The secretary of transportation is authorized to perform all work, or to enter into, perform and require the performance of all contracts incident to the construction, improvement, reconstruction and maintenance of the state highway system and shall take such steps as will give the provisions of this act full force and effect and do and perform all other duties required by law: Provided, That the secretary may enter into contracts with any of the counties of the state to do any work in the repair, construction or maintenance of the state highway system.
K.S.A. 68-407