The department may gather, investigate, and compile information concerning the use, construction, and maintenance of highways, the practices and methods of efficient highway organization, financing, and other information, data and statistics of the state and the extent of the natural resources of road-building materials in the state. The department may enter into agreements with states, municipalities, or research organizations to carry on research and test projects involving highway development. The department may disseminate this information, together with recommendations it considers advisable.