N.Y. Pub. Auth. Law § 357

§ 357. Right of authority to use state property; payment for\nimprovements. On assuming jurisdiction of a thruway highway section or\nconnection or any part thereof, or of a highway connection, the\nauthority shall have the right to possess and use for its corporate\npurposes so long as its corporate existence shall continue, any real\nproperty and rights in real property theretofore acquired by the state,\nincluding all improvements thereon.\n