W. Va. Code § 15-6-14
The board is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by purchase, whenever it shall deem such purchase expedient, any land, property, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements and other interests in lands as it may deem necessary or convenient for the construction or operation of any armory or armory project upon such terms and at such price as may be considered by it to be reasonable and can be agreed upon between the board and the owner thereof, and to take title thereto in the name of the state. Whenever a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon, or whenever the owner is legally incapacitated, or is absent, unknown or unable to convey valid title, the board is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire, by the exercise of the power of condemnation in accordance with and subject to the provisions of any and all existing laws and statutes applicable to the exercise of the power of condemnation of property for public use, any land, property, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements or other property deemed necessary or convenient for the construction or the efficient operation of any armory project or necessary in the restoration of public or private property damaged or destroyed. In any condemnation proceedings the court having jurisdiction of the suit, action or proceeding may make such orders as may be just to the board and to the owners of the property to be condemned and may require an undertaking or other security to secure such owners against any loss or damage by reason of the failure of the board to accept and pay for the property, but neither such undertaking or security nor any act or obligation of the board shall impose any liability upon the state or the board except such as may be paid from the funds provided under the authority of this article.
W. Va. Code § 15-6-14