Tennessee Code Title 12. Public Property, Printing and Contracts § 12-1-109

The state, acting through the department or agency having the power of supervision over any penal, charitable, reformatory, or educational institution belonging to the state, with the approval of the governor, shall have the right to acquire by purchase, donation, or condemnation on behalf of the state, all necessary land with interests therein, including necessary flowage rights, rights of riparian owners on any stream within the state, and easements for pipelines for the purpose of the installation of a system of waterworks or sewage disposal, for the use of such institution. The state shall make compensation in such case to the owner of such land or rights out of any funds belonging to the state, not otherwise appropriated.