(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act to the contrary, the department may enter into a voluntary agreement as proposed by the Michigan billboard advisory council created under section 18c, or the department, if the Michigan billboard advisory council no longer exists, and approved by the state transportation commission with the federal highway administration for a pilot program to address concerns and issues related to outdoor advertising control, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

    (a) Festival advertising.

    (b) Reduction in the number of nonconforming signs.

    (c) Advertising in underserved areas.

    (d) Temporary or seasonal businesses.

    (e) Safety programs.

    (f) Designation of rural areas for special lighting provisions.

    (g) Vegetation management practices.

    (2) The department shall inform the legislature of its intent to enter into a voluntary agreement under subsection (1) no later than 30 days before entering into the agreement.