SOUTHERN INDIANA- Hundreds of landowners throughout southern Indiana, including in Lawrence County, are still eligible to file a claim for compensation from the federal government for their property that was seized for the conversion of a segment of the former Monon Route (also known as the Hoosier Line) into a public recreational trail called the Monon South Trail. They have until February 27, 2024, before the statute of limitations passes to file their claim.
The City of New Albany, Indiana, and the Indiana Trails Fund started the process of turning the 62.3-mile railroad segment that runs between New Albany and Bedford, Indiana, through Floyd, Clark, Washington, Lawrence, and Orange counties into a hiking and biking path in 2018. Landowners’ property underlying the railroad easement was seized pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorized abandoned railroad lines to be converted into public parks. Over the years, many of these landowners have presented their claims in a series of cases (Cessna v. United States, Popp v. United States, Kay v. United States, and Lawrence County v. United States) that have all been settled. They are expected to receive compensation from the federal government this year.
Once February 27 passes, landowners who have not yet filed a claim will be forever barred from doing so.
Landowners interested in making a compensation claim can contact attorneys Lindsay Brinton and Meghan Largent via email at takings@lewisrice.com and by telephone at 314-444-7600. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
