1. At the earliest possible date in the design of a construction project on a state highway, the commission shall attempt to determine what utility facilities are located within the right-of-way of the planned construction project by researching permit files and reviewing map files maintained by the commission. The commission shall also, as necessary, conduct field investigations and contact local governments to identify any utility facilities within the right-of-way.

2. Within thirty days of completion of the survey conducted under subsection 1 of this section, the commission shall notify in writing owners of each known utility facility that a construction project is planned that may conflict with their utility facility. The notification shall include the name or route number of the highway, the geographical limits of the planned construction project^*, a general description of the work to be done including a preliminary plan, the desired date for completion of a relocation plan, and the anticipated month and year a letting date could be set for the construction project.

3. The owner shall examine the notice and notify the commission in writing of any utility facility not correctly described in the commission’s notice. Within sixty days of receiving the notice required in subsection 2 of this section, the owner shall provide a written response to the commission. The response shall describe and provide the general location of each utility facility of the owner by confirming the location shown in the commission’s notice or by providing additions or corrections.