(1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. The legislature finds that private capital and local governmental financial and technical resources are unable to fully meet the transportation needs of all citizens. It is determined that the programs authorized under this section are legitimate governmental functions serving proper public purposes.
(2) GENERAL POWERS. The department shall administer the programs of financial and technical assistance under this section for the purpose of assistance to or restoration of freight railroad service and shall maximize the use of available federal aid in conjunction with the allocation of state aid. The department may exercise those powers necessary to establish freight railroad assistance programs, including authority:
(b) To plan, promote and engage in financial and technical assistance programs for continuing, restoring and operating rail branch line transportation services.
(c) To maintain adequate programs of investigation, research, promotion and development in connection with transportation programs authorized under this section and to provide for public participation in these programs.
(d) To comply with federal regulations affecting federal transportation service continuation or restoration, or operating assistance programs.
(e) To enter into joint service agreements or other agreements providing for mutual cooperation related to transportation services and projects, including joint applications for federal aids with any county or other body public and corporate.
(f) To receive, use or reallocate federal funds, grants, gifts and aids.
(g) To adopt rules necessary to effectuate and enforce this section and to prescribe conditions and procedures, including auditing and accounting methods and practices, to assure compliance in carrying out the purposes for which state financial and technical assistance is made.
(i) To make and execute contracts with the federal government, any other state or any county, city, village, town, railroad, or any transit commission organized under s. 59.58 (3), 66.0301 or 66.1021, to ensure the continuance and improvement of quality transportation service at reasonable rates or to provide for rail service on rail property owned by the state.
(j) To audit the operating revenues and expenditures of all transportation systems participating in the aids program under this section in accordance with accounting methods and practices prescribed by the department.
(k) To allow other uses of rail corridors owned by the state that are being used for freight rail service when such uses serve the purpose of providing assistance to or restoration of freight rail service, and to regulate the safety and compatibility of such uses with the provision of freight rail service by issuing a permit for any such use.