(a) The General Assembly finds that, in many areas of the State, landowners, cities, counties, municipal corporations, public agencies, and public utilities desire to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations through proceedings under this subtitle.

(b) The General Assembly declares that:

(1) a public purpose will be served by providing a procedure to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations; and

(2) it is in the public interest to provide for a conversion through proceedings established under this subtitle.