The Agency of Transportation, selectboard, aldermen, or trustees may cause such poles to be painted, and may substitute straight poles in place of crooked ones, and may recover the expense thereof in an action on this statute, in the name of the State or of such town, city, or village against the person or corporation owning or operating such wires or line of wires. (Amended 1989, No. 246 (Adj. Sess.), § 31.)