ORS 553.270: Procedure on condemnation; property subject to and exempted from condemnation.

The right to condemn property, given pursuant to ORS 553.090 (4) shall include property already devoted to public use, including state and county property, which is less necessary than the use for which it is required by the district. In the acquisition of property or rights by condemnation, the board shall proceed in the name of the district under the provisions of the laws of Oregon. However, the right of condemnation may not be exercised against the lands or water rights of an irrigation district organized under ORS chapter 545, a drainage district organized under ORS chapter 547, a diking district organized under ORS chapter 551, a water improvement district organized under ORS chapter 552, a corporation for the use and control of water organized under ORS chapter 554 or a domestic water supply district organized under ORS chapter 264, or against property of the State of Oregon used for highway purposes.