1. The department of transportation may provide free technical advice in planning, constructing, and operating a public airport to any city, town or^* county operating or proposing to operate an airport. In order to insure compatibility with and maximum participation in federal programs for the operation and improvement of airports, the department shall provide technical representation, promotion, planning and engineering advice to the cities, towns or^* counties for the advancement of an aviation program, and in order to insure effective and efficient use of state funds to aid the cities, towns and counties in the operation, construction and improvement of airports shall develop and maintain a state airport plan.

2. The department shall also develop and maintain an “approved airport design” using standard design criteria to assure the safety and well-being of the airport user and the best uses of state and local funds.