LCRA TSC authorizes pursuit of aerial easements, including condemnation if necessary, for Colton–Elroy transmission overhaul

Summary

The board authorized staff Feb. 18 to seek three aerial easements in Travis County (generally 15–18 feet on either side of a 100‑foot corridor) for the Colton‑to‑Elroy transmission line overhaul (T‑658); staff said offers based on third‑party appraisals have been made and condemnation would be a last resort.

The LCRA Transmission Services Corporation board on Feb. 18 authorized staff to seek acquisition of interest in real property, including the use of eminent domain if necessary, for the Colton‑to‑Elroy transmission line overhaul (T‑658) in Travis County.

Real estate staff described the request as limited to three aerial easements to support the project; the existing easement corridor is about 100 feet wide and the requested aerial easements would typically add about 15–18 feet on either side. Staff said initial offers based on independent third‑party appraisals were extended to landowners and that condemnation was being sought only if agreements cannot be reached.

A board member questioned why one landowner’s easement valuation was higher than the others despite apparent lack of frontage; staff replied the parcel has more improvements and that those improvements likely affected the appraisal. Summerall emphasized these items are aerial easements only and do not include additional ground‑rights.

A motion to authorize the use of eminent domain if necessary was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll call or vote tally.