N.J. Stat. § 27:5-21: Acquisition of property by the State

17. The commissioner is authorized to acquire by gift, lease, purchase or condemnation, real and personal property, or the right to maintain signs for the purpose of implementing this act. The cost of the acquisition shall be considered as a part of the cost of a highway right-of-way. All persons whose sign and property or interest in property is purchased or otherwise acquired, except by gift to the State, shall receive just compensation therefor.

L.1991,c.413,s.17.