For the acquiring of rights-of-way and property necessary for the construction of structures, including railroad crossings, airports, seaplane bases, naval bases, wharves, piers, ships, docks, quays, elevators, compresses, refrigerator storage plants, warehouses and other riparian and littoral terminals and structures and approaches thereto and transportation facilities needful for the convenient use of same, and belt line roads and highways and causeways and bridges and other bridges and causeways, the Authority shall have the right and power to acquire the same by purchase, by negotiation, or by condemnation, and should it elect to exercise the right of eminent domain, condemnation proceedings shall be maintained by and in the name of the Authority, and it may proceed in the manner provided by the general laws of the State of North Carolina for the procedure by any county, municipality or authority organized under the laws of this State, or by the Board of Transportation, or in any other manner provided by law, as the Authority may, in its discretion, elect. The power of eminent domain shall not apply to property of persons, State agency or corporations already devoted to public use. (1945, c. 1097, s. 5; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; 1977, c. 198, s. 9; 1979, c. 159, s. 5; 2011-145, s. 14.6(b).)