TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS

(a) The department shall maintain and operate travel information centers to provide highway information, travel guidance, and descriptive material designed to assist the traveling public and stimulate travel to and within this state. (b) The department may: (1) enter into an agreement with: (A) another state agency for the operation of a travel information center; or (B) a local government, including a commission created under Chapter 391, Local Government Code, for the operation of a travel information center that is located within the boundaries of the local government; and (2) issue a request for proposals to private or nonprofit entities for the operation of a travel information center. (c) The department may sell commercial advertising space at a travel information center if the advertising is not visible from the main traveled way of the highway. If the department sells commercial advertising space, the department shall set rates for the advertising and other services available at a travel information center at a level that generates receipts approximately sufficient to cover the cost of its travel and information operations. (d) The department may not engage in an activity authorized under Subsection (c) or another provision of this chapter that would decrease the amount of federal highway funding available to the department.