SECTION 17. Application for certificate of public convenience and necessity

After compliance with the provisions of sections thirteen to sixteen, inclusive, and within thirty days after the first publication of notice of the agreement of association therein required, the directors therein named shall apply to the department for a certificate that public convenience and necessity require the construction of a railroad as proposed in such agreement. If the department refuses to issue such certificate, no further proceedings shall be had, but the application may be renewed after one year from the date of such refusal.