West Texas Landowners Face a New Threat From the Longshore-to-Drill Hole 765 kV Project

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. ↩︎

What Austin’s Light Rail Project Means for Property Owners

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.