Quinlivan & Hughes attorney Michael Rajkowski successfully argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court in the CapX2020 high-voltage transmission line matter that landowners are entitled to relocation costs and minimum compensation. The decision overturns a Court of Appeals decision and affirms the ruling by Stearns County District Court Judge Frank Kundrat.
The case involves landowners who invoked the Buy the Farm statute, which allows homeowners and farmers to force a utility to purchase their entire property at fair market value rather than selling an easement to the utility. Judge Kundrat previously ruled that the homeowners who invoked the Buy the Farm statute were entitled to relocation costs and minimum compensation. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals, however, reversed that decision, in a 2-1 vote. Court of Appeals Judge Edward Cleary dissented, writing that the landowners essentially were forced from their property by an involuntary taking by CapX and that they were entitled to the compensation and relocation costs.
The Supreme Court decision overturned that Court of Appeals decision agreeing with Judge Cleary’s dissent. The Supreme Court’s decision can be found.
DSC00576Has the government taken a condemnation / eminent domain action against you? Know your rights and protect your investment. Contact the Quinlivan & Hughes Condemnation and Eminent Domain team today!
