60-4-601. Interstate right-of-way -- department role. (1) The department of transportation may grant a right-of-way use agreement for the use of longitudinal right-of-way along interstate highways in the state for eligible projects that:

(a) provide evidence that construction and completion will result in a significant investment, a documented positive significant fiscal impact, or both, to the Montana economy within the first year of operation;

(b) are in the public interest; and

(c) are approved by the federal highway administration.

(2) To request a right-of-way use agreement in accordance with this section, the owner of an eligible project must submit an application to the department that demonstrates compliance with subsection (1). The applicant must pay an application fee of $100. The department shall work with the applicant and the federal highway administration throughout the review process and approve or deny the application within 90 days of final approval by the federal highway administration.

(3) (a) Except as provided in subsections (3)(b) and (3)(c), the department and the applicant shall agree to the payment of the fair market value of the portion of the right-of-way where the project will be located prior to the right-of-way use agreement being granted.

(b) Applicants who seek an exception to paying the fair market value shall submit a request and justification to the department. The department shall submit to the federal highway administration the fair market value exception request for approval. If approved, the department may not charge the applicant for the right-of-way use agreement.

(c) An applicant may propose to the department an alternative to payment of fair market value by offering a comparable in-kind contribution.

(4) The department shall allow approved applicants for eligible projects to:

(a) enter into a right-of-way use agreement for a maximum 30-year term with the possibility of renewal upon expiration of the original term; and

(b) use the right-of-way for the construction and maintenance of project facilities in a safe and efficient manner as set forth in the right-of-way use agreement.

(5) Any relocation of facilities occupying the right-of-way is subject to 60-4-403. The department shall work with applicants to minimize the potential for any future project impacts that may require the relocation of facilities occupying the right-of-way.

(6) The department may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including application fees to be paid by an applicant seeking a right-of-way use agreement and any rules necessary to ensure the state is not prevented from receiving federal funds for highway purposes.

(7) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Eligible project" means a pipeline, fiber optic or other communications-type cables, wireless facility, associated infrastructure, and dedicated power sources.

(b) "Fair market value" means $100 a mile for each year, or $3,000 a mile for a 30-year term right-of-way use agreement. Applicants may choose to pay annually or in a lump sum for the full length of the term.

(c) "Public interest", including the determination of clean energy and broadband infrastructure projects that provide connectivity to Montana citizens, is determined by state policy and federal highway administration guidance and regulation, including but not limited to 23 CFR 710.403.