Lands team prepares for eminent‑domain trials; authority sold six excess parcels at online auction

Justin Fisher, in his first lands update to the board on July 24, told members the authority has seen a modest uptick in property acquisitions since the prior month and is preparing for imminent eminent‑domain trials.

Fisher reviewed three categories used to track parcels: green (acquired for flowage easements), blue (in negotiation or not yet pursued for eminent domain), and orange (in eminent domain). He said acquisition progress is steady for in‑town levees, the stormwater diversion channel, OHB, and the Drayton Dam footprint.

Closures and upcoming trials Fisher said the lands team closed an online auction on Tuesday for six excess land parcels; staff will report next month on whether those parcels met reserve pricing and on any subsequent actions. He also said authorities are issuing notices on an abandoned rail corridor in Horace and that eminent‑domain trials will start next month, with land agents preparing relocations and reimbursement processing.

Why this matters Property acquisition and eminent domain directly affect the authority’s ability to complete construction work, perform environmental monitoring, and manage community relocations. Fisher emphasized that negotiation remains the preferred path but that the authority is preparing for litigation where negotiations have not led to agreements.

Next steps Staff will continue negotiations with landowners where possible, complete the auction follow‑up next month, and proceed to eminent‑domain trials as scheduled. Land‑agent teams are assisting with relocations and reimbursement requests as owners move.