There are virtually everywhere.
It’s hard to drive down a major thoroughfare in Shreveport and not see damages from contractor digs, bores and trenching in public streets, sidewalks and city rights of way.
The city is in the midst of a massive water and sewer overhaul required by the Department of Justice/EPA consent decree. AEP and CenterPoint are daily making necessary utility repairs, expansions and upgrades. The same is true for cable TV/wi-fi provider Xfinity/Comcast.
Add to this the installation of 5G optic fiber, and it’s a virtual free for all when it comes to destruction of the city's infrastructure.
Everyone in the game agrees it’s a challenge: AEP, CenterPoint, Xfinity, local plumbers, city departments and elected officials. Finding the magic wand is the problem, and it is a major one.
The Shreveport Department of Engineering and Environmental Services introduced an extensive revision of the city ordinances regulating construction, excavations and bores in the city public rights-of-way on Feb. 11. The ordinance triggered major opposition from the companies affected, along with warnings of litigation.
A subsequent meeting of the council's Infrastructure Committee identified issues with franchise agreements, the proposed permit requirements and fees, and potential time delays that would adversely affect customer service.
Thereafter, a meeting was held by City Engineer Patrick Furlong and Committee Chair LeVette Fuller. The only common agreement was that the proposed ordinance needed a substantial re-work before presentation to the council for a vote. Not unexpectedly, the utility companies
Not unexpectedly, the utility companies cried "foul," saying that their franchise agreements with the city precluded any additional permit charges. Along with local plumbers, they complained of additional costs that ultimately would be passed on to the consuming public.
Another pragmatic issue identified was the massive amount of permits and inspections that the proposed ordinance would require, anticipated administrative delays, and operational deficiencies in the city's online permit program.
Furlough agreed with scheduling a rework session.
Although everyone promised a goodfaith effort, the complexity and costs of a comprehensive permitting and inspection system are daunting, to say the least.
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE March 6 ISSUE OF THE INQUISITOR.