The department shall be sole arbiter of the designation of state highways, but shall, after reasonable notice by publication, give all parties interested an opportunity to be heard thereon before such designation is made. [PL 1971, c. 593, §22 (AMD).]

The expense of constructing such state highways shall be borne wholly by the State, except as otherwise provided in chapters 1 to 19. [PL 1971, c. 593, §22 (AMD).]