(a) The Arkansas Department of Transportation shall have power, and it is its duty, to investigate all through-freight rates and regulations on railroads in Arkansas.
(b)
(1) When the through-freight rates and regulations are, in the opinion of the department, excessive or levied in violation of the interstate commerce law or the rules and regulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission [abolished], the officials of the railroads are to be notified of the facts and requested to reduce the rates or make the proper correction, as the case may be.
(2) When the rates are not changed or the proper corrections are not made according to the request of the department, the department is to notify the Interstate Commerce Commission [abolished] and to apply to it for relief.