Any board proceeding under KRS 96.171 to 96.188 shall have the right to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, all lands, easements, rights of way, either upon or under or above the ground, reasonably necessary or desirable in connection with the operation, maintenance, improvement or extension of its electric and water plant. The condemnation or eminent domain proceedings shall be brought in the name of the board, and proceed in the form and manner now prescribed for the condemnation of land by the Eminent Domain Act of Kentucky.
KRS 96.178