(1) The department shall furnish, erect and maintain motorist informational signs, logo signs, tourist oriented directional signs and sign plazas as requested by the council. Such signs shall be erected and maintained at locations the council considers appropriate. The department may contract for the furnishing, erection and replacement of all such sign plazas, logo signs, tourist oriented directional signs and motorist informational signs to be erected upon a state highway, in tourist information centers, rest areas or other places.

(2) In carrying out its responsibilities under ORS 377.700 to 377.844 the council may enter into contractual or other agreements with a city, county or other governmental agency of this state or with an independent contractor providing for the erection, maintenance, administration and operation of sign plazas, logo signs, tourist oriented directional signs and motorist informational signs and collection of the permit fees charged therefor, or for other matter authorized under ORS 377.700 to 377.844 requiring council consideration. When soliciting contracts for goods or professional services, the council shall:

(a) Require that an independent contractor, city, county or other governmental agency of the state submit a competitive bid;

(b) Review bids submitted;

(c) Select the contractor; and

(d) Enter into a written contract with the selected contractor, subject to contract specifications established by the department. [1971 c.770 §6; 1973 c.790 §16; 1983 c.111 §3; 1993 c.745 §7; 2003 c.14 §164]