The phrase 'operating right of way' indicates a right of way that is...

• A. Maintained by Maintenance
• B. Maintained by the owner
• C. Maintained by the utility company
• D. Under sole control of the municipality

Answer: (A)

Operating right of way refers to the corridor kept in usable condition for the ongoing operation of the facility. The maintenance function is responsible for that day-to-day upkeep—clearing vegetation, keeping access routes passable, inspecting and repairing as needed—so the system can operate safely and reliably. This emphasis on ongoing upkeep is why the right-of-way is described as maintained by Maintenance. It isn’t about who owns the land, nor about municipal control, and while the utility company runs the operation, the phrase specifically points to the maintenance work required to keep the corridor usable.