Wireless technology is an important part of our new high-tech economy.
With this legislation, we will help give local communities the tools they need to plan for the development and placement of wireless telecommunications towers in a way that minimizes their intrusiveness. The legislation requires that the cities and towns surrounding a proposed tower be contacted and given an opportunity to voice their concerns. The legislation also directs the Office of State Planning to develop a set of model telecommunication tower ordinances that communities can use as a guide for developing their own ordinances. The Office of State Planning must also develop a telecommunications facility map for the state that communities can use to promote the orderly construction of new telecommunications sites. It also establishes a committee to study the state's wireless communications policy and to report its findings by Dec. 1, 2000.