The department of transportation, in the same manner and for the same transportation purposes established in section 5519.01 of the Revised Code, may acquire property, rights-of-way, or other rights in property for transportation use in connection with transportation projects that are part of a public-private initiative in accordance with Chapter 163. of the Revised Code. If the department proposes to acquire property, rights-of-way, or other rights in property for such transportation use at the request of a private entity, the acquisition shall be by the department, in accordance with Chapter 163. of the Revised Code and only if the director of transportation first makes a finding that the acquisition is for a public transportation use and serves the public transportation purposes of sections 5501.70 to 5501.83 of the Revised Code; the director also shall require the private party to pay the costs of the acquisition.
R.C. § 5501.79