Sec. 2.5. "Operator" refers to one (1) or more private individuals or entities that enter into a public-private agreement to do one (1) or more of the following with respect to one (1) or more tollways:
(1) Planning.
(2) Design.
(3) Development.
(4) Construction.
(5) Reconstruction.
(6) Maintenance.
(7) Repair.
(8) Financing.
(9) Operation.
A public entity may provide services to an operator as a subcontractor or subconsultant without affecting the private status of the operator and the entity's or operator's ability to enter into a public-private agreement.