Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, a sale or transfer under this chapter of property constituting a public easement or right of way does not deprive a public utility of the use of all or part of the public easement or right of way that is sold or transferred if, at the time of the sale or transfer, the public utility is occupying and using all or part of that public easement or right of way for the location and operation of its facilities.
IC 36-1-11-4.3