Tenn. Code Ann. § 69-5-101: County may establish levee and drainage districts and change natural watercourses

The county court of any county is vested with the jurisdiction and authority at any regular, special, or adjourned session to establish a drainage district or districts, and to locate and establish levees, and cause to be constructed, as provided in this chapter, any levee, ditch, drain, or watercourse, or to straighten, widen, deepen, or change any natural watercourse in such county, or provide for such action being taken whenever it will be of public utility or conducive to the public health or welfare.