The Metro Flood Diversion Authority reported June 26 that land acquisition work is continuing and that the authority plans an auction of excess parcels on July 22 as staff prepare for imminent domain trials scheduled in August.

Eric, the authority’s land-status staff, told the board the upstream mitigation area is just over 60% acquired and that five of seven township plans are complete. He said the authority closed on 12 parcels in the past month, most of which were in Minnesota, and that work continues on relocation advisory services and reimbursement processing for displaced owners.

Eric also emphasized the authority’s willingness to continue negotiating with property owners even after eminent domain filings. “We are absolutely willing to continue negotiating with landowners even if we've filed the eminent domain actions,” he said, noting the first trials are already scheduled for August and attorneys are preparing the cases.

Staff said the auction of selected excess parcels is scheduled for July 22 and that planning by township for lands acquired for the diversion channel is underway; five townships are finished and two remain in process. The authority noted continuing work on processing reimbursements and relocation assistance for affected property owners.

Board members received the update and asked no additional questions during the report.