1416                                LAWS OF MARYLAND                          [CH. 658

dares that a public purpose will be served by providing a procedure
to accomplish such conversion and that it is in the public interest
to provide for such conversion by proceedings taken pursuant to
this act.

(b)  As used in this section, the following words and phrases (and
any variants thereof) shall mean:

(1)  "Communication service" means the transmission of intelli-
gence by electrical means, including, but not limited to, telephone,
telegraph, messenger-call, police, fire alarm and traffic control cir-
cuits and circuits for the transmission of standard television or
radio signals.

(2)   "Convert" or "conversion" means the removal of all or any
part of any existing overhead electric or communication facilities
and the replacement thereof with underground electric or communi-
cation facilities constructed at the same or different locations.

(3)  "Electric service" means the distribution of electricity for
heat, light or power.

(4)   "Electric or communication facilities" means any works or
improvements used or useful in providing electric or communica-
tion service, including, but not limited to poles, supports, tunnels,
manholes, vaults, conduits, ducts, pipes, wires, conductors, guys,
stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cut-
outs, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appli-
ances, attachments and appurtenances, other than those owned or
used by, or provided for, any railroad or pipeline, and located upon
or above the right-of-way of such railroad or pipeline. "Electric
Facilities" shall not include any facilities used or intended to be
used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in
excess of 35,000 volts.

(5)  "Overhead electric or communication facilities" means elec-
tric or communication facilities located, in whole or part, beneath
ABOVE the surface of the ground.

(6)  "Underground electric or communication facilities" means
electric or communication facilities located, in whole or in part,
beneath the surface of the ground.

(7)   "Public agency" means any incorporated municipality, county,
special district or public corporation (other than one conducting the
proceedings) that provides electric or communication service to the
public by means of electric or communication facilities.

(8)  "Public utility" means any person or corporation that pro-
vides electric or communication facilities.

(c)  Proceedings may be taken for the conversion of existing
electric or communication facilities and the construction, reconstruc-
tion or relocation of any other electric or communications facilities
which may be incidental thereto, in accordance with the provisions
of this act.

(d)  Proceedings for a conversion shall be initiated by petition.
The petition shall: (1) generally prescribe the proposed conversion;
(2) request that proceedings for such conversion be taken pursuant
to this act; and (3) describe the proposed assessment district by:
(i) specifying its exterior boundaries; or (ii) giving a description