In order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the State Highway Commission is authorized to maintain maps and to permit informational directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at safety rest areas along the interstate, primary, and other state highways designated by the commission and to establish information centers in cooperation with the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism at safety rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the state and providing other information as may be considered desirable.