Contracts for the construction of any railroad, or the purchase of any necessary equipment, may be let on such terms and under such conditions as the director shall prescribe and may be let with or without advertisement or call for bids therefor.
Provided, however, that after the acquisition by construction of the railroad has been completed and the railroad has been placed into service the provisions of Section 1-1-40 shall apply.
S.C. Code § 13-1-1380