BY JOHN A. DARNELL HR.
      associate ediitor
      Acting on the request of the Board of Trustees, Boardman Township Administrator Mark Ragozine has conveyed concerns about the safety impacts associated with underground fiber optic construction to State Sen. Al Cutrona and State Rep. Tex Fischer.
      “The Board of Trustees has witnessed firsthand the significant public safety concerns and operational challenges that can occur when underground utility excavation is not performed using the highest standards of care,” Ragozine said, citing disruptions in public utility services and unnecessary disruptions to residents, businesses and emergency services.
      “Utility strikes, service interruptions and damage to both public and private infrastructure have demonstrated the need for stronger, statewide standards governing excavation practices, contractor accountability and protection of existing underground utilities,” the administrator said, adding that Boardman’s Board of Trustees “believes that public safety should not depend on the voluntary practices of individual companies.”
      Ragozine said the Board of Trustees suggests that “statewide standards should govern all entities engaged in underground fiber optic construction throughout Ohio.”
      Boardman’s Board of Trustees, Steve Yacovone, Larry Moliterno and Matt Gambrel said they favor “legislation to provide limited stop work authority [to local governments], require non-destructive excavation methods in tolerance zones, establishment of statewide excavation safety standards and an increase contractor accountability for repeated utility strikes or unsafe practices.”
      Ragozine’s letter says Boardman Township Trustees are not requesting legislation that would delay or discourage broadband development.
      They say assistance from Cutrona and Fischer is needed “in advancing legislative solutions to better protect Ohio’s residents, critical infrastructure and local communities.”