Statewide Telecommunications Advancement 11-4-06
STATE OF VERMONT EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER
[Statewide Telecommunications Advancement]
WHEREAS, a lack of an adequate infrastructure for telecommunications and a state-of-the-art telecommunications system will impede Vermont’s capacity for economic growth and creation of jobs for Vermonters; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s ability to create a modern, affordable and universally accessible telecommunications network is crucial to meeting the needs of the business sector and bolstering the State’s economic future; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s broadband and wireless infrastructure must continue to be improved to stay competitive over the long-term; and
WHEREAS, the availability of broadband and wireless services has improved substantially since 2003, but further action is needed to ensure that the deployment goals contained in the Vermont Telecommunications Plan are achieved by the end of 2010; and
WHEREAS, the creation of new technology enterprises in Vermont will reap results for Vermont because technology-oriented businesses provide good jobs with high wages; and
WHEREAS, businesses of all types are also placing a larger emphasis on the availability and affordability of broadband access when making location or job creation decisions; and
WHEREAS, the use of technology in State government is a priority and should facilitate transactions for individuals and businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby direct that the Department of Information and Innovation (the Department) shall be the department responsible for providing statewide leadership to address expansion of Vermont infrastructure for wired and wireless voice and broadband communications, including working with public agencies and private sector groups to develop and coordinate policies and initiatives related to expansion of Vermont’s telecommunications infrastructure. The Department of Public Service shall serve as the primary point of information and guidance for the Department of Information and Innovation and the Administration on telecommunications policy.
1. In order to meet this responsibility, the Department shall perform the following functions:
(a) Lead the effort to create the vision for Vermont’s telecommunications infrastructure, and establish goals and objectives to achieve the vision, in coordination with the Department of Public Service’s Telecommunications Plan, and in conjunction with key stakeholders; and
(b) Develop a work plan with activities, milestones and objectives, and provide strategic planning and annual review of such plan to ensure accountability, including goal setting and ongoing measurement and reporting of milestones and accomplishments. The Department shall encourage the involvement of local communities and regions of the State as appropriate and necessary; and
(c) Coordinate activities and initiatives among State agencies and departments, non-government groups, regional partners and other key stakeholders to ensure ongoing collaboration of efforts around telecommunications development throughout Vermont; and
(d) Identify activities requiring funding or other incentives to advance the State's telecommunications objectives, and work to secure available private, state and federal resources; and
(e) Recommend legislative and administrative policies that will support the development of quality telecommunications infrastructure and services in Vermont, and advise the Governor and cabinet members on matters of telecommunications policy.
2. To assist the Department, all State departments shall, to the extent possible, actively collaborate with, and affirmatively assist, the Department in the effort to expand telecommunications infrastructure in Vermont, and shall, in all instances, coordinate and consult with the Department before engaging in activities and initiatives related to telecommunications development in Vermont. The Department may designate agencies and departments to perform various roles within the framework of a coordinated telecommunications strategy.
3. To further assist the Department in meeting the responsibilities under this Order, there is hereby created the Telecommunications Advisory Council (the Council). The Council shall consist of up to eight members appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall appoint the Chair. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for terms of three years, except that the Council shall be initially appointed as follows: two members shall be appointed for one year, two members for two years, and one member for three years. Administrative support will be provided by the Department. Members may receive reimbursement of expenses in attending Council meetings pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010 to the extent that funds are available. The Council shall have the following responsibilities:
(a) Recommend policies to the Department with respect to telecommunications infrastructure development; and
(b) Provide direction and advice to the Department as to appropriate strategies to implement the policies recommended; and
(c) Seek information from appropriate sources, conduct studies, and develop reports for the Department on relevant telecommunications issues.
This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing, and shall replace and supersede Executive Order No. 15-03 (codified as Executive Order No. 30-07), dated September 24, 2003.
This Executive Order sunsets on February 1, 2011.
Witness my name hereunto subscribed and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont hereunto affixed at Montpelier this 4th day of November, 2006.
James H. Douglas, Governor
By the Governor: Kiersten Bourgeois, Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs
Executive Order No. 08-06
08-06