The Project is part of the proposed Northeast Transmission Water Line (NETL), which will provide treated surface water throughout the City. The NETL will carry water produced by the planned expansion of the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP). The NETL and NEWPP expansion are needed to meet the region’s projected 2060 water demand as estimated in the Water for Texas 2012 State Water Plan and are part of the City’s long-range water supply plan. Additionally, the Project will aid in the City’s water source conversion from primarily groundwater to surface water in order to comply with the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District’s regulatory plan.
This eminent domain proceeding involves the acquisition of one waterline easement containing a total of 18,119 square feet of land. The parcel is located at the northwest corner of Vickery Drive and Cross Continents Drive in the City of Houston. The property is owned by VSD, LLC. Prior to sending the matter to the Legal Department, the City attempted to negotiate a purchase of the property, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The matter was then referred to the Legal Department to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire the needed property. The Legal Department filed the eminent domain petition and a Special Commissioners’ hearing was held.
City’s Appraisal/Valuation: ............................................................................$57,754.00
Award of the Special Commissioners’ Hearing. ...........................................$57,754.00
Court & Misc. Costs: Special Commissioners’ fees: $2,250.00 ($750.00 x 3); Process Service: $305.00; Court Filings: $250.00; Estimated Total Court & Misc. Costs: $2,805.00.
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Arturo G. Michel, City Attorney
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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Director, Houston Public Works