At its option, the commission may make application to the Department of Transportation for the exercise by the department of any powers, duties, or authority which the department may have with respect to the ownership, construction, maintenance, or improvement of any boulevard pursuant to this part, including the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates and the handling and expenditure of district moneys for such construction, maintenance, or improvement.

Any such application to the Department of Transportation shall be made in accordance with the provisions of law defining the powers, duties, or privileges of the department in relation to such matters, and, upon the granting of any such application by the department, the commission shall have full power to carry out the terms of the application on its part.