Section 3.17. Acquisition and disposition of property

1. Notwithstanding
  any other provision of law, the commissioner may acquire  such  property
  as may be necessary for the purposes and functions of the office, within
  the  amounts  appropriated  or available therefore. Such property may be
  acquired pursuant to the provisions of the eminent domain procedure law,
  or by purchase, lease,  exchange,  grant,  condemnation,  gift,  devise,
  bequest,  or  by  any  other  lawful means. No real property shall be so
  acquired unless the title thereto is approved by the  attorney  general.
  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of section eleven of the state finance
  law, the commissioner may accept a conditional grant,  gift,  devise  or
  bequest  with  the approval of the director of the budget. Title to real
  property which is acquired shall be taken in the name of and  be  vested
  in the people of the state of New York.
    2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of the state finance law, or of any
  other law, the commissioner is hereby authorized to  receive,  hold  and
  administer  property,  and  the income thereof, acquired by grant, gift,
  devise or bequest, either absolutely or in trust. The  commissioner  may
  establish  a  special fund or funds consisting of monies so acquired and
  may administer and expand such monies in accordance with the  terms  and
  conditions of such grants, gifts, devises or bequests.