60-4-102. General power of department to acquire interests in property. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department of transportation may acquire by purchase or other lawful manner lands or other real property, excluding oil, gas, and mineral rights, that it considers reasonably necessary for present or future highway purposes. The department may acquire a fee simple or lesser estate or interest. The provisions of 70-30-104(2) do not apply to the acquisition of a fee simple interest under this section.