Whenever it becomes necessary for the proper construction, maintenance, or improvement of streets in cities, which streets have been designated as connecting links in the state highway system, to acquire right-of-way for said streets, the secretary of transportation may assist said cities in paying for said right-of-way and may pay from the state highway fund to said cities for such purpose such part of the amounts necessary for the payment for such right of way as may be agreed upon by the secretary and the governing bodies of said cities. Upon the request of a city and approval of plans by the city the secretary may acquire by condemnation or purchase right-of-way for construction, reconstruction and maintenance of connecting links in the state highway system in any city, and the secretary of transportation may construct, reconstruct and maintain such connecting link with or without such city’s participation.