As Texas communities grow, the boundaries of towns and cities become less pronounced and the need for improved services increases. The State may invoke the power of eminent domain and condemnation to secure the use of your land for public improvement projects....
Eminent Domain
How may I increase my property value when facing eminent domain?
When a government entity exercises eminent domain to take your property for public use, it must provide compensation for your loss. Under Texas Property Code Section 21.042, adequate compensation requires calculating the market value of your property at the time of...
Eminent domain issues in high-speed rail project
Texas Central still needs permits in order to proceed with a controversial project using not only Japanese technology but possibly Japanese funding as well. Although Governor Greg Abbott supports the project to build a high-speed rail line stretching from Dallas to...
Texan fights eminent domain in high-speed rail construction
When large-scale projects are planned and underway in Texas, it is not uncommon for the state to use the law of eminent domain to seize property it deems essential to its completion. However, land owners may not agree with various aspects of the case and choose to...
The basics about eminent domain
Our readers in Texas may have heard the term “eminent domain” and perhaps have a general idea of what this area of the law involves. For landowners, understanding the basics of eminent domain can be crucial. The government's rights For starters, the most basic premise...
Eminent domain dispute involving church heads to litigation
Eminent domain is a complex area of Texas law in which it may be difficult to categorize “right” and “wrong.” People who own property might not be aware that the government can seize land if it determines it is necessary to do so. The property owner will be...
Plans for Atlantic Coast Pipeline canceled
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline that was planned for a 600-mile section of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia has been scrapped. The two companies that partnered on the project, Duke Energy and Dominion Energy of...
Public use of property requires adequate homeowner compensation
The proposed changes for eminent domain in Texas died on the house floor this past spring. With no change to the law, homeowners still retain the same rights as before. However, the eminent domain must be used in accordance with the law and not for any purpose the...
Could eminent domain change in Texas?
While you generally have the right to be safe in your own home and on your own property, there is one concept that could take that property right out from under you. Eminent domain is a legal right for the government or an approved entity to take your land for fair...
What is eminent domain?
As a Texas landowner, you should feel fairly confident that neither local, state or federal government officials can take your land away from you. Generally speaking, the right to your own property without unreasonable government interference ranks alongside your...