O.C.G.A. § 37-1-25

The department is authorized to purchase land or lands adjacent to or near lands now under the control of the department where, in the opinion of the department, the land is needed for the benefit of one of the institutions under its control and management, to pay for such land out of any funds which may be available for such purpose, and to take title to land so purchased in the name of the State of Georgia for the use of the department.