The consent of the state of Tennessee is given to the acquisition by the United States, by purchase or otherwise, of such lands within the state as in the opinion of the federal government, the state forester and the governor concurring, may be necessary for the establishment and extension of national forests and parks, and the improvement and development of the Tennessee River basin and the Cove Creek project on the Clinch River and Fort Pillow in Lauderdale County; provided, that the property of no one shall be taken under the power of eminent domain without previous negotiation and that in all such proceedings the United States or its agencies shall, for the purpose of guaranteeing uniformity in such proceedings, follow §§ 29-16-101 - 29-16-122, 29-16-202 and 29-16-203 providing for the taking of private property for works of internal improvement.
T.C.A. § 11-18-101