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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 046 (3) INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 23-046 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 21, 2023 �aT� • Page 1 of 1 xA. SUBJECT: UPDATE ON PLACING CONDUIT IN CITY STREETS/FIBER 1875 MASTER PLAN The purpose of this Informal Report is to update City Council regarding efforts to develop a Fiber Master Plan for the City of Fort Worth, the planned installation of conduit with City projects to meet City infrastructure needs and expand broadband access to the citizens of Fort Worth. City staff from multiple Departments along with external stakeholders collaborated to make recommendations regarding the following: City-wide Fiber Master Plan • Information Technology Solutions (ITS) will hire a consultant to lead development of the City of Fort Worth Fiber Master Plan • The City will partner with a private company to construct and maintain a fiber network, and address under served and un-served areas within City • The plan will include identification and of current and future fiber needs for all Departments • The Fiber Master Plan may be included as part of a Public Private Partnership (P3) project being led by ITS Installation of Conduit • Conduit installation will focus on City needs as there is low demand for 3rd Party leasing • There is currently no need to place conduit in new residential developments, as private sector is meeting demand for broadband in these areas • We plan to install conduit as part of future City projects along arterials, collectors and local streets, near key City facilities (as guided by needs identified in Fiber Master Plan) and where identified as needed as part of P3 project • Funding source for placement of conduit as part of projects will need to be identified Next Steps • Staff will develop a "business case" to support required funding for Master Plan development and to install conduit as part of projects • Staff to develop Decision Package(s) as part of FY 24 Budget for both development of Master Plan and funding for conduit to be installed as part of projects • ITS to hire consultant and to lead development of City-wide Fiber Master Plan, which may be combined as part of Broadband Expansion P3 • Staff to begin installing conduit as part of projects in FY 24, if funding is approved Questions regarding this information can be directed to Michael Owen, P.E., City Engineer, at 817-353-2630 or at michael.owen(a)fortworthtexas.gov. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS