The parish government may expropriate needed property for certain public projects if it cannot buy it amicably, but only after council approval and required notice to the owner.
PART VII. EXPROPRIATION BY A DECLARATION OF TAKING BY THE TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT §271. Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government; authority to expropriate; acquisition of property prior to judgment; definitions A. When the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government cannot amicably acquire property needed for a street, parish road or highway, drainage, flood protection, utility, or sewerage project, it may acquire the same by expropriation and may acquire the property prior to judgment in the trial court fixing the amount of compensation due to the owner of the property. The expropriation of any property pursuant to the provisions of this Part must first be approved by two-thirds of the elected membership of the parish council of the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government by the adoption of an ordinance declaring that the taking is necessary or useful for the purposes of this Part. B. At least fifteen days prior to filing a petition for expropriation, the parish administration must notify the owner or owners by certified mail, return receipt requested, of its intention to expropriate the property pursuant to this Part. The letter of notification must also inform the owner that if, within fifteen days after being served with the notice of suit, he does not object to the taking on the ground that it is not for a public purpose, he will waive all defenses to the taking except claims for compensation or damages. A copy of this Part must be enclosed with the letter of notification. C. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, such expropriation by the parish government shall be conducted in the manner that the Department of Transportation and Development may expropriate property for highway purposes, as set forth in R.S. 48:441 through 460. D. As used in this Part, the term "property" means any portion of immovable property including servitudes, rights-of-way, and other rights in or to immovable property, but shall not include any property, utility plant, or facilities owned by any private waterworks or sewerage system. Acts 2001, No. 470, §1.