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            A. The authority may, upon obtaining the approval of the department, undertake a state-designated project for a transportation improvement designated as a Priority “A” or “B” Megaproject in the 2015 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan prepared by the department as a project under this Chapter.

            B. The department may, upon the request of the authority, in connection with any state-designated project, expend out of any funds available for the purpose such monies and make such use of its engineering and other staff as may be necessary and desirable, in the judgment of the department, for traffic surveys, borings, surveys, preparation of plans and specifications, estimates of cost, and other preliminary engineering and other studies.

            C. The department shall serve as the agent for the authority for the purpose of constructing and completing improvements and extensions to a state-designated project. In such event, the authority shall provide the department with complete copies of all documents, agreements, resolutions, contracts, and instruments relating thereto; shall request the department to do such construction work, including the planning, surveying, and actual construction of the completion, extensions, and improvements thereto; and shall transfer to the credit of an account of the department in the state treasury the necessary funds therefor. The department shall thereupon proceed with such construction and use the funds for such purpose in the same manner as it is now authorized to use the funds otherwise provided by law for its use in the construction of roads and bridges.

            D. Any portion of a project which would interconnect with or otherwise directly affect the operation of any portion of the state highway system or any state-designated project shall be subject to department approval.

            E. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the authority organized pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall have full power to carry out all of the powers and duties set forth in this Chapter, without the necessity of obtaining the approval or consent of the state, or any state agency, political subdivision, district, authority, or other public entity except as expressly provided for in this Chapter.

            Acts 2001, No. 1209, §2; Acts 2009, No. 39, §1, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2016, No. 169, §1, eff. May 19, 2016.