The state treasurer and state comptroller may acquire by gift, grant, purchase, condemnation, municipal action or other lawful manner, in the name of the state and for its use so much land as may be necessary for any state institution whenever the board of managers of such institution shall make written request therefor duly approved by the state board, and the comptroller and treasurer shall deem the lands necessary. No money shall be thus expended until first appropriated specifically for such purpose. Condemnation proceedings shall be in accordance with chapter 1 of the title Eminent Domain (s. 20:1-1 et seq.).
N.J.S. § 30:4-17