Ind. Code § 8-23-9-57

Sec. 57. The department may cooperate with the governing officials of state highway agencies and systems in one (1) or more other states or the Federal Highway Administration in research in conducting tests and experiments designed to develop the best methods of constructing, improving, and maintaining the highways in Indiana. In so cooperating with the governing officials of state highway agencies and systems in one (1) or more other states or the Federal Highway Administration and for the purpose of paying the proportionate share of this state of the cost of the tests and experiments, the department may expend the funds appropriated to its use.