Bridge operations; rules

(1) A board shall have the exclusive power to adopt and enforce the rules and regulations for the use, operation, maintenance, inspection and preservation of a bridge owned or operated by the commission, including loads permitted on the bridge and closing the bridge to any traffic deemed unsafe by the commission, provided that the commission must comply with all state and federal regulations generally applicable to bridge operations, maintenance, safety and inspections. (2) A facility or property owned, leased, operated or controlled by the commission may be operated by the commission directly or by a public or private entity pursuant to a contract, lease or agreement. (3) Compensation to a contractor under an operating contract may be in the form of a payment by the commission to the contractor for services rendered, a payment by the contractor to the commission for the rights to operate the facility or property or other such arrangements as the board may elect. (4) A state agency or local government may pledge revenue or other assistance to support or guaranty, in whole or in part, the repayment of debt, costs of operations or capitalization of reserves of the commission under such terms as the parties may agree, and the commission may accept the assistance.