Right of Way
Go to the Maps & Features section and click on the EOP/ROW button on the map to see Right Of Way boundaries.
The footprint of the Ohio River Bridges Project crosses more than 300 privately
or commercially owned pieces of land, some or all which must be acquired by the
states in order to construct the project and to address the region's long-term,
cross-river transportation needs. Because construction will occur in phases, both
in location and time, and funding for property acquisition is limited by the states'
annual budgets, not all such land for all phases will be purchased before construction
can begin.
Community Transportation Solutions (CTS), the General Engineering Consultant for
the project, developed a Right-of-Way Strategic Plan to serve as a recommendation
plan for acquisition in the Kentucky Approach sections 1 and 2. This document aquisition
plan prioritizes land acquisition based on cost, estimated time to acquire and construction
timetables for the area. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will consider
CTS's recommendations throughout the entire right-of-way phase.
Land acquisition in the two Indiana approach sections 2 and 3 will be handled by
the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). INDOT officials will develop right-of-way
plans for these sections in accordance with established Indiana policies and procedures.
Final right-of-way plans have been received from the Kennedy Interchange design
section team. Preliminary right-of-way plans, identifying suitable for the acquisition
needs for properties that will be of "total take" parcels, have been received from
the East End Kentucky Approach design team. Final right-of-way plans are expected
for from the East End Kentucky Section 4 team in 2008.
The first appraisals and property offers for right of way in both states are projected for 2008. Hardship acquisitions have occurred in Kentucky and some advance land acquisition has occurred in Indiana.
When will the purchase of parcels begin?
Once right-of-way plans are reviewed by CTS-GEC and KYTC (for land in Kentucky) or INDOT (for land in Indiana), the respective states will authorize procedures to acquire land (properties) based on both priority need and available funding.
What establishes the priority?
Both states decide which properties will be purchased and when they are purchased based on similar factors, including available funding. The Right-of-Way Strategic Plan for Kentucky recommends acquisition priority based on construction schedule, need, size, anticipated cost, length of time for completion of acquisition and other factors.
My property is in the Project's footprint. When will I be contacted?
Based on project needs some property owners may have be contacted by early 2008,
and others may not be contacted but may not be contacted until as late as 2016.
The timetable for contacting individual property owners depends upon the priority
set for their particular properties in the Right-of-Way Strategic Plan. After specific
acquisitions have been authorized, residential property owners will probably be
contacted by an appraiser. Those owning a business, farm or non-profit organization
to be acquired may first be contacted by a relocation assistance agent, to determine
their re-establishment needs.
How will compensation be determined?
An independent state certified appraiser will be assigned to assess the fair market value of each property, regardless of its intended use. Thus, each property will be appraised as if the transportation project did not affect the area. Each owner will be offered the opportunity to accompany the appraiser during his site evaluation. Once an appraisal is approved, the Section Design Consultants will be authorized to prepare an offer for the property owner. If relocation assistance is needed, additional cost analyses must first be done. All right-of-way acquisitions will be purchased in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
How will the offer be made?
A buyer will meet with the owner to find out if there are others with a claim, such as heirs to the property, or if there are leases on the property or other such arrangements. The buyer will explain the acquisition process, review the title report and plan sheets and present a written offer to purchase all the above information is confirmed and identified.
How quickly will I be paid?
Property owners will be paid approximately four to six weeks after the property owner accepts the state's offer and signs the appropriate documents.
What about relocation costs?
Both KYTC and INDOT have policies that allow for relocation costs (residential) and move/reestablishment costs (commercial). These amounts vary by property. Relocation costs vary based on the individual property owners qualifying needs.
Where can I find more information?
For questions or information regarding Indiana Right Of Way, click here to Contact Us