Mo. Rev. Stat. § 305.190: Declaration of acquisition of land a public necessity.

Any lands acquired, owned, controlled or occupied by such cities, villages, towns or counties for the purposes enumerated in sections 305.170 and 305.180 hereof shall and are hereby declared to be acquired, owned, controlled, and occupied for a public purpose and as a matter of public necessity, and such cities, villages, towns, or counties shall have the right to acquire property for such purpose or purposes under the power of eminent domain as and for a public necessity.