What Federal Infrastructure Bill Means For Property Owners in North Carolina

This month, President Biden signed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan into law, allocating billions of government dollars to bridge replacement, public transportation, electric vehicles, broadband internet, and the nation’s highway programs. This significant, bipartisan government package is known officially as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. North Carolina can expect to see around $9 billion worth of infrastructure improvement projects over the next five years with this new package. However, due to the many incoming projects, many landowners could face land condemnation. It is vital that they prepare themselves in the event that their land is condemned for a project.

The Funding Breakdown for North Carolina

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act outlines that billions of dollars will be dedicated to North Carolina infrastructure. This consists of:

Public Transportation. North Carolina could receive up to $911 million in funds to improve public transportation and public transit options.

Roads and Bridges. According to the White House, North Carolina could receive $7.2 billion for highway programs and another $457 million for bridge replacement and repairs. North Carolina has 1,460 bridges and more than 3,110 miles of highway in poor condition, according to a 2020 Federal Highway Administration report. 

Broadband Internet. The North Carolina Department of Broadband and Digital Equity (NCDIT) reported that at least 1.1 million North Carolina families lack a high-speed internet connection, can’t afford it, or lack the skills needed to get connected. According to the White House, North Carolina could receive at least $100 million to provide broadband internet coverage to those households. Moreover, more than 30% of North Carolina residents would be deemed eligible for a benefit that provides low-income families with internet access.

Electric Vehicle Charging Network. Over the next five years, North Carolina could receive $109 million to expand an electric vehicle charging network. At the moment, there are just over 16,000 electric vehicles registered by NCDOT, and with this bill, there may be many more with the newfound charger accessibility due to increased mobility.

Is My Land At Higher Risk of Condemnation Due To The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act?

In short, yes. Eminent domain is the authority of the government to claim private property for public or commercial use, known as land condemnation. There are laws put in place that allow this process, but only to an extent. Now, more than ever, you should familiarize yourself with your rights as a land or private property owner in the event of land condemnation by the state. With The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a significantly higher amount of infrastructure projects will get the green light, and more private property than ever may be at risk of unlawful land condemnation to best facilitate future projects. To ensure that your rights are protected as a property owner in North Carolina, you should consult with an eminent domain attorney as soon as possible.

Land Condemnation and Eminent Domain Attorneys Who Prioritize You

Protecting property owners across the state of North Carolina is of the utmost importance to us. If you are facing land condemnation, contact Henson Fuerst to speak with one of our experienced eminent domain and land condemnation lawyers today by calling 919-781-1107 or by submitting a web form online.