Sec. 56. (a) The department may cooperate with and assist Purdue University in developing the best methods of improving and maintaining the highways of the state and the respective counties. In so cooperating with Purdue University and for the purpose of developing and disseminating helpful information concerning road construction and improvement and the operation of the highways of the state and the counties, the department may expend money annually from the funds appropriated to the department’s use for the use and benefit of Purdue University in carrying on programs of highway research and highway extension at or in connection with Purdue University and for the annual road school held at Purdue University. In addition, the money may be increased by federal funds, which may be made available to the department for the engineering and economic investigation of projects for future construction and for highway research necessary in connection therewith.

     (b) For the purpose of disseminating knowledge of the highway maintenance methods that are best suited to the various sections of Indiana, the county and state highway officials, in cooperation with Purdue University, may hold joint road meetings in the various sections of Indiana.

     (c) The aid authorized by this section shall be paid quarterly by the department to Purdue University upon proper voucher.

     (d) Not later than August 1 of each year, a representative of Purdue University shall prepare, in cooperation with the department under IC 8-23-2-5(e)(5), for the interim study committee on roads and transportation a report that includes updates on the following:

(1) Programs or projects conducted under this section.

(2) Any other information requested by the study committee.

The report must be submitted in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.

As added by P.L.18-1990, SEC.218. Amended by P.L.16-2014, SEC.4; P.L.53-2014, SEC.86.