Sec. 8. If the county council of a qualified county approves a resolution submitted to it under section 7(b) of this chapter, the local county road and bridge board shall, for purposes of carrying out the project: (1) let contracts, in accordance with IC 5-17-1; (2) acquire real estate; and (3) employ persons by special contract to render professional or consulting services. As added by Acts 1981, P.L.88, SEC.13.