The commissioner is authorized to reimburse a utility for the cost of relocation, and to include the cost as a highway construction project cost, where the cost of relocation arises from the relocation of a utility facility located on a public highway right-of-way and the highway construction project is undertaken by the department, subject to the following conditions:
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the utility shall be responsible, at its own expense, to inspect all phases of the utility relocation to ensure that the removal, installation, or removal and installation of the utility facility is done in accordance with all applicable specifications and safety codes.
The cost of relocation for which a utility may be reimbursed under subsection (a) shall nevertheless be borne in full by the utility without reimbursement by the department where, if required by law, the utility does not have a valid permit to locate on the public highway right-of-way from the department or from the county or municipality having jurisdiction over the right-of-way.