Eminent Domain Report

As we mentioned in our recent 2012 Eminent Domain Year in Review, we've seen a boom of infrastructure projects in California -- a trend we expect to continue into the near future.  So what exactly are we talking about?  Here's just a few examples:

• California Transportation Commission's $64 Million Allocation:  According to a Caltrans press release, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) recently allocated $64 million to 43 projects that will reduce traffic congestion and repair highways, local streets, and bridges.  You can find a list of the projects here.
• Southern California Freeway Widening:  According to an article in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Pomona council selects option for improving 71 Freeway, the Pomona City Council approved the widening the 71 Freeway from a four-lane highway to an eight-lane freeway.  With the approval, Caltrans can now include the project in a package that would compete for funding from a state public-private partnership program. 
• Sacramento Light Rail Expansion:  According to an article in the Sacramento Bee, $135 million federal grant keeps Sacramento region's rail expansion rolling, the U.S. Transportation Secretary and head of the Federal Transit Administration recently made a trip to Northern California to present Sacramento with a $135 federal grant to fund a 4.3 mile extension of the light rail Blue Line to Cosumnes River College.  Sacramento officials are also currently pushing for additional funding for a modern streetcar system in Sacramento and West Sacramento.
• Northern California Grade Separation Project:   According to an article in the Manteca Bulletin, Lathrop may condemn private property for bridge over tracks, the City of Lathrop adopted a resolution of necessity in order to begin the eminent domain process for property needed to build a bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks on Lathrop Road.  In order to construct the "Westerly Grade Separation," the City needs a 6.15-acre parcel, which it appraised at $575,000.  Because funding is at risk of the City cannot start the project by mid-2013, the City Attorney has retained outside eminent domain attorneys to process the litigation and secure an order for prejudgment possession of the necessary property.