On February 5, 2024 the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing legislative efforts to shift make-ready costs for broadband expansion to electric cooperatives. The resolution specifically referenced HB800 and SB713 and stated that the Board of Supervisors would oppose any legislation that would shift responsibility for these costs to electrical cooperatives, suggesting that amendments might change the legislation from that introduced, but might not fully protect against cost shifting.

Members of the Sub-Committee: I am Neil Gray, an International Representative with the IBEW [Labor Union]. Thank you for receiving this written testimony today. I would like to thank the Patron, Del. Herring for her hard work in negotiating a compromise on this legislation which mitigated the safety and cost-shifting concerns that the IBEW was concerned over. The IBEW is neutral on the legislation in its current form. Thank you.