Ala. Code § 18-1A-270

The State of Alabama, or any county, municipality, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Montevallo or any corporation organized under the laws of this state, or any person or association of persons, proposing to take lands, or to acquire an interest or easement therein, for any uses for which private property may be taken, may, if there be no other mode of proceeding prescribed by law, apply to the probate court of the county in which such lands, or a material portion thereof, may be situate, for an order of condemnation thereof to such uses. The state or any county may institute and maintain the proceedings herein authorized, in its own name, without giving bond or security or causing affidavit to be made, though the same may be required if the action were between private citizens. The written direction of the Governor to the attorney of record is a sufficient authority for bringing the suit.