Oregon Pauses At Least 20 Highway Fiber Projects Pending Review
Oregon's Department of Transportation has put at least 20 fiber-optic broadband projects on hold along state highways, pending an investigation into their potential connection to data center operations. This action follows Governor Tina Kotek's executive order that paused new leases…
Medford Klamath Falls, OR, October 28, 2026 —
Oregon’s Department of Transportation has put at least 20 fiber-optic broadband projects along state highways on hold while the state investigates whether they may be connected to data center operations.
The pause follows an executive order by Gov. Tina Kotek that halted new leases and permits for data centers on state lands. The department’s action concerns broadband projects along highways; the information provided does not specify whether the projects are on state lands or whether any are directly tied to a data center.
The stated reason for the holds is the investigation into the projects’ potential connection to data center operations. No findings from that investigation were provided, and it is not clear from the available information what criteria officials are using to assess possible connections.
The department has not identified the projects, their locations, the organizations involved, or how long the holds may remain in place. The number of affected projects is described as at least 20. Details about the executive order’s timing and scope beyond its pause on new data center leases and permits on state lands were not provided.
The available information does not say whether existing leases or permits are affected, whether work already underway has stopped, or what decisions may follow the investigation. It also does not indicate that officials have determined the broadband projects are connected to data centers. For now, the projects remain on hold pending review.
Story summarized from the original created by none on rv-times.com, see more information here.
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