Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes eminent-domain proceedings to acquire parcel for railroad crossing safety work
Summary
The council approved a resolution authorizing acquisition or permanent easements for a small property near Hawkeye and Jefferson Street so BNSF and partners can install signal arms and protect the area's 'quiet zone'; staff said federal Section 130 railroad-safety funds will reimburse the city.
The Burlington City Council on July 20 approved a resolution authorizing the city to begin acquisition or eminent-domain proceedings for a small parcel near Hawkeye and Jefferson Street to enable railroad-safety improvements and preserve the city's railroad "quiet zone."
City staff explained BNSF and Iowa DOT were involved in the TIGER grant project and had attempted to buy the property from the bakery owner but were unsuccessful. The staff presentation said the grant timetable requires acquisition by the end of the federal fiscal year to install signal arms and other safety equipment. "The resolution in front of you would authorize the city of Burlington to go through the proceedings, eminent domain as a legal doctrine, to acquire a 173, square foot of area," city staff said.
Staff told council the money for the acquisition and related work would initially pass through the city and be reimbursed by federal Section 130 railroad-safety funds. Council members noted the improvements are intended to keep the intersection within the quiet zone and voted by roll call to approve the resolution authorizing acquisition/easement proceedings.
What happens next: staff will complete appraisals and coordinate with BNSF and Iowa DOT to finalize acquisition or permanent easement terms and to ensure grant compliance and reimbursement.
