67-12-14: Acquisition of land for scenic beauty.

A. The commission may acquire and improve land necessary for the restoration, preservation and enhancement of scenic beauty within and adjacent to the interstate and primary systems, including acquisition for publicly owned and controlled rest and recreation areas and sanitary and other facilities within or adjacent to the right-of-way and reasonably necessary to accommodate the traveling public.

B. The interest in land acquired and maintained under this section may be the fee simple or any lesser interest determined by the commission to be reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Highway Beautification Act. The acquisition may be by gift, agreement, purchase, exchange, condemnation or otherwise. Acquisition through condemnation shall be in accordance with Sections 42-2-1 through 42-2-21 NMSA 1978.

C. Acquisition of any land under this section is for highway purpose.