Wyoming road construction goes ahead with judge's approval
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January 31, 2012
Wyoming: District Judge Thomas Sullins's ruling on January 27, 2012 enables the Wyoming Department of Transportation to possess the condemned land of Robert and Cynthia Schlidt in order to build the 7.5-mile Casper West Belt Loop. The new road will connect Wyoming Highway 220 and U.S. Highway 20/26.
Land disputes between WYDOT and the Schlidts have been ongoing since September of 2009, when, following failed negotiations, the Wyoming Transportation Commission sued the Schlidts. On Jan. 27, 2012, Special Assistant Attorney General David Ditto explained that the agency had met all the requirements for condemning 29 acres on the Schlidts' Flying Seven One, Two and Three ranches. After the hour-long hearing, Judge Sullins stated, "I do not see anything that would have the court reject immediate possession."[1]
The Schlidts' lawyer, Pat Crank, was disappointed. "It’s unfortunate that a private property owner’s property can be taken before all the issues in the case can be heard by the Wyoming Supreme Court. But that’s the way our statutes read," he said.[1] Now, the issue is how much the WYDOT owes the Schlidts in compensation for their property.[1]
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