Section 40-516 - LEGISLATIVE INTENT: DIG ONCE POLICY(1) It is the intent of the legislature to recognize that the citizens of the state live and work in a data-driven society and that the connectivity in Idaho's urban and rural areas are key for a thriving Idaho economy. Broadband is a vital component in accomplishing connectivity throughout Idaho.(2) The legislature recognizes and hereby declares that broadband service throughout the entire state is in the overall public interest for the state of Idaho in furtherance of the social and economic development of the state, and the use of highway rights-of-way to support broadband infrastructure and a "Dig Once Policy" furthers the overall public interest.(3) It is the intent of the legislature that the Idaho transportation department develop rules, standards, and policies consistent with the "Dig Once Policy" to facilitate the expansion of broadband with the cost-efficient, orderly, and coordinated installation of broadband infrastructure on highway rights-of-way and during roadway construction.Added by 2022 Session Laws, ch. 208, sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2022.