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1996 SESSION

960337144
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 224
Offered January 22, 1996
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility and desirability of leasing State-owned properties to wireless telecommunications providers.
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Patrons-- Callahan, Connally and Scott; Senator: Howell
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia owns property which could be leased over a period of years for substantial sums to wireless telecommunications providers; and

WHEREAS, property along highway rights-of-way, parks and recreation areas, state police facilities, universities and colleges, and other government institutions could be considered for such siting; and

WHEREAS, the utilization of State-owned properties could facilitate this new and vital technology for the citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, at the same time, it would minimize the need to place these monopole antennas in residential communities, thereby alleviating aesthetic, safety, and environmental concerns; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly should consider and adopt a policy in response to this opportunity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the feasibility and desirability of leasing State-owned properties to wireless telecommunications providers. The joint subcommittee shall examine: (i) whether to authorize the leasing of such properties for the siting of mobile service antennas, and, if so, how to ensure equal access to all service providers; (ii) how to coordinate zoning and other land use control ordinances with local governments; (iii) the role of utility companies in locating antennas atop utility poles; and (iv) the feasibility of siting alternatives to mitigate the negative visual impact of these structures.

The joint subcommittee shall consist of eleven members as follows: four members from the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; one representative of the telecommunications industry; one representative of local government; and two citizens from the Commonwealth at large, two each to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $ 5,800.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. Technical assistance shall be provided by the State Corporation Commission. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1997 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.