MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

Eminent Domain Proposed In Atchison Co

By Joel Hardy

02/04/2014

(KAIR)--It's only a half acre, but Atchison County resident Ethel Campbell wants to hold onto it.

According to KQ2-TV, Atchison County officials want to tear down a bridge that sits next to her land, and move it approximately100 feet onto her property, cutting off that half acre. She says the bridge is barely used, with only about ten vehicles a day crossing over it, with one person making four of those trips. She adds it's a deserted area and no one lives on that road for miles.

The county has offered her $1,700 for her land, but Campbell says money is not the issue, her family's heritage is more important. She says the land will stay in the family for years to come, and the $1,700 is really an insulting amount.

Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman says that this is a case of eminent domain, which is a process in which the government can take private property for road construction or other improvements deemed necessary for the public good.

Campbell's son, who is an attorney, plans to argue the case in court if needed.

The bridge has been over the creek since horses and buggies crossed over it. If it is not moved, construction in it's current location would force the county to pay railroad insurance because it is in the railroad's right of way.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.