The department of conservation and development, if it deems it necessary and advisable so to do, is empowered and directed to accept a quitclaim deed or deeds from the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company and the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, or either of them, of their rights in and to the canal and feeder. Any such quitclaim deed or deeds may except perpetual easement rights for railroad tracks, sidings, switches, spurs, crossings and other railroad facilities now existing for the operation of the railroads owning the same and their service to the shippers and industries located thereon.