As used in this part:
(1) "Public entity" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-2-201.
(2) "State institution of higher education" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53B-3-102.
(3) "State transportation purposes" includes:
(a) highway, public transit facility, and transportation rights-of-way, including those necessary within cities and towns;
(b) the construction, reconstruction, relocation, improvement, maintenance, and mitigation from the effects of these activities on state highways and other transportation facilities, including parking facilities, under the control of the department;
(c) limited access facilities, including rights of access, air, light, and view and frontage and service roads to highways;
(d) adequate drainage in connection with any highway, cut, fill, or channel change and the maintenance of any highway, cut, fill, or channel change;
(e) weighing stations, shops, offices, storage buildings and yards, and road maintenance or construction sites;
(f) road material sites, sites for the manufacture of road materials, and access roads to the sites;
(g) the maintenance of an unobstructed view of any portion of a highway to promote the safety of the traveling public;
(h) the placement of traffic signals, directional signs, and other signs, fences, curbs, barriers, and obstructions for the convenience of the traveling public;
(i) the construction and maintenance of storm sewers, sidewalks, and highway illumination;
(j) the construction and maintenance of livestock highways;
(k) the construction and maintenance of roadside rest areas adjacent to or near any highway;
(l) the mitigation of impacts from transportation projects; and
(m) any other transportation purpose for which the department has responsibility under this title.