State highways: roadside rest areas.

Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of the state highway system and associated property. Existing law authorizes the department to plan, design, and construct a system of safety roadside rests along state highways, which are maintained by the department. Existing law provides that safety roadside rests are deemed to be part of the state highway right-of-way. Existing law authorizes up to 6 additional safety roadside rest areas to be developed as joint economic development demonstration projects. This bill would authorize the department to enter into one or more agreements, as specified, for the operation of safety roadside rest areas by private entities in conjunction with the development of a retail establishment, under which certain payments may be made to the state. The bill would also require the department to seek any federal waivers that may be necessary to implement these provisions.