§17-16F-24. Maintenance, operation, and repair of projects; reports to Governor and Legislature.

(a) Each railroad project, when constructed and placed in operation, shall be maintained, and kept in good condition by the division. Each project shall be operated by the division’s employees pursuant to a contract or lease with a governmental agency or person. All public or private property damaged or destroyed while carrying out the provisions of this article shall be restored or repaired to its original condition, or as nearly as practicable or adequate compensation made out of funds provided in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(b) As soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year, the authority shall make an annual report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. Each such report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering the authority’s operations during the preceding fiscal year. The authority shall cause an audit of its books and accounts to be made at least once each fiscal year by certified public accountants and the cost thereof may be treated as a part of the cost of construction or of operations of its projects. Any report under this section may be made electronically and paper copies may be provided upon request.