The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority shall retain its separate identity, powers and duties as an instrumentality of the state except that the Department shall be authorized to provide, on a contractual basis, the following services and functions to the Authority:
1. Record keeping, reporting, administrative, planning, engineering, legal and clerical functions of the Authority not in conflict with provisions of existing trust agreements.
2. Operation and maintenance of turnpikes.
Duplication of effort, facilities and equipment shall be minimized by the Department of Transportation and Turnpike Authority in operation and maintenance of turnpikes and highways of the state. The Turnpike Authority and the Transportation Commission are directed to take such action as necessary to implement this section, including the temporary transfer of personnel, property and equipment from the Authority to the Department to effect contracts in 1 and 2 above. The integrity of the bonded indebtness shall be maintained through the actions of the Turnpike Authority.
Laws 1976, c. 218, § 10.