The commission shall conduct such investigations and experiments as in its judgment may tend to the benefit of highway construction in the state, and make reports thereof to the governor, and may cooperate with state or national organizations in experiments and work for the advancement of highway construction. It shall cause investigations and tests of road materials to be made within the various counties of the state until a sufficient knowledge is obtained of the location and availability of all materials suitable for road building, and in such investigations and tests may call upon and utilize any of the officers, employes [employees], equipment or resources of any of the state educational institutions. Provided, however, that the actual cost of such tests or investigations made by any institution shall be borne by the state and paid from the state road fund. The commission may issue and circulate such bulletins, pamphlets and literature as it may deem necessary.