Eminent domain case involving Georgia railroad could have widespread property law implications

By JEFF AMY
Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — A hearing has begun to help determine whether a Georgia railroad can legally condemn property to build a rail line. The Georgia Public Service Commission began hearing testimony on Monday. The 4.5-mile line near Sparta would be built by the Sandersville Railroad to serve a rock quarry and possibly other industries and connect to the CSX railroad at Sparta. People in the rural neighborhood don’t want a train track through their property. The libertarian-leaning Institute for Justice is representing opponents and hopes to chip away at eminent domain. That power lets governments take private land while paying fair compensation. Georgia law says such seizures must be for public use. Opponents say the Sandersville project doesn’t meet the standard.