Stanislaus County Considering Eminent Domain for Highway 99/Kiernan Ave. Interchange
According to a Modesto Bee article, "Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Watch," Stanislaus County will vote tonight on whether to utilize the County's power of eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire property necessary for the Kiernan Avenue / Highway 99 interchange project. The County apparently believes it can secure the necessary property much quicker than state transportation leaders. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2012.
The County is also hoping to secure $46.5 million in state bonds set aside for Highway 99 improvements, and in order to obtain this funding, having all the right of way for the project may be necessary. As we've seen in recently, bond/stimulus dollars may be driving the right of way acquisition timing more than anything else.
