It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 37-5-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-5 entitled "Department of Transportation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 37-5-2. Maintenance and construction of roads -- Regulation of use -- Cooperation with other agencies. -- ADD} The department shall maintain and construct highways, roads, freeways, bridges, and incidental structures, and shall make rules and regulations regarding the use of highways, roads, freeways, bridges, and structures. The department shall cooperate with the several cities and towns in the construction of highways, roads, freeways, and bridges, and with the federal government on federal aid projects. {ADD Whenever a public utility files an application with the department for permission to excavate a state-maintained road in order to extend its service, the department shall send a notice by certified mail to the town or city clerk of the municipality in which the excavation is to take place. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.