In order to comply with Section 131, Title 23, United States Code and regulations promulgated under that section and to prevent interruption of the state’s federally-aided highway funding, the Department of Transportation shall confer with the Federal Highway Administration as to how best to structure a nonconforming sign removal program.

The department shall submit to the Federal Highway Administration in a timely fashion its process, program, and timetable for removal of nonconforming signs under Section 131, Title 23, United States Code and regulations promulgated under that section.

In developing and implementing this removal program the department shall consult with interested parties and affected entities including, but not limited to, other state and local agencies, sign owners, environmental groups, and the business community.