(a) The board may construct or otherwise acquire an airport for any institution within the system. It may maintain and operate the airports in connection with the teaching of courses in aeronautical engineering and for purposes in cooperation with the national defense program and for other purposes which will not interfere with those uses.(b) The board may acquire by purchase, lease, gift, condemnation, or otherwise, and may use, operate, and maintain any kind of property or property interest necessary or convenient to the exercise of powers under this section. The power of eminent domain shall be exercised in the manner provided by general law, including Title 52, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, except that the board shall not be required to give bond for appeal or bond for costs. Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3195, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1971.