After Kotek Data Center Moratorium, ODOT Puts a Hold on Broadband and Fiber Projects Along Highways
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s directive pausing new and pending data center leases and permits on state lands has led the Oregon Department of Transportation to put at least 20 fiber-optic right-of-way applications on hold. The applications, controlled by Zayo, Lumen and Intermountain Infrastructure Group, are being reviewed to determine whether they support data centers.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek directed state agencies in September to pause approvals for new or pending leases, easements and right-of-way permits involving data centers on state properties and lands. The Oregon Department of Transportation subsequently halted at least 20 applications for buried broadband and fiber conduit along state highways while officials investigate whether the projects are tied to data center development.
The paused applications include nine from Zayo Group Holdings for routes connecting areas from Morrow to Multnomah counties and between Wheeler and Clackamas counties, nine from Lumen across several Oregon counties, and two from Intermountain Infrastructure Group in Umatilla County. The Data Center Coalition criticized the holds as burdensome and warned they could discourage investment, while company representatives did not respond to requests for comment.