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Tumwater committee schedules ordinance authorizing eminent domain for X Street Roundabout
Summary
Staff presented Ordinance O2025‑015 to authorize condemnation if needed to acquire right‑of‑way for the X Street Roundabout, a roughly $6.8 million project with $2.8 million earmarked for right‑of‑way; the committee moved the ordinance to the Dec. 2 council calendar with a recommendation to adopt.
City staff told the Public Works Committee on Nov. 20 that Ordinance O2025‑015 would authorize the use of condemnation (eminent domain) if negotiations do not produce the property rights needed for the X Street Roundabout, a project tied to federal grants with a funding and bidding timeline that requires early action.
Brandon Hicks, who presented the item, said the roundabout is the fourth project from the Capitol Boulevard corridor plan and estimated the total project cost at about "$6,800,000," with roughly $2.8 million for right‑of‑way acquisition. He explained that accepting federal transportation funding commonly requires willingness to use eminent domain when negotiations fail and that state RCW and the Uniform Relocation Assistance rules provide appraisal, relocation and reimbursement protections for affected owners.
Hicks described property impacts on the project aerial, noting one parcel will require full acquisition because the roundabout footprint intersects the building site, forcing demolition and relocation. He said appraisals are current and staff has been contacting owners; "The appraisals are all freshly done...just about ready to make offers," he said.
Why it matters: the ordinance triggers a statutory public meeting requirement and establishes the city's ability to pursue condemnation if negotiations do not secure necessary property rights; staff said the condemnation process also assures appraisal reviews and relocation assistance.
Committee action: Members asked about appraisal currency; Hicks confirmed appraisals are current. The committee moved to place Ordinance O2025‑015 on the Dec. 2 council consideration calendar with a recommendation to adopt; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: The ordinance will go before the full council on Dec. 2; staff said negotiations with property owners will continue concurrent with the condemnation authorization if necessary and that offers and relocation assistance will follow state law.
