Steam railroad companies now operating within the District of Columbia are hereby authorized, after approval of their detailed plans and issuance of a permit by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, to electrify their lines within the District of Columbia and across the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers with an alternating current overhead catenary or other type of electrification system, with all necessary transmission, signal, and communication conductors and equipment, poles, conduits, underground and overhead construction, substations, and any other structures necessary in such electrification, the provisions of any law or laws to the contrary notwithstanding.
D.C. Code § 9-1207.01