La. Stat. tit. 38 § 2803
The Franklin Parish Watershed District shall constitute a body corporate in law, with all the powers of a corporation, and with all the powers and rights of a political subdivision of the state as provided by the laws of the state relating to the incurring of debt and the issuing of bonds therefor. This district, through its board of commissioners, may incur debt and issue negotiable bonds in accordance with the power and authority and in the form and manner, and with the effect and security now or hereafter provided by the constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana. This district, through its board of commissioners, may incur debt and contract obligations in accordance with law, sue and be sued, have a corporate seal, and do and perform any and all acts in its corporate capacity and in its corporate name which are necessary and proper for carrying out the purposes and objects for which it is created. It shall have the power of eminent domain and may expropriate property for all its purposes and objectives. Through its governing authority, the district may conserve the fresh water supply within its boundaries for the benefit of the inhabitants and property owners within said district and state, to provide water for commercial, municipal, and any other uses, both within and without the district, and provide for the protection against and control of flooding within the district. It may construct, lease, maintain, acquire, enlarge and operate any machinery or do any other thing necessary for the use and purpose of the district. It may own in full ownership all servitudes, rights of way, flowage rights and may acquire same by donation, prescription, purchase, expropriation, or otherwise.
La. R.S. § 38:2803