(a) The Commission shall constitute an advisory, administrative, and policy making board with which the Director shall from time to time consult regarding the administration of the affairs of the Department. The Commission may require from the Director complete reports and information relative to the affairs of the Department at such time and in such manner as the Commission may deem advisable.
(b) In addition to its other powers and duties, as herein defined, the Commission shall have the following specific powers and duties:
(1) To organize itself by the election of a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary, who shall perform the duties required of them by the rules and regulations of the Commission, but shall receive no extra compensation therefor;
(2) To elect a State Highway Director and fix his salary within the limits of this Code, who shall serve during the pleasure of the Commission, expressed by a majority vote of the entire Commission;
(3) To prescribe rules, regulations, and policies for the transaction of its business, and for the letting of all contracts and purchases;
(4) To prescribe the manner of cooperation between county and municipal officials with the Commission;
(5) Except as otherwise provided herein, to let or supervise the letting of all contracts for construction or improvements of state highways, or any contract for road or bridge construction or improvement where the work is being done in whole or in part with state or federal monies;
(6) To authorize all expenditures prior to the incurring therefor, except as otherwise provided in this Code.
(c) Each Commissioner shall aid in the promotion of highway construction, improvements, and maintenance throughout the entire state, and shall not act as the special representative of the particular district in which he resides.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 303, operative July 1, 1968.