Sec. 4. An operator may enter into agreements for maintenance or other services under this article with the department and other local or state agencies. The department may:
(1) with the assistance of all applicable local and state agencies, establish a unified permitting and licensing process for the processing and issuance of all necessary permits and licenses for projects under this article, including, but not limited to, all environmental permits and business and tax licenses; and
(2) provide other services for which the department may be reimbursed, including, but not limited to, preliminary planning, environmental certification (including the procurement of all necessary environmental permits), right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations and adjustments, and preliminary design of projects under this article.