Acquisition of property known as "Winter veterans hospital" from federal government authorized; powers and duties of social welfare board; establishment of institution

The state board of social welfare, subject to the approval and direction of the governor, is hereby authorized to make an application to the proper agency of the federal government for the purpose of acquiring for use of the state as an institution for the mentally retarded, and related purposes, the property now owned by the federal government in the city of Topeka, Shawnee county, Kansas, known as "Winter veterans hospital." Said board may acquire said property in accordance with the federal property and administrative services act of 1949, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and said board is hereby authorized and empowered to execute any and all agreements with the federal government or any agency thereof, and shall have and may exercise any other powers, or do any other acts, that may be necessary in acquiring said property in accordance with the requirements of any federal law or rule and regulations promulgated thereunder: Provided, That said board, before making any such agreements relating to the acquisition of said property, shall advise the governor of the terms and conditions of the acquisition, and no further proceedings for such acquisition shall be taken unless written approval thereof and consent thereto is given by the governor. It is the intent of the legislature that the property known as the Winter veterans hospital should not be acquired by the state unless substantially all of the real estate and equipment in the various buildings thereof as of March 10, 1959, is included in the acquisition. The board if it deems it advisable may designate and authorize one of its members or an officer in the state department of social welfare to negotiate and sign the necessary agreements for and on behalf of the board. If the use of said Winter veterans hospital facility is acquired by the state, the board may pay external administrative expenses incurred in the transfer of the property. Upon transfer of the property, the state board of social welfare shall assume immediate custody, care and maintenance thereof, and shall proceed to establish and maintain in such facility an institution for the mentally retarded.