(a) The board may construct or otherwise acquire without cost to the state or the university an airport for purposes of cooperation with the national defense program and for instruction in aeronautics.
(b) The board may acquire by purchase, lease, gift, or by any other means, and may maintain, use, and operate any and all property of any kind, real, personal, or mixed, or any interest in property, necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers conferred by this section. The board has the power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring by condemnation any real property, or any interest in real property, necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers conferred by this section. The board shall exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by general law, including Title 52, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, except that it shall not be required to give bond for appeal or bond for costs.