Texas Special District Local Laws Code - SDLL § 7803.103. Eminent Domain

(a) The district may exercise the power of eminent domain in Dallas County to acquire the fee simple title to or an easement or right-of-way to, over, or through any private or public land, water, or land under water that is in the district, borders the district, is adjacent or opposite to the district, or is outside of the district if the property has a direct effect on the accomplishment of the purposes for which the district is created and is necessary for making, constructing, and maintaining all levees and other improvements for the improvement of rivers, creeks, streams, or drainage courses in the district or bordering the district to prevent the overflow of water.

(b) The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain under Subsection (a) to acquire land or other property that is used for cemetery purposes.

(c) The district shall pay adequate compensation to the owner of property that is taken, damaged, or destroyed for the purposes described by Subsection (a).

(d) A condemnation proceeding must be brought in the name of the district. (Acts 62nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 135, Sec. 6 (part).)