Authority to expropriate; acquisition of property for street, drainage, water, utility, or sewerage projects prior to judgment

A. When the governing authority cannot amicably acquire property needed by the parish of Calcasieu or the cities of Lake Charles or Sulphur for a street, drainage, water, utility, or sewerage project, it may acquire the same by expropriation and may acquire the property prior to judgment in the trial court fixing the amount of compensation due to the owner of the property. B. At least fifteen days prior to filing a petition for expropriation, the governing authority must notify the owner or owners by certified mail, return receipt requested, of its intention to expropriate the property pursuant to this Part. The letter of notification must also inform the owner that if, within fifteen days after being served with the notice of suit, he does not object to the taking on the ground that it is not for a public purpose, he will waive all defenses to the taking except claims for compensation or damages. This notice provision must be enclosed with the letter of notification. C. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, such expropriation by the governing authority shall be conducted in the manner that the Department of Transportation and Development may expropriate property for highway purposes, as set forth in R.S. 48:441 through 460.