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Stearns County authorizes eminent domain process to secure right‑of‑way for County Road 32 intersection project
Summary
The board authorized starting eminent domain proceedings if necessary to secure right‑of‑way for a federally funded intersection improvement on County Road 32 at Trunk Highway 4 after six of seven parcels signed; the project needs right‑of‑way by April 15 to keep federal funding.
The Stearns County Board voted to authorize the eminent domain process, if needed, to secure right‑of‑way for a federally funded intersection improvement project on County Road 32 at Trunk Highway 4 (project cited in the meeting as "SP 0 7 3 0 7 0 0 3 0").
Mike Decker, acting county engineer, told the board seven parcels are affected, six of which have signed easements and one parcel remains unsigned despite negotiations that began in July. "It's a federally funded project, so we need the right away by April 15," Decker said, and he requested the board start the eminent domain process now because the procedure takes roughly three months. Decker said the permanent right‑of‑way is about one acre with about a half acre of temporary easement.
Board members said they hope negotiations with the landowners continue and urged staff to provide cost estimates to the family so they understand the county costs of pursuing eminent domain. Commissioner Notch and other members noted the difficulties of using eminent domain in family disputes but acknowledged the county must meet federal deadlines to keep the project on schedule. The resolution to begin the process if needed passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Decker will continue negotiations, calculate potential county costs if condemnation proceeds, and initiate statutory eminent domain steps if no voluntary agreement is reached by the required date.
