(a) Highway projects constructed pursuant to the act shall, at all times following construction, be owned by the department. International port of entry facilities constructed pursuant to the act shall, at all times following construction, be owned by a federal agency. All other property and facilities constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be owned by SANDAG, unless transferred to a state or federal agency upon agreement between SANDAG and the relevant agency.

(b) The plans and specifications for a transportation project developed, maintained, repaired, rehabilitated, reconstructed, or operated pursuant to the act shall comply with the relevant standards of the department for state transportation projects. Ports of entry projects shall meet the relevant federal agency’s published design standards and legal requirements. SANDAG may approve the location, design, and the materials of construction for a project constructed pursuant to this chapter after consultation with the department or the relevant federal agency, as applicable.

(c) SANDAG shall carry out its highway projects in cooperation with the department and shall consult the department in the operation of a project and on matters related to highway design and construction.

(d) For the purpose of facilitating a project, the agreements between SANDAG and other entities may include provisions for the lease of rights-of-way in, and airspace over or under, highways, public streets, rail, or related facilities for the granting of necessary easements, and for the issuance of permits or other authorizations to enable the construction or operation of a project.

(e) Agreements between SANDAG, appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or any other entity may be executed to identify the respective obligations and liabilities of one or more of those entities and assign them responsibilities relating to a project. The agreements entered into pursuant to this section shall be consistent with agreements between the department and the United States Department of Transportation relating to a project and may include procedures for enforcement by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(f) Any project utilizing the department’s services shall be included in the department’s capital outlay support program for workload purposes.

(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 720, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)