ORS 276.236: Department may acquire land, water and water rights, watercourses, franchises and privileges.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services may purchase, contract for, and lease, in the name of the state, real property, water, water rights and watercourses, franchises and privileges. Whenever the department deems it necessary or proper, it may appropriate and condemn real property, water, water rights and watercourses, franchises and privileges, including the right to take and condemn real property, water, water rights and watercourses, franchises and privileges, appropriated for or devoted to a public use before February 27, 1901, by any person or corporation under and by virtue of the laws of this state or the Territory of Oregon.