Whenever funds are available for the planting or cultivation of any shrubs, trees, hedges, or other domestic or native ornamental growth, the improvement of roadside facilities and view points, the correction of unsightly conditions upon the right-of-way of any state highway, and for roadside development and beautification, the department is empowered to expend such funds, either independently or in conjunction with the funds of any county, political subdivision, or any person, firm, corporation, association, or organization.