Road projects, eminent domain and oil and gas operations
“Drive around Ohio and you can see road projects wherever you go. The government is widening roads, expanding roads and making new roads. Such projects almost always involve in part the government’s power of eminent domain, the power to seize private property for public use. Under both the Ohio and United States Constitutions, the government has the power to do so, but must pay just compensation to the owners of the private property. In addition, under various state and federal statutes, public utilities and telecommunications providers have limited powers of eminent domain. Oil and gas operators must be cognizant of both the government’s power and the protections provided by constitutional right and, in Ohio, by statute. They must also be aware of the process by which a governmental entity must condemn private property for public use. “
Fusonie, Thomas. Association of Corporate COuncil 26 September 2013.