§ 358. Acquisition of real property by the commissioner. 1. On assuming jurisdiction of a thruway section or connection or any part thereof, or of a highway connection, the authority may from time to time determine what real property is necessary for the construction, improvement and operation thereof, in addition to real property theretofore acquired by the state. If funds are made available by the authority for payment of the cost and expense of the acquisition thereof, the commissioner when requested by the authority shall acquire such real property in the name of the state by appropriation, and, where necessary, remove the owner or occupant thereof and obtain possession according to the procedure provided by section three hundred forty-seven of the highway law. The authority shall have the right to possess and use for its corporate purposes so long as its corporate existence shall continue all such real property and rights in real property so acquired.

2. Claims for the value of the property appropriated and for legal damages caused by any such appropriation shall be adjusted and determined by the commissioner with the approval of the authority, or by the court of claims as provided in said section three hundred forty-seven. When a claim has been filed with the court of claims, the claimant shall cause a copy of such claim to be served upon the authority and the authority shall have the right to be represented and heard before said court. All awards and judgments arising from such claims shall be paid out of moneys of the authority.