Landowners press utility on compensation, right‑of‑way process and farming impacts

Farmers at the Butler meeting pressed company representatives on how a new 765 kV corridor would affect crop land, irrigation pivot systems and drainage tile and sought clarity on compensation.

"There is a valuation assessment," an I&M representative said, describing a process that looks at current land costs, current land use and market value to determine reasonable offers. The company said right‑of‑way agents meet landowners, discuss options and that willing landowners are often prioritized when final routes are set.

Attendees asked whether construction would compact soils and reduce productivity for years; one participant warned the loss of future productivity should be considered beyond a simple market appraisal. The utility said it will factor agricultural impacts and work with landowners to minimize long‑term loss, but acknowledged some impacts are difficult to quantify and will be evaluated case‑by‑case.

Why it matters: For farms and multigenerational properties, right‑of‑way decisions affect livelihoods, land value and the ability to farm. Officials asked for clear, written compensation criteria and for the utility to consult local GIS and county appraisal data when preparing maps and offers.