§ 12-3-196 — Condemnation of property for developing Stone Mountain; conveyance of property and rights of way to association; facilities, equipment, and services

(a) In the event any portion of Stone Mountain proper or of the area surrounding the mountain, which portion or area may be necessary in the opinion of the Governor for use in developing the property, cannot be acquired by purchase, it shall be the duty of the Governor, the state auditor, and the Attorney General to acquire the same by condemnation proceedings, such condemnation proceedings to be subject to the applicable provisions of law relating to the condemnation of property by the State of Georgia. The Governor, the state auditor, and the Attorney General are authorized and directed to proceed to acquire by condemnation, as authorized by such law, and in the way and manner provided by such law, any such portion of the property deemed by the Governor to be necessary for the proper development of Stone Mountain which cannot be acquired by the association by gift or purchase. (b) The Governor is authorized to convey to the association, on behalf of the state, Stone Mountain and the property adjacent thereto or any interest therein and any rights of way now or hereafter owned by the state. The consideration for such conveyance shall be determined by the Governor and expressed in a deed of conveyance; provided, however, that such consideration shall be nominal, the benefits flowing to the state and its citizens constituting full and adequate actual consideration. Upon such conveyance being executed and delivered, all right, power, and authority of any instrumentality, agency, department, or office of the state to possess or improve or otherwise deal with the Stone Mountain property, except as provided by this part, shall terminate. (c) The governing authority of any county or municipality of this state is authorized and empowered on behalf of such county or municipality to convey to the association any interest of such county or municipality in Stone Mountain and any property adjacent thereto and any rights of way for roads or highways, including such roads and highways traversing any such property, now or hereafter owned by such county or municipality. The consideration for any such conveyance shall be determined by the governing authority of such county or municipality and expressed in a deed of conveyance; provided, however, that such consideration shall be nominal, the benefits flowing to the county or municipality and its citizens constituting full and adequate actual consideration. (d) The state, any department, board, or agency of the state, and any county or municipality of the state are authorized to furnish to the association any available facilities, machinery, equipment, services, or labor needful or necessary in the improvement of the property of the association, without cost to the association. The expense of any such facilities or services shall be deemed proper and legitimate expenses of the state or of such department, board, agency, county, or municipality.