City Council Approves Use of Eminent Domain As Lake Nasworthy Homeowner Delays Wastewater Project

SAN ANGELO, TX ––  On Tuesday, the San Angelo City Council approved a resolution to authorize "eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of property necessary for the installation and completion of pipelines and appurtenances designed to expand, repair, and replace portions of the City’s wastewater collection and transmission system."

The move comes as one Lake Nasworthy home owner was not cooperating with preliminary work on the Lake Nasworthy wastewater pipeline project.

According to Water Utilities Assistant Director Andy Vecellio, during the preliminary engineering phase, property owners were contacted to allow access to complete the surveying and archaeological investigation fieldwork.

While the vast majority of homeowners have cooperated with the project, at least one owner has caused delays. According to Vecellio, the owner has denied access to his private property.

The approved resolution will allow the city to "acquire easements to access private property for construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed sewer collection facilities." This will also allow city staff and contract workers to "negotiate for easements."

Eminent domain is defined as the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use –– with payment or compensation.

In the event the homeowner continues to deny access and a resolution cannot be reached, the city may begin eminent domain proceedings.