Private Access to Public Rights of Way

You will be provided a comprehensive and useful introduction to the challenges facing local governments as more private providers seek to use the public rights of way for a variety of purposes. Public officials, private service providers and lawyers will benefit from understanding the variety of existing and emerging users and uses, the options available for securing access to public rights of way and the duties and liabilities related to their use. Additionally, surveyors and engineers will benefit from understanding the duties related to locating and maintaining private utilities in the public rights of way.

Agenda 

Types of Private Users and Uses of Public Rights of Way 

• Traditional Users and Uses Such as Telecommunications, Gas, Electric and Cable
• New Users and Uses Such as Distributed Antenna Systems, Cable Wi-Fi, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure

   How Access Is Granted to Public Rights of Way 

• Franchise Agreements
• Encroachment Permits
• Easements

   The Role of Local Government Agencies 

• Regulatory Issues Related to Access
• Revenue Generation
• Location and Maintenance Issues
• Managing Litigation Related to Role of Local Government Agencies

   The Role of Private Providers 

• Management of Assets
• Routine and Emergency Maintenance
• Relocations
• Pole Attachments
• Managing Litigation Related to Role of Private Providers