Meridian’s right-of-way acquisitions team brings expertise with program management for major transportation projects on all levels, acquiring real property and providing relocation services under the threat of eminent domain. Meridian has established a positive track record for providing quality work and a high level of integrity with a commitment to the client’s goals and values for final roadway construction projects. This includes a demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations and a commitment to keeping up to date on all changes in those regulations while treating the public equitably and with the utmost care.
Complex issues are steered by utilizing the merit of objective standards while working with stakeholders and state and local officials, acquiring ROW on roadway and transit projects.
Meridian offers an entire service team to perform high-caliber acquisition services, cultivating communication and accommodating the highest standards of compliance and accuracy. Services include title analyst, acquisition/relocation agent, lead and deputy lead agent, and program manager for all-size projects. Our acquisition department, led by Tammy Evans, the lead acquisition agent; Angie Sargent, the acquisition agent; and Kaydee Reynolds, the project coordinator and acquisition agent, has refined our acquisition procedure, resulting in practical and reliable deliverables. We are committed to meeting your needs and ensuring a smooth and efficient acquisition process.
Right of Way Acquisition FAQ’s
What is eminent domain?
Eminent domain is the power that the government has to take possession of private property for public use. This is most commonly done for roads, government buildings, or public utilities. Often in these cases the private property owner is compensated some amount of money for a portion of the land, or the government entity could buy the land outright. This law has existed for hundreds of years in multiple countries.
What is right-of-way acquisition?
Right-of-way acquisition is an activity handled through a licensed real estate agent to conduct several processes with a property owner before another entity can acquire it. Some of those activities include title review, land rights review, determination of just compensation, cost estimating, valuation, appraisal, eminent domain support, closing coordination, and relocation assistance. Meridian simplifies the acquisition process with document preparation for distribution of affected landowners who may even need to relocate due to being displaced because of a project requiring the property for right-of-way.
What does acquisition mean in real estate?
Today, most acquisitions are fee-based, and land is purchased to complete a project that impacts an owner of the property. For example, one of the most common acquisitions is widening a roadway. To start the acquisition process, public meetings, meetings with officials, and meetings with landowners are crucial to inform property owners of the coming changes. Meridian Engineering’s qualified real estate agent is armed with the proper knowledge of Right-of-Way Acquisition standards as they pertain to the consistency in applying state and federal code and, in addition, understanding the fundamental mediating factors required to manage and create trust with property owners. Bestowing respect is vital in maintaining good public relations, Meridian’s real estate personnel offers compassion and expertise ensuring relationship growth with each property owner and their community.
What do I look for in terms of relevant regulatory qualification requirements of a professional real estate acquisition agent?
Meridian’s acquisition agents ensure compliance with key statutes such as the Federal Uniform Relocation Act (49 CFR 24), ROW and Real Estate Statutes (23 CFR 710), and the Utah State Code, sections 57-12 (the Utah Relocation Assistance Act), 72-5 (the Rights of Way Act), 788-6-5 (Eminent Domain Statutes), and 10-8-2 (Municipal Code: Public Transit). Additionally, we adhere to guidelines outlined in the UDOT Operation Manual, and the UDOT Local Public Agency guide.
What is just compensation?
Just compensation is paid to property owners for the legal seizure of personal property or land. Meridian employs integrative and attitudinal negotiation styles when engaging with property owners, so they are paid fair market value. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we strive for fair outcomes while nurturing trust and rapport. This approach fosters problem-solving and leads to greater negotiation success in a more efficient manner. We ensure seamless collaboration between our clients and the selected title company, facilitating smooth and punctual transaction closures and recordings. Additionally, we expedite in-house closings, ensuring prompt completion of final package submittals, funding, and recording steps.