(a) Any junkyard or scrap metal processing facility, lawfully in existence on October 1, 1967, which is within one thousand feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of any highway, as herein defined, and any junkyard or scrap metal processing facility, which is at any time lawfully established within one thousand feet of such edge and visible from the main traveled way of any highway which at any time after October 1, 1967, is made a part of the interstate or primary system, shall be screened, if feasible, by the Commissioner of Transportation at locations within the highway right-of-way or in areas acquired for such purposes outside the right-of-way so as not to be visible from the main traveled way of such highways.

(b) When the commissioner determines that the topography of the land adjoining the highway will not permit adequate screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities, or the screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities would not be economically feasible, the commissioner may acquire by gift, purchase, exchange or condemnation such interests in lands on which the junkyard or scrap metal processing facility is located as may be necessary to secure the removal or disposal of the junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities, and pay for the costs of removal or disposal thereof. When the commissioner determines that it is in the best interest of the state, he may acquire by purchase, gift, exchange or condemnation such lands, or interests in lands, of the junkyard owner or scrap metal processing facility owner as may be necessary to provide adequate screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities, and he may purchase land or interests in land from owners other than the junkyard owner or scrap metal processing facility owner for the purpose of providing adequate screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities.