Sen. Nasheed’s Utility Amendment Generates $10 Million Annually for St. Louis City
JEFFERSON CITY —The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to a piece of utility infrastructure legislation that included an amendment from State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, that will provide an estimated $10 million for the City of St. Louis every year.
The Missouri General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed House Bill 1991, the Uniform Small Wireless Facility Deployment Act. This legislation addresses the use of the right-of-way for the collocation of small wireless facilities or the installation, operation, marketing, modification, maintenance or replacement of utility poles. When the bill was in the Missouri Senate, HB 1991 initially stipulated entities, such as cities, cannot charge in excess of $100 per utility pole for collocation. This fee allows for small wireless facilities to be attached or placed immediately adjacent to a utility pole. Senator Nasheed successfully offered an amendment to increase the rate up to $150 per pole. In the City of St. Louis, which has over 66,000 utility poles, the increase is estimated to provide the city with an estimated $10 million annually.
“The City of St. Louis is facing a shortfall of $10 million. By making this simple change to HB 1991, St. Louis can receive the funds it desperately needs without raising taxes on its citizens,” said Sen. Nasheed. “This is a game changer for the City of St. Louis. The new revenue will provide essential services for every person in our city.”
House Bill 1991 now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval. For more information this legislation, please visit the official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov or contact Sen. Nasheed’s office at 573-751-4415.
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