Hearing and decision on a petition

Within thirty days after a political subdivision files a petition, completed in accordance with the rules and regulations authorized by section 48-2, the department of business, economic development, and tourism shall upon due notice hold a hearing upon the petition. The department shall reasonably expedite the hearing and shall advise the petitioning political subdivision of its decision within thirty days of the adjournment of a hearing. If the department approves the petition, a certificate of convenience and necessity shall be issued forthwith. Failure of the department to advise the petitioning political subdivision of its decision within thirty days of the conclusion of the hearing shall constitute approval of the petition, and the political subdivision shall be entitled to receive such certificate. Decisions of the department shall be reviewable as provided by chapter 91. A certificate of convenience and necessity issued as provided by this chapter shall expire twelve months from the date of its issuance, provided that upon written application by the political subdivision to the department, the department in its discretion may extend the expiration date of the certificate.