(a) The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is authorized to establish, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, a linear park along Route 11, utilizing both the highway right-of-way and other adjoining lands acquired for this purpose. Said linear park, if established, shall also link other state and municipal recreational and open space areas.

(b) The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: (1) May accept, receive and administer, on behalf of the state, any grants, loans or other funds made available from any source for the purposes of establishing said linear park; (2) may acquire lands, waters or interests in lands or waters, by purchase or condemnation, and enter into agreements with federal, other state or local agencies, corporations or individuals concerning such lands or waters which may be necessary to establish said park; (3) may administer the design, including site planning, construction and development; (4) may administer, maintain and regulate the use of said park; and (5) may enter into cooperative agreements with agencies of the government or local agencies to provide for maintenance and regulation of said park.