AI-assisted research summary: If a utility facility must be moved for a state highway project, the utility and the department must negotiate in good faith, and the utility must sign an agreement within 90 days after notice.
Sec. 203.0935. TIMELY AGREEMENT. (a) If the department determines that a facility of a utility must be relocated to accommodate an improvement to the state highway system, the utility and the department shall negotiate in good faith to establish reasonable terms and conditions concerning the responsibilities of the parties with regard to sharing of information about the highway improvement project and the planning and implementation of any necessary relocation of utility facilities. (b) The department shall use its best efforts to provide an affected utility with plans and drawings of the highway improvement project that are sufficient to enable the utility to develop plans for, and determine the cost of, the necessary relocation of the facility of the utility. If the department and the affected utility enter into an agreement after negotiations under Subsection (a), the terms and conditions of the agreement shall govern the relocation of the utility's facility covered by the agreement. (c) If the department and an affected utility do not enter into an agreement under Subsection (a), the department shall provide to the affected utility: (1) written notice of the department's determination that the utility facility must be removed; (2) a final plan for relocation of the facility; and (3) reasonable terms and conditions for an agreement with the utility for the relocation of the facility. (d) Not later than the 90th day after the date that a utility receives the notice from the department, including the plan and agreement terms and conditions under Subsection (c), the utility shall enter into an agreement with the department that provides for the relocation. (e) If the utility fails to enter into an agreement within the 90-day period under Subsection (d), the department may relocate the facility at the sole cost and expense of the utility less any reimbursement of costs that would have been payable to the utility under Section 203.092. A relocation by the department under this subsection shall be conducted in full compliance with applicable law, using standard equipment and construction practices compatible with the utility's existing facilities, and in a manner that minimizes disruption of utility service. (f) The 90-day period under Subsection (d) may be extended: (1) by mutual agreement between the department and the utility; or (2) for any period of time during which the utility is negotiating in good faith with the department to relocate its facility. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 845, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.