Tennessee Code Title 54. Highways, Bridges and Ferries § 54-5-208

In the event it becomes necessary for the commissioner to proceed under this section and §§ 54-5-207, 54-5-209 and 54-5-210, the state, acting through the commissioner, is authorized and empowered to exercise the power of eminent domain within municipalities for streets designated as part of the interstate and national defense system of highways.