SECTION 126. Armory commission; powers and duties in respect to location and rejuvenation of armories and air installations; method of acquiring land

The armory commission shall rebuild, remodel or repair state armories or air installations damaged or destroyed and may reconstruct, remodel, enlarge or otherwise improve existing state armories or air installations if it deems the needs of the service so require. The commission shall construct additional armories or air installations until the armed forces of the commonwealth shall be provided with adequate quarters.

The armory commission shall designate the location of armories and air installations to be constructed and shall immediately, on behalf of the commonwealth, take by eminent domain under chapter 79 or acquire by purchase or otherwise suitable lots of land in the respective cities or towns designated and shall erect, furnish and equip thereon armories or air installations sufficient for 1 or more units of the armed forces of the commonwealth as it considers necessary; provided, however, that no land shall be acquired and no buildings shall be erected, reconstructed, remodeled or enlarged until the site and plans and the total amount to be authorized for the site and plans have been approved by the commander-in-chief.

The armory commission may, on behalf of the commonwealth and with the approval of the commander-in-chief, take by eminent domain under chapter 79 or acquire by purchase or lease, land suitable for ranges for target practice for the armed forces of the commonwealth and upon such land may, with the approval of the commander-in-chief, erect such buildings and construct such facilities as may be needed.

Land acquired by purchase under this section shall be paid for by the commonwealth upon the execution of such a release or conveyance as shall be prescribed by the attorney general.

The armory commission may, on behalf of the commonwealth and with the approval of the commander-in-chief, dispose of an armory or air installation whenever it considers that the continued existence of such armory or air installation no longer suitably or efficiently serves the purposes of the armed forces of the commonwealth either due to obsolescence or changes in the defense requirements.