Tenn. Code Ann. § 69-2-101: Acquisition and maintenance of facilities

(a) The department of transportation, acting through the commissioner of transportation, is authorized to acquire by purchase, condemnation, construction or otherwise, and to maintain and operate any public facilities the commissioner may deem suitable for the loading and landing of cargo wherever state highways intersect or parallel any navigable waters within or bounding the state.

(b) Such powers shall in no way interfere with present property rights of now existing ferry franchises.