The department shall not acquire any sign by purchase or condemnation, any portion of the cost of which is eligible for federal participation, until such time as federal matching funds have been apportioned to and made available to the department for such acquisition. No sign shall be acquired by condemnation, except after three months' written notice has been given to the owner thereof of the intention to so acquire the same, during which time the penalties provided by this part shall not apply.
Georgia Legal Code