Goddard adopts ordinance authorizing eminent domain for Water Looping Project easements

The Goddard City Council on Jan. 20 adopted an ordinance authorizing the city to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire permanent utility easements and temporary construction easements needed for the Water Looping Project.

City Attorney Ryan Peck told the council the city previously adopted a resolution of necessity on Jan. 5 and has continued good‑faith negotiations with property owners. Peck said the ordinance "represents the formal authorization for the City to initiate eminent domain proceedings pursuant to K.S.A. 26‑501 et seq. for the limited purpose of acquiring permanent utility easements and temporary construction easements necessary to construct, operate, and maintain the Water Looping Project." He emphasized the scope is "narrowly tailored and limited solely to easement interests required for public water infrastructure."

Peck told the council the ordinance incorporates legal descriptions of affected tracts and authorizes the City Attorney to file the required petition in Sedgwick County District Court. He said adopting the ordinance will allow the Water Looping project to proceed on schedule and avoid construction delays and escalating costs associated with postponement.

After the presentation, the council voted 4‑0 to waive reading and adopt the ordinance and directed the City Attorney and City Administrator to take all actions necessary to carry out the ordinance in accordance with state law (Ordinance 1034).

What to watch next: Staff will proceed with filing the petition in Sedgwick County District Court as authorized. Property owners affected by the ordinance were not identified in detail during the meeting; follow‑up filings in court and further council updates should provide parcel‑level information and timelines.