In the event of failure to reach an agreement as provided in Section 706, the utility or the department may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for apportionment of the cost between them in accordance with the provisions of this article. Such an action may be commenced within three years from the date of completion by the utility of the removal or relocation in question. The filing of a claim with any state agency shall not be deemed a condition precedent to the maintenance by the utility of any such action.