La. Roads, Bridges and Ferries § 48:855
Whenever a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon or whenever the owner is legally incapacitated, is absent, is unknown, or is unable to convey valid title, the parish may acquire by expropriation or condemnation any such bridge, any interest therein, and any land, rights, servitudes, franchises, and other property deemed necessary or convenient for the improvement or the efficient operation of any property acquired or constructed under this Sub-part, or for the purpose of constructing any bridge or portion thereof under this Sub-part, or for securing a right-of-way leading to any such bridge or its approaches. Proceedings shall be instituted and conducted by the governing authority of the parish. The compensation to be paid shall be ascertained and paid in the manner provided by law.
Title to any property expropriated or condemned by a parish shall be taken in its name.
La. Roads, Bridges and Ferries § 48:855