All functions of the Public Utilities Commission relating to the initiation, prosecution, intervention, defense, or appearance in any proceeding before any court, commission, board, tribunal, or agency, whether such functions are on behalf of the State of South Dakota or otherwise, and where such function relates to the abandonment, consolidation, merger, or inclusion of any railroad or part of a railroad are transferred to the Department of Transportation.
SDCL 49-16A-46