All public utilities of the state, owning and operating underground facilities, shall, with the assistance of the administrator, jointly participate in an association providing for mutual receipt of notification required by §§ 39-1.2-2 and 39-1.2-5. The cost of the operation of the association shall be apportioned equitably among all public utilities whose underground facilities are registered with the administrator.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1.2-4