(1) The Department of Highways is hereby authorized to acquire and improve strips of land necessary for the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty within and adjacent to federal-aid highways of this state, including acquisition and development of publicly owned and controlled rest and recreation areas and sanitary and other facilities within or adjacent to the highway right-of-way reasonably necessary to accommodate the traveling public.
(2) The interest in any land authorized to be acquired and maintained under this section may be the fee simple or any lesser interest, as determined by the Department of Highways to be reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section. Such acquisition may be by gift, purchase, exchange, or condemnation.
(3) The acquisition through condemnation shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Eminent Domain Act of Kentucky.