Section 54-5-104 - Eminent domain(a) The department is authorized to condemn the fee to, or an easement in, lands that may be necessary, suitable, or desirable for the construction, reconstruction, development, enlargement, maintenance, repair, drainage, or protection of any street, road, highway, freeway, or parkway, by the officials charged by law with the maintenance or construction of the street, road, highway, freeway, or parkway, including the power to acquire easements in lands adjacent to the lands for related slopes and drainage and any other similar purposes.(b) This section applies to all transportation purposes, as well as for highway purposes.Acts 1917, ch. 74, § 5; Shan., § 1720a29b17 (p. 6549); Shan. Supp., § 1720a7b48; mod. Code 1932, § 3206; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; Acts 1973, ch. 49, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 54-504; Acts 1981, ch. 264, § 12.