6/2/06-Gov. Bill Owens has signed a bill into law bans private groups from using eminent domain to acquire private property to build a road.
The new law, previously SB78, amends a 19th century state law that gave private businesses the authority to use eminent domain to condemn or acquire property.
The new rule gives the Colorado Department of Transportation, not private groups, the power to condemn land for road projects. It also allows developers to form partnerships with the state to allow private investors to build roads.
In addition, proposed private toll roads will be required to go through the same environmental and public review process as any public roadway.

2/2/06-The Senate unanimously endorsed a bill Jan. 31 that would ban private groups from exercising “eminent domain” to acquire private property to build a road. The bill now moves to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, SB78 would amend a 19th century state law that gives private businesses the authority to use eminent-domain condemnation procedures to acquire property.
The measure would give the Colorado Department of Transportation, not private groups, the power to condemn land for road projects. It also would allow developers to form partnerships with the state to allow private investment to build roads.
In addition, proposed private toll roads would be required to go through the same environmental and public review process as any public roadway.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-473-8136.

1/31/06-The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill that would ban private groups from exercising “eminent domain” to acquire private property to build a road.
Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, SB78 would amend a 19th century state law that gives private businesses the authority to use eminent-domain condemnation procedures to acquire property.
The measure would give the Colorado Department of Transportation, not private groups, the power to condemn land for road projects. It also would allow developers to form partnerships with the state to allow private investment to build roads.
The bill now awaits a final vote before the full Senate. If approved, it would move to the House for further consideration.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-473-8136.