A window into the exploding power of eminent domain
“Five years ago, when the state of Texas passed new rules governing the use of eminent domain — the power that allows governments and corporations to take private land for public use — it had…
Lawmakers attempt to halt controversial water project
“Central Texas lawmakers want to cut off at the knees a controversial water project by reining in a water supplier’s eminent domain powers and expanding the jurisdiction of local groundwater conservation districts. Residents near Wimberley,…
Bill would punish bad faith eminent domain offers
“Entities exercising eminent domain authority could be on the hook for attorney and expert fees if they offer below market value for property under a bill considered by a Senate panel Monday. SB 474, by…
Metcalf files bill giving county say in rail talks
“State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, is taking dead aim at high speed rails. Companies like Texas Central Railway, which hopes to build a high speed rail from Houston to Dallas, are staring down the barrel…
Conroe Lawmaker Wants to Kill Houston-Dallas Bullet Train, Even if It Doesn’t Touch His District or Public Money
“Imagine a train that could whisk you from here to Dallas in 90 minutes flat. Texas Central Railway, a private company working with a Japanese train manufacturer, wants to make that possible by 2021. A…
Railroad commission approves new pipeline rules
“The Texas Railroad Commission formally approved new rules modifying what pipeline operators must do to become common carriers and possibly get the power to condemn land for their projects. The new T-4 pipeline form approved…
Across the Calatrava, David Jensen Learns Just How Dirty a Fight with Dallas City Hall Can Get
“The city calls its plan for street improvements in West Dallas “The Three-Hole Punch.” But for David Jensen, who owns a warehouse on those streets, it’s a sucker punch. Three years ago Jensen, a 62-year-old…
Proposed bill adds some teeth to Texas’ eminent domain rules
“Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, has filed a bill that he said will provide greater protections for private property owners against eminent domain property seizures. Currently, state law requires that land taken by eminent domain be…
Nichols files bill prohibiting eminent domain for parks
“Montgomery County lawmaker Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, wants to prohibit government bodies from condemning land, or eminent domain, for recreational purposes. Nichols, a state senator in his third session, filed Senate Bill 178, which would forbid…
Eminent domain issue spurs outcry
“Flower Mound Town Councilmembers tabled action Monday on plans to acquire a half-acre property through eminent domain after the issue flared on social media over the weekend, prompting residents to decry using condemnation to take…