Court authorizes eminent domain for two Taylor parcels needed for Corridor A2

The commissioners voted on Sept. 22 to authorize the use of eminent domain for two separate parcels in Taylor needed for the Corridor A2 roadway project.

Commissioner Bowles moved to authorize the county to use eminent domain to acquire approximately 3.674 acres of right-of-way and a utility easement owned by Russell and Pamela Smith for parcel 31; the court conducted a record vote by precinct and approved the motion. Bowles then moved to authorize eminent domain to acquire approximately 10.49 acres of right-of-way and drainage easements owned by Leopold Roy Wolf for parcel 401; that motion also passed following a precinct-by-precinct roll call. The court recorded each precinct vote as "yes," and both items passed 5-0.

County staff said the acquisitions are required for construction of the Corridor A2 project; commissioners indicated signs will be posted and project coordination will continue with right-of-way agents.