The City of Dodge City selected SMH to perform easement acquisition services for a sewer force main construction project that involved 18 tracts. The force main’s alignment was from the City of Dodge City to their wastewater treatment plant, which was primarily through agricultural land that included a number of impacted properties. This included potential impacts to cattle ponds, crops, CRP land, solar leased land, and a residential home with septic laterals.

Partially funded by a federal grant that prohibited the use of eminent domain, the project encountered a setback when a parcel with a title issue of a deceased owner emerged. SMH collaborated with the project attorney to locate the owner’s decree of decent and began to gather signatures from authorized individuals. Unfortunately, not all of the signers could be located, which resulted in a redesign to avoid the property. Analyzing title work and the authorized signers were important tasks to ensure the easements were dedicated correctly. Despite the challenge, effective communication between all project team members was crucial to meet everyone’s needs and finish the project on time.

LOCATION: Dodge City, Kansas

CLIENT: City of Dodge City

PROJECT TEAM: The Simmons Company — Appraisal Process

SERVICES PERFORMED: Property Acquisition - 18 Tracts