Eminent Domain Report

Earlier this year, Nossaman sent out an E-Alert providing a status update on the use of federal stimulus dollars for California infrastructure projects.  Here on the blog, we've also recently reported on water-related property rights issues grabbing news headlines.  A recent Mojave Water Agency project -- backed by federal stimulus dollars -- ties the two topics together.   

According to a recent Victorville Daily Press article, "MWA uses eminent domain on land: Property is needed for R-Cubed project," the Mojave Water Agency is using eminent domain to acquire land necessary for its "Regional Recharge and Recovery Project."  The project, dubbed "R-Cubed," is a $60 million effort to expand existing ground water recharge basins, and will require the construction of 15 miles of pipeline, five to seven wells, and several turnouts for local water providers.  The project received over $13 million of federal stimulus funds earlier this year, and will have the initial capacity to supply enough water for 30,000 homes.  

Design of the massive project is essentially complete, and the MWA filed an eminent domain action to acquire four necessary Victorville properties earlier this month.  Utilities will run through two of the properties located on Mesa Street west of I-15; a street re-alignment will impact a third property on Mesa Street; and a turnout facility will be placed on the fourth impacted property located on the west side of Mesa View, south of Bear Valley Road. 

More details on the R-Cubed project can be found at www.r3project.com.