67-2-101. Aeronautical powers and duties of department. (1) The department shall supervise aeronautics within this state. It shall encourage, foster, and assist in the development of aeronautics and encourage the establishment of airports and other air navigation facilities.

(2) The department shall cooperate with and assist the federal government, the political subdivisions of this state, and others engaged in aeronautics or the promotion of aeronautics and shall coordinate the aeronautical activities of these bodies.

(3) The department may designate, design, and establish, expand, or modify a state airways system which will best serve the interests of the state. It may chart that airways system and arrange for publication and distribution of maps, charts, notices, and bulletins relating to the airways which may be required in the public interest. The system shall be supplementary to and coordinated in design and operation with the federal airways system. It may include all types of air navigation facilities, but the facilities must conform to federal safety standards.

(4) The department may draft and recommend necessary legislation to advance the interests of the state in aeronautics and represent the state in aeronautical matters before federal agencies and other state agencies.

(5) The department may participate as party plaintiff or defendant or as intervenor on behalf of the state or a municipality or citizen in a controversy involving any claimed encroachment by the federal government or any foreign state upon state or individual rights pertaining to aeronautics.

(6) The department may use the facilities and services of other agencies of the state when reasonably available.

(7) The department may enter into any contracts necessary to the execution of the powers granted the department by this title.

(8) The department shall grant no exclusive right for the use of an airway, airport, restricted landing area, or other air navigation facility under its jurisdiction. This subsection does not prevent the making of leases in accordance with other provisions of this title.