The director may grant to any person, who is a resident of this state, or to any corporation organized under the law of this state, or licensed to do business within this state, the right of way for the erection of a telephone line or electric line over or upon any state highway or structure constituting part of such highway or to lay pipes, conduits, or tunnels in, through, or over any such state highway or structure, or to erect, construct, and maintain any bridge, conduit, or other crossing in, under, or over such state highway or structure and in accordance with the rules and regulations therefor.
N.D.C.C. § 24-01-40