Tennessee Code Title 29. Remedies and Special Proceedings § 29-17-901

(a)(1) The state of Tennessee, its counties or municipalities are hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, in the manner hereinafter set out, such right-of-way, land, material, easements and rights as may be deemed necessary, suitable or desirable for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, drainage or protection of any street, road, highway, freeway or parkway by the official charged by law with the construction or maintenance of the same.

(2) Levee and drainage districts located in counties with a population of not less than thirty thousand (30,000) nor more than thirty-one thousand (31,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, created pursuant to title 69, chapter 6, are hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, in the manner hereinafter set out, such right-of-way, land, material, easements and rights as may be deemed necessary, suitable or desirable to construct levees, ditches, drains or watercourses, or to straighten, widen, deepen, or change natural watercourses in such districts.