Farmers learn about eminent domain process
“With several large regional or statewide infrastructure projects in the planning stages, government eminent domain issues have surfaced for rural landowners in many parts of California. Public works under consideration range from water and flood-control projects to utility upgrades to major transportation projects such as California High Speed Rail, a statewide train system for which construction is slated to start in the Central Valley.
The state is spending about $360 million to purchase hundreds of properties along the route, including part of Curran’s farm, and may use eminent domain to do so. Central Valley landowners in the path of the rail line gathered at the Madera County Farm Bureau office last week to learn more about the eminent domain process, including how to protect their legal rights and ensure they are paid a fair price when private lands are taken for a public project.”
Souza, Christine. The Ag Alert 27 February 2013.