Cities and towns incorporated under the laws of this state may build and maintain levees within the limits of the municipality, or in its immediate vicinity, for protection from overflow or from the high waters of streams affecting them and may expropriate any lands within or without the corporation necessary for construction of levees.
The expropriation proceedings shall be upon due compensation and shall be conducted in accordance with and governed by the provisions of Articles 2626 to 2641 inclusive of the Revised Civil Code of Louisiana.
The right of way over all lands of the state for these purposes is hereby granted when authorized by the governor.
La. R.S. § 38:181