O.C.G.A. § 32-2-74 (2019)

(a) Nothing in Code Sections 32-2-60 through 32-2-73 is intended to conflict with any federal law; and, in case of such conflict, such portion of those Code sections as may be in conflict with such federal law is declared of no effect to the extent of the conflict.

(b) The department is authorized to take the necessary steps to secure the full benefit of the federal-aid program and to meet any contingencies not provided for in Code Sections 32-2-60 through 32-2-73, abiding at all times by a fundamental purpose to plan, survey, construct, reconstruct, maintain, improve, and pave as economically as possible those public roads of Georgia which, under the terms of Code Sections 32-2-60 through 32-2-73, are most in need of such construction or work in such a manner as will best promote the interest, welfare, and progress of the citizens of Georgia.