Section 696.8 - Cooperation with other governments and private interests(a) Cooperation.--The department is directed to administer all projects under this act with such flexibility as to promote and encourage full cooperation and financial participation of Federal, State and local governments, agencies and instrumentalities, as well as private interests, so as to result in as effective and economical a program as possible. The department shall respond to the requirements of any Federal rail freight transportation legislation now existing or enacted into law in the future, to the extent permitted under the laws of this Commonwealth, in order to enhance rail freight transportation services, systems and facilities within the Commonwealth.(b) Agreements.--The department is hereby authorized to enter into agreements providing for mutual cooperation within it and any Federal agency and any transportation organization, or transportation company, or one or more of them, in any or all projects, including joint applications for Federal grants.(c) Purpose of act.--It is the purpose and intent of this act to authorize the department to do any and all other things necessary or desirable to secure the financial aid or cooperation of any of the department's projects, and to do and perform all things which may be required by any statute of the United States of America or by the lawful requirements of any Federal agency authorized to administer any program of Federal aid to transportation.1984, July 5, P.L. 587, No. 119, § 8, effective in 60 days.