From MnDOT highway condemnations and Enbridge pipeline easements to CapX2020 or Great Plains Energy Corridor transmission ROW and wind and solar acquisitions — National ROW fights to maximize your Minnesota compensation. Zero upfront cost.
Minnesota eminent domain law is governed by Minn. Stat. Ch. 117. Minnesota requires condemning authorities to make a written offer based on an approved appraisal and to negotiate in good faith. Property owners are entitled to a commissioner proceeding before appealing to a district court jury trial. Minnesota Stat. §117.055 provides that if the final award exceeds the condemning authority’s final offer by more than 40%, the property owner may recover reasonable attorney fees and appraisal costs.
Minnesota law allows recovery of reasonable attorney fees and appraisal costs when the final award exceeds the condemning authority’s offer by more than 40%. This provision gives Minnesota landowners real leverage to push back against inadequate initial offers.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation manages right-of-way acquisitions for state highway projects, Twin Cities metro interchange improvements, and rural highway widening throughout Minnesota. Projects including I-35W corridor improvements, US-10 expansions, and metro freeway managed lane additions regularly require right-of-way from private landowners. National ROW obtains independent appraisals and negotiates directly with MnDOT’s ROW staff, or takes the case to commissioners if needed.
Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement project resulted in significant pipeline easement activity across northern and central Minnesota. Enbridge and other pipeline operators continue to maintain and expand pipeline infrastructure across the state. Minnesota pipeline easements require careful review of product restrictions, drainage tile provisions, topsoil restoration requirements, and long-term liability terms. National ROW negotiates pipeline easements for Minnesota landowners exclusively.
Minnesota is at the hub of major regional transmission expansion, including the Great Plains Energy Corridor and ongoing CapX2020 project extensions. Xcel Energy, Great River Energy, and other transmission developers are acquiring easements across Minnesota farmland and rural properties. These permanent transmission easements restrict land use for the life of the line and must fully compensate for all agricultural, access, and remainder impacts.
Minnesota is one of the nation’s leading wind energy states and is experiencing rapid solar farm development. Developers make complex long-term lease offers that bind your property for 30 to 50 years. National ROW reviews wind and solar lease offers for Minnesota landowners, negotiating improved payment rates, escalation provisions, surface protections, and enforceable decommissioning requirements.
Do not accept the first offer. Minnesota landowners who negotiate — especially with professional representation — consistently receive more. We review your situation at no cost and only get paid if we increase your compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewMinn. Stat. Ch. 117 governs eminent domain proceedings. Condemning authorities must make a written offer based on an approved appraisal and negotiate in good faith. Property owners are entitled to a commissioner proceeding with the right to appeal to a jury trial.
Yes. Minn. Stat. §117.055 allows recovery of reasonable attorney fees and appraisal costs when the final award exceeds the condemning authority’s final offer by more than 40%.
Minnesota requires payment of fair market value for property taken, plus damages to the remainder. The before-and-after method is used for partial takings, comparing the value of your entire property before the taking to the value of the remainder after all project impacts.
Yes, pipeline companies that qualify as public utilities under Minnesota law can exercise eminent domain authority with approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The scope of this authority depends on the specific pipeline and applicable state law.
"We never tell a landowner to just take what the government offers — we find out what they are actually owed."
Whether you have received a MnDOT offer, a transmission company easement proposal, a pipeline offer, or a visit from a ROW agent — National ROW reviews your case for free and advises you on next steps. No upfront cost. No obligation.