Revises provisions relating to highways. (BDR 35-302)

SB 77 revises the Department of Transportation's (DOT) procedures for highway projects, directly affecting the DOT's internal operations and contractors bidding on projects. It increases the minimum project cost requiring a written cost-benefit analysis from $25 million to $50 million, eliminates the need for Board approval when using informal bidding or hiring during emergencies, and raises the maximum project cost for informal bidding from $250,000 to $750,000. The bill also shifts advertising requirements from newspapers to online posting for bids and preliminary proposals, and changes when contractors must prove their qualifications (before submitting bids instead of before receiving project plans). These changes aim to streamline contracting processes and reduce administrative steps for the DOT.