Eminent Domain Compromise in Missouri

What is happening? Missouri Legislature for several sessions has been passing a bill to give county commissioners veto power of transmission lines. It stems from the Grain Belt line which will move renewable power through Missouri but will not service the state nor will the renewable power come from within Missouri.

Why is this important? This year a compromise has been reached. It includes:

• If the company uses eminent domain, compensate landowners 150% of the fair market value for easements on their land.
• Construction must begin within 7 years of getting easements;
• Requires that court-appointed commissions, which determine the fair market value of a farmer’s land during eminent domain proceedings, include a farmer who has lived in the area for at least a decade.’

How will this be important? Look to that compensation standard of 150% of fair market value to be on repeat in bill drafts everywhere.

St. Louis Public Radio | Missouri Senate approves eminent domain reform that wouldn’t kill Grain Belt Express