MITA Gives Boost to AT&T’s $500 Million Investment Project
Legislation expected to spur a $500 million private investment in underground infrastructure was given a helpful boost by MITA last week at the state capitol.
On Wednesday, MITA testified in favor of legislation which would open the doors for AT&T to compete with the cable TV industry by offering video services to Michigan residents. The pending legislation would streamline the franchise fee process and give AT&T the green light to begin the ambitious initiative. The proposed half-billion dollar project has the potential to provide a significant windfall of new business to MITA members.
MITA testified in the House Energy and Technology Committee in favor of the Cable and Video Competition Act (House Bill 5895). The initiative is expected to inject millions of dollars into infrastructure and provide a significant boost to the underground industry and create much-needed new jobs.
Local Governments Encouraged to Use Clean Water Grants
MITA has also been busy with another issue important to the underground industry – encouraging local units of government to utilize low-interest loans to upgrade their water and sewer systems.
On Friday, MITA is convening a new clean water group that is comprised of members representing local and state government, environment, industry and others. The goal is to find new ways to encourage local units of government to take the leap and begin new projects. The group will explore ways to entice this new work through legislation, administrative changes and public relations efforts.
If you have any questions please contact Mike Nystrom, Vice President of Government and Public Relations at mikenystrom@mi-ita.com ; or Keith Ledbetter, Director of Legislative Affairs at keithledbetter@mi-ita.com ; or by calling the MITA office at (517) 347-8336.
