§17-27-8. Powers and duties of the developer.

(a) The developer has all power allowed by law generally to a private entity having the same form of organization as the developer and may acquire, construct or improve a qualifying transportation facility and impose user fees in connection with the use of the facility.

(b) The developer may own, lease, or acquire any other right to facilitate the development of a qualifying transportation facility.

(c) Any financing of a qualifying transportation facility may be in the amounts and upon terms and conditions negotiated by the developer. The developer may issue debt, equity or other securities or obligations, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and secure any financing with a pledge of, security interest in, or lien on, any or all of its property, including all of its property interests in the qualifying transportation facility.

(d) In developing the qualifying transportation facility, the developer may:

(1) Make classifications according to reasonable categories for assessment of user fees; and

(2) With the consent of the division, make and enforce reasonable rules to the same extent that the division may make and enforce rules with respect to a similar transportation facility. The developer may, by agreement with appropriate law-enforcement agencies, arrange for video enforcement in connection with its toll collection activities.

(e) The developer shall:

(1) Acquire, construct, or improve the qualifying transportation facility in a manner that meets the engineering standards of:

(A) The authority for facilities operated and maintained by the division, in accordance with the provisions of the comprehensive agreement; and

(B) The division, in accordance with the provisions of the comprehensive agreement;

(2) Keep the qualifying transportation facility open for use by the members of the public at all times after its initial opening upon payment of the applicable user fees or service payments: Provided, That the qualifying transportation facility may be temporarily closed because of emergencies or, with the consent of the division, to protect the safety of the public or for reasonable construction or maintenance procedures;

(3) Contract for the performance of all maintenance and operation of the transportation facility through the division, using its maintenance and operations practices, until the date of termination of the developer’s duties as defined in the comprehensive agreement;

(4) Cooperate with the division in establishing any interconnection with the qualifying transportation facility requested by the division;

(5) Remain in compliance with state tax, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation laws; and

(6) Comply with the provisions of the comprehensive agreement and any service contract.