SECTION 1.  The town of Franklin may appropriate funds and incur debt outside the debt limit as provided in section 10 of chapter 44 of the General Laws for the purpose of removing or causing to be removed poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used in connection with the provision of public utilities and which are located upon, along or across public ways or on private property within the town and replacing the same with underground facilities.  Any debt incurred pursuant to this act shall be repaid over a term of not more than 20 years.  Any debt incurred hereunder shall otherwise be subject to said chapter 44.

SECTION 2.  Any resolution or other vote of the town council appropriating funds or authorizing the increasing of debt pursuant to section 1 shall specify in general terms the area in which the overhead utilities are to be removed and replaced by underground facilities and contain a funding by the town council that the project to be financed by such appropriation or incurring of debt will improve the provision of such utilities within the town and will enhance the general quality and public welfare of the town.