Tracking Eminent Domain Projects Across Texas
Information and insights from Dawson & Sodd on significant current and proposed infrastructure projects impacting Texas property owners.
Staying Informed About Condemnation in Texas
Texas is a rapidly growing and dynamic state, with continuous development of essential infrastructure like roadways, pipelines, power lines, and water resources. This progress often necessitates the use of eminent domain, where private property is acquired for public projects. For Texas landowners, staying informed about these developments is crucial.
This page serves as a resource to help you learn about significant current and proposed projects across the state that may involve the condemnation of private property. Understanding how these major initiatives might affect your land and your rights is the first step in protecting your interests.
Major Pipeline Projects
Matterhorn Express Pipeline
Natural Gas pipeline transporting gas from the Permian Basin to near Houston. Land acquisition primarily complete; project is operational.
>> Learn More About the Matterhorn Express Pipeline
DeLa Express Pipeline
Crude oil pipeline designed to transport oil from the Permian Basin (West Texas) to refining centers near Beaumont and Port Arthur (Southeast Texas). Land acquisition and construction phases have impacted numerous landowners.
>> Information for Landowners Affected by DeLa Express
Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP)
Natural Gas pipeline running through the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. Operational, though some legal disputes or related issues may persist.
Whistler Pipeline
Natural Gas pipeline from the Permian Basin to the Corpus Christi area. Operational.
Gray Oak Pipeline
Crude Oil pipeline from the Permian Basin to Corpus Christi and the Houston area. Operational.
EPIC Crude Oil & NGL Pipelines
Separate pipelines transporting crude oil and natural gas liquids from the Permian to Corpus Christi. Operational.
Double E Pipeline
Natural Gas pipeline transporting gas from the Delaware Basin (a productive area within the Permian Basin) to the Waha Hub in Pecos County, Texas, a major natural gas trading and transportation center. This project involved acquiring easements from landowners in West Texas.
Key Highway & Road Projects (TxDOT & Local)
I-35 Expansion (Central Texas – “Capital Express” & others)
Multi-segment, long-term reconstruction and expansion of Interstate 35 through Travis, Williamson, Hays, and McLennan Counties. Various segments in active land acquisition and construction phases.
Loop 9 (Dallas Outer Loop)
Development of a new outer loop in the southern Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, particularly impacting Dallas and Ellis counties. Southern segments involve active right-of-way acquisition.
US 380 Expansion (Collin County & surrounding areas)
Major widening and realignment projects along US 380 to accommodate rapid growth in North Texas. Various segments in different stages of planning and land acquisition.
Grand Parkway (SH 99 – Houston Area)
Completion of remaining segments and ongoing improvements around the Greater Houston area. Land acquisition may still be active for certain segments or connectors.
SH 288 Toll Lanes (Houston Area)
Major expansion and addition of toll lanes along State Highway 288 in Brazoria and Harris Counties, designed to improve mobility south of Houston. This project has involved significant right-of-way acquisition and impact on adjacent properties.
US 290 Expansion (Houston to Austin Corridor)
Ongoing and phased widening and improvement projects along US Highway 290, a critical corridor connecting the Houston metropolitan area with Austin and Central Texas. These projects impact numerous landowners and businesses along the route.
Loop 286 Improvements (Paris, Lamar County)
TxDOT project involving phased upgrades to the entire Loop 286 around Paris. Current focus is on the Northeast Loop (Stillhouse Rd to Pine Mill Rd) and Southeast Loop (FM 1497 to FM 905), including roadway expansion, new overpasses, and frontage roads, requiring additional right-of-way.
Electrical Transmission & Utility Upgrades
ERCOT Grid Reliability Projects (Statewide)
Ongoing initiatives by ERCOT and various transmission service providers (e.g., Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas) to enhance grid stability, build new transmission lines to high-growth areas, or connect new generation sources. Project names and specific locations vary widely.
Renewable Energy Interconnection Lines (Statewide)
Numerous high-voltage lines are being developed to connect new large-scale solar and wind farms to the main electrical grid, frequently requiring new easements.
Water Infrastructure Projects
Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir (Fannin County) & Associated Pipelines
Reservoir largely complete; however, related water delivery pipelines to North Texas communities may still involve easement acquisition or construction.
Marvin Nichols Reservoir (Proposed – Northeast Texas)
A highly controversial proposed reservoir project that would require extensive land acquisition if it moves forward. Currently in planning and significant opposition stages.
Integrated Pipeline Project (IPL)
A major water transmission pipeline system developed by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and the City of Dallas Water Utilities. The IPL connects multiple reservoirs (including Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek Reservoir, and Richland-Chambers Reservoir) to deliver raw water to serve the growing needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding areas. This extensive project required acquiring numerous pipeline easements.
High-Speed Rail Developments
Texas Central Railway (Dallas-Houston)
Proposed high-speed rail project. While currently stalled and facing uncertainty, past land acquisition efforts were significant, and the project’s future status remains a point of interest for affected landowners.
>> Learn More About Our Involvement With The Texas Central Railway Project
Emerging Projects (Carbon Capture, Hydrogen, etc.)
Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS) Pipelines
A growing number of projects are being proposed to transport captured CO2 for sequestration, particularly along the Gulf Coast and to West Texas. These will involve new pipeline easement acquisitions.
Hydrogen Infrastructure
As interest in hydrogen energy grows, proposals for hydrogen production facilities, storage, and pipelines may emerge, potentially utilizing eminent domain. (Currently in very early stages for widespread infrastructure).
The project information listed here is for general awareness and is based on publicly available information and our firm’s understanding. Project details, timelines, and routes can change. Landowners potentially affected by any project should seek direct information from the condemning entity and consult with legal counsel regarding their specific situation.
How Dawson & Sodd Can Help
If you believe your property may be impacted by one of these projects, or another condemnation effort in Texas, it’s crucial to understand your rights early in the process. Dawson & Sodd offers experienced representation for landowners facing all types of eminent domain takings. We can help you:
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