Section 337.026 - Authority of department to enter into agreements for construction aggregate materials(1) The department may pursue procurement techniques that will provide the department with reliable and economic supplies of construction aggregate materials and control time and cost increases on construction projects.(2) The department may enter into agreements with private or public entities. Such agreements may include, but are not limited to, department acquisition of materials or resources or long-term leases for a term not to exceed 99 years that will advance the state's transportation needs.(3) To the maximum extent practical, the department must use the existing process to award and administer such procurement techniques. When techniques authorized by this section are to be used, the department is not required to adhere to provisions of law that would prevent, preclude, or prohibit it from using this procurement technique. However, prior to using this procurement technique, the department must document in writing the need for the exception and identify the benefits the traveling public and the affected community are anticipated to receive.