Ind. Code § 8-3-1.5-13

Sec. 13. In weighing the varied interests of the residents of this state, the department shall give consideration, as best as the situation allows, to the individual interest of any county, city, or town expressing a desire to acquire a portion, or all, of the abandoned real estate located within the jurisdiction. The department may exercise its powers under this chapter to acquire the abandoned property for subsequent conveyance to the county, city, or town.