Shared Resource Agreements

State and local agencies may be able to generate revenue or in-kind donations from telecommunications companies in exchange for right-of-way access. Under shared resource agreements, the state or local agency grants access in exchange for cash or, in some examples, in exchange for use of the telecommunications technology to develop an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network. The telecommunications company might use right-of-way access to lay fiber optic cable. Another type of shared resource agreement can generate money by granting site access to wireless companies to install antennas on building tops, towers, signs and bridges. Examples of shared resource agreements can be found in Minnesota and New York.20