(1) The Arkansas Department of Transportation is vested with authority to formulate and adopt plans for a complete and thorough study of and attack on interterritorial freight rates adversely affecting Arkansas. However, the plans shall be subject to approval by the Governor.
(2) The department is authorized to enter into contracts with rate experts, accountants, counsel, and others, taking into consideration the integrity, honesty, experience, training, and general fitness of those selected.
(3) The department is authorized and directed, on behalf of the State of Arkansas and with approval by the Governor, to enter into agreements with other states, or associations of states or of governors or other authorized representatives of states, to institute, prosecute, or intervene in proceedings before the Interstate Commerce Commission [abolished] to remove freight rate discriminations against Arkansas and the southern and southwestern territories.