To purchase and acquire quarries, gravel pits, sand pits, cement rock or other natural deposits of road material to be used in the construction and maintenance of State highways, and to quarry, dig, manufacture, prepare and use such material or deposits in such construction and maintenance or to sell, furnish and supply the same to contractors engaged in constructing, improving or maintaining highways within the State and to erect such buildings and to purchase such machinery, utensils, tools, and equipment as may be necessary or essential for the proper prosecution of such work.