School board authorizes agreement path with Intervest to relocate pipeline, authorizes condemnation if needed

At the board meeting following the Southern Gap groundbreaking, members considered a motion to resolve an easement and pipeline conflict at the Southern Gap School site.

The board moved to enter an agreement with Intervest and its affiliates calling for a $200,000 upfront payment to release existing easement rights and to fund removal and relocation of the gas pipeline and associated structures to a new alignment that would not interfere with construction. The motion included a completion target of Sept. 20, 2024, and directed the superintendent to execute necessary documents. It also stated that if Intervest was unwilling to enter the agreement before Aug. 1, 2024, the district’s law firm was authorized to initiate and pursue condemnation proceedings and to retain co-counsel and experts as necessary.

During the roll call on the motion, board members recorded votes as follows in the transcript: Brian — yes; Tommy — no; Jack — yes; David — yes; Amy — yes. The motion therefore carried on the board floor with the majority in favor. The action gives the superintendent and legal counsel authority to finalize the relocation agreement or begin condemnation if negotiations do not succeed.

Board members did not provide further financial breakdowns of future relocation costs beyond the $200,000 upfront payment cited in the motion. The deadline dates and the allowance for condemnation are part of the motion recorded in the meeting minutes; legal and construction staff will need to confirm the schedule and contractor responsibilities as negotiations proceed.

The board did not identify other immediate alternative options during the discussion; the motion as passed creates a clear path to secure the site for school construction whether by negotiated settlement or legal action.