(1) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the department to lease toll and ferry facilities and toll and ferry facility space in excess of current needs where feasible and where such lease will not interfere with the normal functioning or the primary operation of the toll or ferry facility. Such leasing should promote maximum use of the toll or ferry facility and constitute a benefit to the taxpayers of the state.

(2) The department is hereby authorized to lease toll or ferry facility property, and food, drink, amusement machine, and similar concessions for periods of up to five years, (except for the Seattle ferry terminal facilities which may be leased for periods of up to ten years) upon public advertisement for bids as follows:

(a) A call for bids shall be published once a week for at least two consecutive weeks preceding the day set for receiving and opening of bids, in not less than two newspapers, both of general circulation in the state.

In the event that the estimated fair market rental value per year of any lease is less than $5,000, then the call for bids need be published only in one paper of general circulation in the county where the lease is located. The final publication shall be at least two days prior to the day set for receiving and opening of bids. The call for bids shall state the time, place and date for receiving and opening bids, give a brief description of the facilities or space to be rented, and contain such special provisions or limitations and specifications as may be necessary to comply with applicable statutes and the policy described above.

(b) Award shall be made to the responsive responsible bidder whose proposal is most advantageous to the state. Factors to be considered in making the award shall include, but not be limited to: (i) The monetary return to the state; (ii) the safety and comfort of the traveling public; (iii) the stability and reliability of the proposed operation; and (iv) the acceptability of the proposed operation with ferry system operational requirements.