SECTION 1. (a) Notwithstanding sections 32 to 37, inclusive, of chapter 7C of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the governor may, in consultation with the commissioner of the division of capital asset management and maintenance, the commissioner of the department of conservation and recreation the superintendent of the state police and the Massachusetts historical commission, convey to the owners of estates abutting on the land acquired by the commonwealth pursuant to chapter 256 of the Acts of 1915 and chapter 250 of the acts of 1916 a portion of the land acquired by the commonwealth pursuant to chapter 256 of the Acts of 1915 and chapter 250 of the acts of 1916 permanent easements or such lesser interests as the governor may determine for the purposes of using, maintaining and repairing existing walls, existing cornices, and existing decorative balconies and minor existing encroachments onto state house property that are appurtenant to existing buildings.  Such easements may be granted for nominal consideration and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the governor may determine.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the grantee shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including but not limited to, costs associated with any engineering, surveys, appraisals, and deed preparation related to the leases and any amendment thereto or conveyances authorized pursuant to this act as such costs may be determined by the governor for the development, maintenance, use and operation of any easement granted pursuant to section 1.