1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Broadband provider” means a telecommunications entity deploying broadband-related infrastructure such as conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure.
   2. (2) “Department” means the Department of Transportation, including the State Highway Administration, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Transit Administration.
   3. (3) “Joint trenching” means the Department or a local government laying or installing conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure concurrently with one or more broadband providers.

   4. (4) Trenching.

      1. (a) “Trenching” means a governmental construction project in which a highway right-of-way surface is opened or removed for the purpose of laying or installing conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure for but not limited to broadband deployment in excess of 1 mile in length.
      2. (b) “Trenching” does not include a project for construction or maintenance of a highway facility, including drainage or culvert work.

Authority: Transportation Article, §8-654(e), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 27, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 688)