The department is authorized and empowered to obtain from the Federal Government or any agency thereof, through purchase or gift, supplies, materials and equipment which is adaptable to highway maintenance and construction. Such supplies, materials and equipment may be sold, leased or given by the department to the several towns in the State which make a written request therefor, on such terms and conditions as the department, in its discretion, deems necessary.   [PL 1971, c. 593, §22 (AMD).]