Sec. 4. (a) There is established a research and highway extension program for the local highway system to provide information concerning local highway system planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, financing, and administration.
(b) The department shall contract with an educational institution or a qualified private agency to provide the research and extension program under this chapter. Before executing the contract, the director of highways or the director's designee, must meet with and obtain advice from committees designated by associations representing counties and municipalities. After the contract is awarded the institution or private agency receiving the contract shall meet regularly with the committees to obtain their advice.