The commission is authorized on behalf of and in the name of the state, out of appropriations and other moneys made available for such purposes, to plan, establish, construct, maintain, and operate airports and air navigation facilities within the state. For such purposes the commission may, by purchase, gift, devise, lease, condemnation or otherwise, acquire such property, real or personal, as is necessary to permit safe and efficient operation of the airports and air navigation facilities. In like manner, the commission may acquire existing airports and air navigation facilities: Provided, however, That it shall not acquire or take over any airport or air navigation facility owned or controlled by a municipality of this or any other state without the consent of such municipality. The commission may by sale, lease, or otherwise, dispose of any such property, airport, air navigation facility, or portion thereof or interest therein. Such disposal by lease shall be made pursuant to the terms of chapter eight, article eleven, section six of the Code of West Virginia. Such disposal by sale or otherwise shall be in accordance with the laws of this state governing the disposition of other property of the state, except that in the case of disposal to any municipality or state government or the United States for aeronautical purposes incident thereto the sale or other disposal may be effected in such manner and upon such terms as the commission may deem in the best interest of the state.

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to limit any right, power or authority of the state or a municipality to regulate airport hazards by zoning.

The commission may exercise any powers granted by this section jointly with any municipalities or agencies of the state government, with other states or their municipalities, or with the United States.

In the condemnation of property authorized by this section, the commission shall proceed in the name of the state in the manner provided by chapter fifty-four, Code of West Virginia, 1931.