Consistent with existing statutes and the necessity for protecting roadside appearance and removal or relocation of existing aerial lines within certain areas, the following methods of sharing cost responsibility shall pertain under various circumstances.

(1) Where an aerial utility line exists under franchise and for reasons of visual quality the department desires undergrounding or aerial relocation during the life of the franchise to serve the highway purpose, the department will pay the cost of the new facility, plus cost of removal of the old plant, less a credit for depreciation and salvage on the replaced plant.

(2) For new franchises for new utility lines where none presently exist and where the department determines on the basis of scenic classification (WAC 468-34-330) that the facilities shall be placed underground, the entire cost shall be borne by the utility.

Where a franchise is to be amended or has been renewed for the first time after the effective date (August 20, 1974) of this policy revision and the department determines on the basis of scenic classification (WAC 468-34-330) that the facility should be placed underground or relocated aerially, the cost for such undergrounding or relocation shall be borne by the utility. Such undergrounding or relocation shall occur at the time of reconstruction of the line by the utility or at a time determined by the utility within the renewal period, whichever occurs first.

(3) Within the limits of projects for highway construction where the utility occupies the right of way by right of franchise and where the department determines on the basis of scenic classification (WAC 468-34-330) that the facility should be placed underground or, based on design and/or location considerations the facility may be relocated aerially, the cost responsibilities shall be determined as follows:

(a) The utility shall be responsible for the full cost of that portion of the existing aerial facility that must be relocated within the physical limits of construction.

(b) The department will pay the cost of the new facility, plus the cost of removal of the old plant less a credit for depreciation and salvage on the replaced plant, for that portion of aerial line not physically affected by the highway construction.