S.J.R. 18
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Governor's Office of Economic
10 Development and the Utah League of Cities and Towns to work with Utah's municipal
11 leaders to help Utah become a fully "fiber friendly" state.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 . urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Utah League of
15 Cities and Towns to work with Utah's municipal leaders to develop a
16 comprehensive plan to become a fully "fiber friendly" state; and
17 . urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development to work in concert with the
18 Utah League of Cities and Towns to provide support, encouragement, and technical
19 expertise to Utah's cities and towns in promoting the goal of ubiquitous fiber
20 connectivity to every Utah home and business.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
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24 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, since its founding Utah has recognized and embraced the need to build
26 today for the growth and prosperity of future generations;
27 WHEREAS, among the first acts of our pioneer forebears was the construction of
28 irrigation systems and roads and city grids;
29 WHEREAS, these early steps formed the foundation of the state to the present day and
30 reflected a commitment to place completion of vital infrastructure above comfort or
31 convenience and to sacrifice for the future good;
32 WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah recognizes that in the future all
33 advancement in every vital field of endeavor -- education, job creation, business, health care,
34 public safety, scientific research, and all forms of information -- will depend upon full digital
35 connectivity;
36 WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah recognizes the state's need to compete
37 in a world economy with human and natural resources and that fiber technology opens doors to
38 Utah students of all ages;
39 WHEREAS, high speed connectivity is currently limited in reaching the homes and
40 businesses of Utah;
41 WHEREAS, Utah has developed a thriving high-tech sector, employing thousands and
42 contributing to the general prosperity of all;
43 WHEREAS, businesses looking to build, relocate, or invest in Utah will include in their
44 considerations the geographic and technological status of the state's digital infrastructure;
45 WHEREAS, Utah's cities and towns are the government entities able to encourage and
46 facilitate private sector expansion of fiber optic technology throughout the state;
47 WHEREAS, cities and towns are ideally positioned to expedite the private sector
48 deployment of ubiquitous fiber networks by streamlining permitting, rights-of-way, building
49 codes, planning, pole availability, and other impediments to full construction;
50 WHEREAS, a city or town designation of "fiber deployed," "fiber ready," or "fiber
51 friendly" would be useful distinctions in recruiting and retaining businesses for cities and
52 towns;
53 WHEREAS, the Governor's Office of Economic Development is tasked with
54 encouraging the creation and development of economic expansion within Utah's borders and
55 recognizes fully the need for universal digital connectivity;
56 WHEREAS, the Utah League of Cities and Towns represents and assists Utah's cities
57 and towns as a whole on a host of issues; and
58 WHEREAS, the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Governor's Office of
59 Economic Development are willing to coordinate efforts to encourage "fiber friendly"
60 communities throughout Utah and to work in concert with Utah's cities and towns:
61 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
62 urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Utah League of Cities and
63 Towns to work with Utah's city and town leaders to develop a comprehensive plan to become a
64 fully "fiber friendly" state.
65 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges the
66 Governor's Office of Economic Development to work in concert with the Utah League of
67 Cities and Towns to provide support, encouragement, and technical expertise to Utah's cities
68 and towns in promoting the goal of ubiquitous fiber connectivity to every Utah home and
69 business.
70 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor's
71 Office of Economic Development and the Utah League of Cities and Towns for distribution to
72 its members.
Legislative Review Note
as of 3-3-14 11:17 AM