Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule to the contrary, the department of transportation is hereby prohibited from contracting with private entities or vendors to operate truck stops, fueling stations, convenience stores or restaurants on or near interstate public rest areas. The department shall examine and research the Vermont and Utah state programs, which have phased out interstate public rest areas and instead have implemented a public/private partnership with designated interstate rest exits. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department from maintaining existing interstate public rest areas or constructing new interstate public rest areas consistent with this section.