The Delaware Supreme Court ruled that the Delaware Department of Transportation must give back the land owned by a Middletown-area couple.
According to the News Journal, the high court ruled that a Superior Court decision erred in giving 1.5 acres of land to the state. The land would be used in connection with the U.S. 301 project.
The long-awaited project has seen other controversies regarding land acquisition. Maryland improved its section of Route 301 decades ago. Delaware has plans for a partial toll system to help finance the project. The department’s land acquisition moves has been under fire for years and contributed to the decision of the previous secretary to resign.
Geoff Sundstrom, director of public relations for DelDOT said, “DelDOT and its attorneys are reviewing this decision to determine its influence on the department’s appraisal of the Lawson’s property and the final acquisition price. Following this review, the agency will take whatever steps are appropriate to conclude the purchase of the Lawson property. The department and its legal counsel will also review what effect, if any, the decision may have on the department’s existing or contemplated right-of-way activities.”
