Upon request by a person, the Commissioner of Highways may authorize such person to hire private persons, firms, contractors, or entities to remove snow and ice from any public highway in Planning District 8, provided that there will be no costs to the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions for work pursuant to this section. No private person, firm, contractor, or entity employed to remove snow and ice from any public highway shall be afforded sovereign immunity or immunity in any form whatsoever. Private persons, firms, contractors, or entities so employed shall be liable for civil damages, including damages for death, injury, or property damage resulting from any act or omission relating to the removal of snow and ice from public highways. Nothing contained in this section shall limit the authority of the Commissioner of Highways granted under other provisions of law to authorize or contract for the removal of snow and ice from public highways.