(a) In all cases hereafter existing in which a privately owned ferry serving traffic upon any state highway is discontinued, leaving no means of crossing available to the public, the State Highway Commission is authorized to establish and maintain ferry service at that point.
(b) To the end of providing ferry service, the State Highway Commission is authorized to acquire by negotiation, purchase, or exercise of eminent domain any required sites for landings or other needed acreage and to purchase or construct ferry boats and all facilities needed in the operation of the ferries.
(c) The ferries as provided shall be operated free of tolls to the public and shall be operated in the manner and at the hours as the State Highway Commission may from time to time prescribe.
(d) No portion of §§ 27-87-101 — 27-87-105, 27-87-201 — 27-87-209, 27-87-301 — 27-87-303, and 27-87-401 — 27-87-403 shall apply to the free ferries installed and operated by the State Highway Commission hereunder.
(e) All laws and parts of laws in conflict herewith are repealed.