Page 187 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

5 acquire easements, rights-of-way, leases, etc. across or
6 through a farm, condemnation payments need to reflect
7 the loss of value to the entire parcel. If the property is
8 taken for public ownership, such as roads and bridges,
9 the minimum payment should be two times the present
10 value. If the property is taken for private ownership,
11 such as shopping centers and utility uses, the minimum
12 payment should be three times the present value for the
13 land taken.
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We support:
Legislation to stop or limit developmental grants or
other state, local or national public funding to those entities using condemnation procedures for non- public uses.
Direct and verifiable communication informing landowners in plain language of projects seeking eminent domain.
Agricultural land not having a lower ranking than other types of land when calculating impact statements.
A complete agricultural impact statement before productive agricultural land is condemned. The statement should evaluate all direct and indirect physical and economic impacts to agriculture. The concept of no-net gain for state and federal ownership of land in Michigan. An environmental impact statement should be prepared as a prerequisite for any eminent domain proceeding. Efforts to further strengthen property rights of Michigan property owners, including additional opportunities for judicial review in eminent domain takings.
Permanent easements being given to the owners of the property left land-locked through land acquired by public entities including utility companies. Michigan Farm Bureau working with public utility companies to ensure fair and reasonable rental rates for land owners.
We oppose:
The taking of property by government for the
purpose of development of privately owned nonpublic projects.
The ability of non-elected boards, agencies and commissions, public or private, to utilize the eminent domain process.
The practice of acquiring a new right-of-way through farmland when public corridors exist, such as railways, highways, power lines, and pipelines. Property should not be condemned in fee title if a lesser interest will suffice. In cases where any portion of condemned land is not needed at the
State Policies – Page 101