITS is leading an effort to enter into a public private partnership for the expansion of
broadband access to City residents
• TPW is developing plans to install fiber in unserved and/or underserved areas along the
Rosedale corridor to be funded by a $3M grant from the North Central Texas Council of
Governments
Next Steps (next 180 days)
• Staff from key departments will collaborate to outline the process for, and make
recommendations regarding, the development of a City-wide Fiber Master Plan. Such a
plan would provide a strategy for implementing a City fiber system to serve the community,
support economic development, and meet future communication needs for City
infrastructure and services.
• Develop and task a working group (including City staff and stakeholders from the
development and utility service provider communities) to recommend a process and
associated policies and standards for the installation of conduit (or conduit and fiber) as a
requirement of both City and Developer projects. Key process/policy considerations will
include: minimizing cost and schedule impacts to City and private projects, funding
strategy, and leasing arrangements for third party users.
An update on this initiative will be provided to City Council by mid-January 2023.
Questions regarding this information can be directed to Michael Owen, P.E., City Engineer, at
817-353-2630 or at michae1.owe n(a-)-fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS