Ind. Code § 8-21-9-14
The department shall prepare sketches, plans and descriptive material relating to any such airport, or airport facility, as in its discretion may seem feasible; to compile data and prepare literature as to the necessity or advisability thereof; and to do other acts and things which it considers necessary to promote any such airport or airport facility and deems to be in the public interest; to carry on in its discretion negotiations and enter into agreements and contracts with the federal government or agencies thereof for or relating to the building and construction of any airport or airport facility to be located within the State of Indiana; to locate and acquire a suitable site for any such airport or airport facility; and to construct, develop, maintain and operate the same in cooperation with the federal government, or any agency thereof, or otherwise, in such manner and on such terms as will, in the discretion of the department, best serve the commercial, industrial and agricultural interests of the state. The title to all property included in any such airport or airport facility shall be taken in the name of the state of Indiana.
IC 8-21-9-14