When it is in the best interest of the transit operator, the transit operator may enter into a design-build contract for both the design and construction of a project under this article. After evaluation of the traditional design, bid, and build process of transit construction and of the design-build process in a public meeting, the transit operator shall make written findings that use of the design-build process on the specific project under consideration will accomplish one of the following objectives: reduce project costs, expedite the project`s completion, provide design features not achievable through the design-bid-build method, prior to entering into a design-build contract. In the design-build project proposal, the written findings shall be included as part of any application for state funds pursuant to this chapter.
