KRS 176.050: Duties of department.

(1) The department shall:

(a) Investigate all problems relating to the construction and maintenance of roads

in the state;

(b) Examine all projects and ascertain the feasibility of all routes;

(c) Obtain information as to the proper type of road for any project;

(d) Examine all types o f road materials which may be used in the construction or

maintenance of any road to be constructed by the department or under its

direction or supervision;

(e) Require the design plans for all road projects constructing a new route to

identify, if at all feasible, one (1) or more publicly owned sites at least four (4)

acres in size, along the proposed new route that will be used as waste sites

during the construction phase of the project but that have the potential for a

city, county, or other governmental entity to turn the site into an industrial

park upon completion of the road project, regardless of whether the site

currently has the infrastructure necessary to support an industrial park;

(f) Consult with all legislative bodies affected by a new road co nstruction project

during the design phase for the purpose of soliciting local government

officials' preferences for the location of waste sites that could be turned into

an industrial park;

(g) From time to time, examine and have examined and audited all of its books,

papers and records;

(h) Cause to be made all necessary surveys in the establishment and construction

of the system of public highways; all necessary maps, prints, plans and

specifications of all work to be done on the roads; estimates of cost s;

advertisement for bids; contracts for construction or maintenance; and all

necessary forms in connection therewith; and

(i) Promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A for the care

and maintenance of roads after they have been constructed.

(2) The department may publish bulletins containing useful information concerning the

construction and maintenance of roads.

(3) An invoice or bill to be paid out of the road or bridge funds shall not be approved

by the department for payment until it h as been carefully examined by the

department to ascertain if the bill or invoice is in every respect a proper and

legitimate charge against the road or bridge funds. The commissioner may call

before him any person who may have information respecting any bill or invoice.