(1) The Mississippi Transportation Commission may allow for the erection of welcome, recognition and acknowledgement signs that are adjacent to state highways within an unincorporated area of a county and maintained by public officers or elected officials of counties while carrying out an official duty or responsibility. The local jurisdiction shall be required to purchase and pay the cost of maintaining such signs which shall conform to the requirements of similar signs that are placed by incorporated areas in accordance with rules adopted by the commission and the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The erection of welcome, recognition and acknowledgment signs in areas on or adjacent to freeways or interstate highways is prohibited.
(2) The Mississippi Transportation Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.