Arkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-68-108. Acquisition of property--Rights

(a) The highway authorities of the state, counties, cities, towns, or villages may acquire private or public property and property rights for controlled-access facilities and service roads, including rights of access, air, view, and light. The property and property rights may be acquired by gift, devise, purchase, or condemnation in the same manner as the units are authorized by law to acquire property or property rights in connection with highways and streets within their respective jurisdictions.

(b) All property rights acquired under the provisions of this chapter shall be in fee simple.

(c) In connection with the acquisition of property or property rights for any controlled-access facility or portion thereof, or service road in connection therewith, the state, county, city, town, or village highway authority may, in its discretion, acquire an entire lot, block, or tract of land if by so doing the interests of the public will be best served, even though the entire lot, block, or tract is not immediately needed for the right-of-way proper.

(d) Court proceedings necessary to acquire property or property rights for purposes of this chapter shall take precedence over all other causes not involving the public interest to the end that the provision of controlled-access facilities may be expedited.