Cal. Water Code § 9006

In case the board determines that the ownership in fee of, instead of the right of way or easement over, any land required for use as a by-pass, overflow channel or basin, or for any part of the works of flood control to be carried out by the board, is necessary, or that the absolute ownership by the drainage district of any levees, cuts, canals, gates or other flood control works is necessary for the purposes of the district, then the board may require that title in fee and absolute ownership shall be conveyed to the drainage district before any compensation is allowed therefor pursuant to any of the provisions of this article.