Texas Transportation Code - TRANSP § 366.169. Acquisition of Rights in Public Real Property

(a) An authority may use real property, including submerged land, streets, alleys, and easements, owned by the state or a local governmental entity that the authority considers necessary for the construction or operation of a turnpike project.

(b) The state or a local governmental entity having charge of public real property may consent to the use of the property for a turnpike project.

(c) Except as provided by Section 228.201, the state or a local governmental entity may convey, grant, or lease to an authority real property, including highways and other real property already devoted to public use and rights or easements in real property, that may be necessary or convenient to accomplish the authority's purposes, including the construction or operation of a turnpike project.  A conveyance, grant, or lease under this section may be made without advertising, court order, or other action other than the normal action of the state or local governmental entity necessary for a conveyance, grant, or lease.

(d) This section does not deprive the School Land Board of the power to execute leases for the development of oil, gas, and other minerals on state-owned real property adjoining a turnpike project or in tidewater limits.  The leases may provide for directional drilling from the adjoining property or tidewater area.

(e) This section does not affect the obligation of the authority under other state law to compensate the state for acquiring or using property owned by or on behalf of the state.  An authority's use of property owned by or on behalf of the state is subject to any covenants, conditions, restrictions, or limitations affecting that property.