85-1-209. Acquisition of property by department. (1) The department may acquire by purchase or exchange, upon terms and conditions and in a manner it considers proper, and may acquire by condemnation, in accordance with Title 70, chapter 30, any land, rights, water rights, easements, franchises, and other property considered necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of works. Title to property purchased or condemned must be taken in the name of the department. The department is under no obligation to accept and pay for any property condemned under this chapter except from the funds provided by this chapter. In any proceedings to condemn, orders may be made by the court that has jurisdiction of the suit, action, or proceeding that may be warranted by law and the facts.

(2) In a condemnation proceeding brought under Title 70, chapter 30, for the purpose of carrying out this chapter, all persons interested in the title of or holding liens upon the property sought to be taken, as disclosed by the public records, must be made parties and the court in the action shall partition and distribute the damages awarded, if any, among those persons. If there is controversy between the condemnees, the court may direct the amount of the damage awarded to be paid into court to be allocated in further appropriate proceedings either at law or in equity.

(3) Taking possession of the property sought to be condemned may not be delayed by reason of any dispute between the rival claimants or the failure to join any of them as a party to the condemnation proceedings.

(4) If water rights are acquired or exercised by the department in connection with two or more works or projects, the department by order shall apportion or allocate to each of the works or projects the part of the water rights that the department determines is necessary. Upon the adoption of the order, the water rights are considered a part of each of the works or projects to the extent that the water rights have been apportioned or allocated to the works or projects.