69-4-303. Definitions. As used in this part, the following words and phrases and any variations thereof shall have the following meaning:
(1) "Communication service" means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means, including but not limited to telephone, telegraph, messenger-call, clock, police, fire alarm, and traffic control circuits or the transmission of standard television or radio signals.
(2) "Convert" or "conversion" means the removal of all or any part of any existing overhead electric or communications facilities and the replacement thereof with underground electric or communication facilities constructed at the same or different locations.
(3) "Electric or communication facilities" means any works or improvements used or useful in providing electric or communication service, including but not limited to poles, supports, tunnels, manholes, vaults, conduits, pipes, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appliances, attachments, and appurtenances.
(4) "Electrical service" means the distribution of electricity for heat, light, or power.
(5) "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners or city council, as may be appropriate, depending on whether the special improvement district is located in a county or within a city or town.
(6) "Ordinance" means resolution where the governing body acts by resolution and vice versa.
(7) "Overhead electric or communication facilities" means electric or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, above the surface of the ground.
(8) "Public utility" means any public or private person, corporation, or cooperative that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities and shall include any special improvement district that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities.
(9) "Underground electric or communication facilities" means electric or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, beneath the surface of the ground.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 429, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 70-603(part).
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 69. Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 4. Utility Lines and Facilities
Part 3. Underground Conversion of Utilities
69-4-302. Statement of findings and purpose
69-4-304. Exclusion for high-voltage transmission lines
69-4-305. Effect on authority of public service commission
69-4-306. through 69-4-310 reserved
69-4-311. Authorization to create special improvement districts
69-4-312. Procedure to initiate creation of district -- resolution for feasibility study
69-4-313. Cost and feasibility report
69-4-314. Determination of conversion costs
69-4-334. through 69-4-350 reserved
69-4-351. Maintenance and construction of converted facilities
69-4-352. Title to converted facilities
69-4-353. Conversion of facilities on public property -- notice to landowners
69-4-354. Conversion of facilities on private property
69-4-355. Procedure upon failure to effect conversion on private property
69-4-356. Payment of public utility
69-4-357. Prohibition on reinstallation of overhead facilities
69-4-358. Postponement of conversion until certain actions occur