An authority may use public ways and move or alter others’ property for transportation projects, but eminent domain use and any property damage work are limited and may require approvals or written permission.
Sec. 452.058. USE AND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY OF OTHERS. (a) For a purpose described by Section 452.056(a)(1) and as necessary or useful in the construction, repair, maintenance, or operation of the public transportation system, an authority may: (1) use a public way, including an alley; and (2) directly, or indirectly by another person, relocate or reroute the property of another person or alter the construction of the property of another person. (b) For an act authorized by Subsection (a)(2), an authority may contract with the owner of the property to allow the owner to make the relocation, rerouting, or alteration by the owner's own means or through a contractor of the owner. The contract may provide for reimbursement of the owner for costs or payment to the contractor. (c) An authority may acquire by eminent domain any interest in real property, including a fee simple interest and the use of air or subsurface space, except the right of eminent domain may not be exercised: (1) in a municipality without the approval of each proposed acquisition by the governing body of the municipality or in an unincorporated area without the approval of each proposed acquisition by the commissioners court of the county in which the property to be condemned is located; or (2) in a manner that would: (A) unduly impair the existing neighborhood character of property surrounding, or adjacent to, the property to be condemned; (B) unduly interfere with interstate commerce; or (C) authorize the authority to run an authority vehicle on a railroad track that is used to transport property. (d) If an authority, through the exercise of a power under this chapter, makes necessary the relocation or rerouting of, or alteration of the construction of, a road, alley, overpass, underpass, railroad track, bridge, or associated property, an electric, telegraph, telephone, or television cable line, conduit, or associated property, or a water, sewer, gas, or other pipeline, or associated property, the relocation or rerouting or alteration of the construction must be accomplished at the sole cost and expense of the authority, and damages that are incurred by an owner of the property must be paid by the authority. (e) Unless the power of eminent domain is exercised, an authority may not begin an activity authorized under Subsection (a) to alter or damage property of others, including this state or a political subdivision of this state, without having first received the written permission of the owner. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.