UPDATE: The PUC Approved the Howard-Solstice 765kV High Voltage Powerline

~ Luke Ellis ~ Leave a comment

The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line is no longer a proposal. The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved the 765kV transmission line, and right-of-way takings will begin in coming months. These large powerlines will span 370 miles across 14 counties, cross countless Texas properties, and require a 200-foot-wide easement and massive transmission structures.1

A Howard-Solstice electric easement is not simply a strip of land on your property. It will be a permanent taking that can limit how you use it, restrict future development, and interfere with agricultural and ranching operations.

Photo by Getty Images

Landowners should not assume that Howard-Solstice’s offer reflects the full value of their property or the full damages caused by the easement. An eminent domain attorney can help you understand exactly what is being taken, what rights are at stake, and the just compensation owed.

At Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP, we represent Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. We work to identify the full impact of a taking, litigate against condemning authorities, and pursue the maximum compensation landowners are entitled to receive. If the Howard-Solstice Transmission Line will cross your property, now is the time to protect your rights. Call (512) 215-4078 for a free consultation with an experienced eminent domain attorney today.

  1.  AEP Texas Transmission, Howard-Solstice Transmission Line Project, http://www.aeptransmission.com/texas/howard-solstice
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West Texas Landowners Face a New Threat From the Longshore-to-Drill Hole 765 kV Project

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In West Texas, the booming demand for power from data centers and oil and gas operations is fueling a massive expansion of the electric grid, but landowners are the ones being forced to bear the cost. Longshore Switch to Drill Hole Switch is now moving forward, despite hundreds of landowner testimonies demanding its reconsideration. As a result, the transmission line will now cut through pastures, ranches, and potentially your own land.

First of its kind in Texas, this 765 kV transmission line project will run about 160 miles through 10 counties.1 If you own land that may be crossed by the Longshore to Drill Hole Transmission Line, your rights may be in danger. An electric easement can affect your land’s operations, restrict future development, lead to devaluation in your land, and permanently limit how you use your property.

Photo by Fernando Santander via Unsplash

Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP represents Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. Backed by decades of experience and extensive industry knowledge, we have the ability to fight for the compensation you deserve.

If the Longshore to Drill Hole project could affect your property, do not navigate the process alone. Call Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP at (512) 215-4078 for a free consultation with an experienced eminent domain attorney.

  1. The 10 counties being affected include: Andrews, Culberson, Ector, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Reeves, and Winkler. ↩︎

The Dinosaur-to-Longshore 765 kV Project Is Coming, and Texas Landowners Could Pay the Price

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The Public Utility Commission of Texas recently approved Oncor’s proposed Dinosaur Switch to Longshore 765 kV Transmission Line. The proposed lines are part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, spanning 242.6 miles across West and Central Texas.1 However, the primary destination for this electricity is not Texas residents.

These powerlines do not distribute power directly to homes or local businesses along the path. Instead, they will be used to fuel oil and gas operations, and data centers. In order to do so, the Dinosaur Switch to Longshore 765 kV Transmission Line could cross your property and restrict your rights. It could also disrupt agricultural operations, limit future development opportunities, and decrease your property value.

Photo by American Electric Power

With construction set to begin by summer 2027, thousands of acres of private property will be in Oncor’s path. If you are a landowner who may be affected by the Dinosaur Switch to Longshore 765 kV Transmission Line, call us today to speak to an experienced eminent domain attorney.

Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP represents Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. We help you evaluate transmission easements, identify remainder damages, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (512) 215-4078 today for a free consultation.

  1.  Public Utility Commission of Texas. “Permian Basin Reliability Plan.” Accessed September 2, 2026. https://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/electric/business/permian-basin/. ↩︎

WTG Temple Transmission Pipeline – Williamson and Bell Counties

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The WTG Temple Transmission pipeline will impact landowners in Williamson and Bell Counties. WTG has already begun sending offers to take permanent easements for the project. If you are a landowner who may be affected, here’s what you need to know.

Although the project is still in its early stages, WTG is actively seeking permanent easements to secure their preferred pipeline route. For landowners, accepting an initial offer without fully understanding the easement terms and potential damages could mean giving up valuable property rights.

If you have received a notice of survey, offer letter, or appraisal related to the WTG Temple Transmission Line, don’t assume WTG’s initial offer reflects the full value of your property. An experienced eminent domain attorney can evaluate the easement terms, identify potential damages to your property, and represent you against WTG to pursue the maximum compensation available.

At Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP, we have a track record of protecting Texas landowners’ rights and winning trials against pipeline companies. Our eminent domain attorneys understand the tactics pipeline companies use and can help you evaluate whether WTG’s offer fairly compensates you for the rights it seeks. Call (512) 215-4078 today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.

What Austin’s Light Rail Project Means for Property Owners

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Austin’s Light Rail Project is moving from planning to property taking. The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has already begun taking land, and more property owners can expect to receive survey requests, purchase offers, and other notices as the project moves forward.

The first phase of the project will span nearly 10 miles through North, Downtown, South, and East Austin. To make way for the rail line, stations, and maintenance facility, the project is expected to seize approximately 85 acres, displace dozens of businesses, remove hundreds of on-street parking spaces, and permanently reshape parts of the city.

Light rail development in East Riverside, Austin via Austin American-Statesman

With construction set to begin in 2027, time is of the essence. Austin’s Light Rail Project may lead to reduced property value, lost access, decreased business visibility, parking impacts, relocation costs, and other damages that may not be reflected in ATP’s initial offer. Before accepting an offer or signing any documents, speak with an experienced eminent domain attorney to identify damages that ATP may overlook.

For decades, Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP has represented Texas property owners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. If you have received a notice from the Austin Transit Partnership, call (512) 215-4078 today for a free consultation with one of our experienced eminent domain attorneys.

The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line: What You Should Know

~ Luke Ellis ~ Leave a comment

A transmission line can cost you far more than the land covered by the easement. If your property is affected by the proposed Howard-Solstice Transmission Line, you could face reduced property value, limits on future development, and damages that may not be reflected in the utility company’s initial offer.

The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line is a proposed 765-kilovolt project that would connect substations near San Antonio and Fort Stockton, crossing 14 counties in South and West Texas. High-voltage electric transmission lines like Howard-Solstice can significantly reduce property values, diminish scenic views and rural character, and disrupt the way of life that you worked hard to build. 

765kV transmission line running through southwest Virginia via Google Maps

This project is now moving quickly. The Public Utility Commission of Texas will soon issue a final route decision. With your property value at stake, now is the time to reach out to an eminent domain attorney.

For decades, Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP has represented Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. If your property may be affected by the Howard-Solstice Transmission Line, our experienced eminent domain attorneys can help you understand your rights and protect your property. Call (512) 215-4078 for a free consultation today.

Massive New Transmission Lines Are Headed Across Texas

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Texas’ first 765-kilovolt transmission lines could permanently reshape the land they cross. If your property falls along the proposed Bell County East to Big Hill or Big Hill Switch to Sand Lake Switch routes, you could face a massive utility easement, imposing transmission towers, reduced property value, and restrictions that may affect your land for generations.

Photo by Piedmont Environmental Council

These will be the first 765 kV transmission lines ever built in Texas, carrying nearly twice the capacity of the state’s existing 345 kV lines. Developed by Oncor Electric Company and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA), the projects would span more than 390 miles across 25 Texas counties.1 These are 200-foot-wide easements with transmission lines reaching up to 160 feet tall. Projects of this scale can permanently alter your landscape, your property value, restrict future land use, and leave lasting impacts.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is expected to select the final routes soon. If your property is included, you may begin receiving survey requests, right-of-entry agreements, and easement offers. Before signing any documents or accepting an offer, it’s important that you speak with an experienced eminent domain attorney. 

Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP represents Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. If your property is affected by the proposed 765 kV transmission lines, we can help evaluate the impact on your land, identify overlooked damages, and ensure you receive fair compensation. Call (512) 215-4078 today for a free consultation.

  1.  The 25 counties being affected include: Bell, Burnet, Concho, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Ector, Irion, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Milam, Mills, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Tom Green, Upton, Ward, Williamson, and Winkler. ↩︎

Austin Light Rail Project: Important Facts for Affected Property Owners

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The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is moving forward with a 9.8-mile light rail system. ATP estimates that right-of-way acquisition could begin as early as 2026 and that initial construction could start in 2027.

ATP will have to use the power of eminent domain to take the property rights it needs to accomplish the Light Rail Project. Property owners whose property will be affected by ATP’s Light Rail project have constitutionally-protected private property rights.  Impacted property owners have a right to just compensation for the land taken and any negative reduction in value to its remainder property.

Up to 64 businesses and 4 single-family residences will be displaced by the transit project, according to the recently released Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The light rail system would also eliminate over 600 on-street parking spaces, mostly from Guadalupe Street, Lavaca Street, and South Congress Avenue.

The proposed light rail corridor would originate at the Guadalupe Street and 38th Street intersection in North Austin, run south through UT Campus on Guadalupe, then run further south through Downtown on Guadalupe, 3rd, and Trinity Streets, and cross Lady Bird Lake on a new dedicated bridge. South of the lake, the route splits into two branches: one continues south along South Congress Avenue to Oltorf Street and the other runs southeast along East Riverside Drive toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Here is a map that shows ATP’s planned route:

US 281 Blanco Relief Route

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The Texas Department of Transportation is currently developing preliminary plans to improve 19 miles of highway in Blanco County.  Blanco County borders Kendall County, Comal County, and Hays County.  As the population in Blanco County and its surrounding areas continues to boom, the volume of traffic has increased.  TxDOT has initiated a study investigating highway expansion to provide traffic and mobility relief along US 281.  The Austin District is also conducting a US 281 Feasibility Study in conjunction with the Relief Route study.

The proposed segment stretches from US 290 to FM 306 and includes the US 281/US 290 interchange.  TxDOT maintains that the primary purpose for this project is to enhance highway connectivity and minimize roadway accidents due to high traffic volumes.  The project is currently in the environmental and evaluation phase, working through potential routes including a “no build” option.

TxDOT developed four options and left these options open to the public for comment through April 9, 2024.  All potential routes are directed west of US Highway 281 away from Downtown Blanco and onto the surrounding land.  

Blanco area residents are concerned that the expansion of the highway could affect the historic, small-town feel the city provides.  TxDOT has held public hearings to address the public’s concerns as well as exhibit the various proposed routes. 

The environmental study component of the project will conclude in 2025.  TxDOT will initiate Right of Way acquisitions over the course of the next few years.  Impacted property owners have a constitutional right to be paid just compensation if their land is taken. 

Celina FM 455 Project

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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is widening Collin County’s Farm-to-Market Road 455 in a proposed expansion from Dallas Parkway to Shady Brook Lane.  Because the population in Celina, TX has increased by over 26.6% since the year 2000, TxDOT seeks to relieve traffic congestion and inefficient roadways.

The recommended alternative route for the existing FM 455 is 9.2 miles in length and estimated to cost $129 million.  TxDOT seeks to acquire 65 acres, including a total of 81 parcels with 6 residential displacements as the potential result of this project.  The new roadway expansion will be split into two phases: an interim 4-lane roadway as the first installation, and the construction of the 6-lane roadway will conclude the project.  The proposed ROW will vary between 120 ft – 150 ft.  TxDOT will construct turn lanes at intersections and side streets.  The new lanes will be between 11 and 12 feet.

TxDOT states that it opted for a proposed alternative FM 455 route because expanding the existing ROW does not offer flexible expansion prospects and would condemn a larger volume of properties than that of the new route.  TxDOT completed its feasibility study in summer 2024.  TxDOT’s next steps are determined by the schematic and environmental project phase, where TxDOT will likely also determine the new ROW.