Miss. Code Ann. § 55-13-17

The Natchez Trace highway, parkway and scenic public parks to be constructed within the State of Mississippi is hereby made a part of the state highway system, and full jurisdiction over the same is hereby conferred upon the State Highway Commission for the purpose of assisting the agents and employees of the federal government in the making of surveys, the preparing of maps, both topographical and descriptive, the preparing of deeds, the purchasing of right of way, the filing of condemnation suits and the obtaining of right-of-way for said Natchez Trace.

The State Highway Commission is further authorized and empowered to make surveys, prepare maps, deeds and plats and to receive on behalf of and in the name of the State of Mississippi the fee simple title to any land necessary for the construction of the said Natchez Trace highway and parkway and to receive scenic easements through, over, on and across land necessary for scenic public parks along said Natchez Trace.

The State Highway Commission is hereby authorized and empowered to obtain by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, any land which is necessary for the Natchez Trace highway, parkway and scenic public parks, and to pay for the same as provided in Section 55-13-19 .