1.  Purchase.  Where a proposed highway project cannot proceed to actual construction because replacement housing is not available to displaced persons and cannot otherwise be made available, the department on behalf of the State of Maine may acquire by purchase such real property as may be necessary to construct new housing thereon, rehabilitate existing housing thereon or move existing housing thereon.  

2.  Acquisition interpreted.  Acquisition of necessary replacement housing sites, rehabilitation, relocation or construction of replacement housing shall be an expense incidental to construction or reconstruction of a highway and shall not be deemed to be highway right-of-way and need not be within the limits of a construction project.  

3.  Construction.  The department may construct, relocate or rehabilitate on any housing sites acquired under subsection 1 such housing as may be necessary for any person displaced by any highway construction or reconstruction undertaken by the department.  

4.  Sale.  The department on behalf of the State of Maine may sell and convey the interest of the State acquired as replacement sites with the improvements thereon and may lease such interests in such property pending sale. Proceeds shall be credited to the project funds from which the purchase, rehabilitation or construction expenditures were made.