News
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent Advocate for Indianapolis Landowners
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent were recently featured in IndyStar News for advocating on behalf of Indianapolis landowners in a federal lawsuit seeking compensation for property impacted by a proposed rail trail conversion along an abandoned CSX rail line. Lindsay says, “This is a valid exercise of federal power, but landowners have a right to be paid.”
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Meghan S. Largent Joins U.S. Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council
Lewis Rice member Meghan S. Largent was appointed to the United States Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council Takings and Tribal Committee. This committee focuses on cases involving the government’s acquisition of private property for public use under the Takings Clause. Meghan is among an elite group of just seven attorneys and judges serving on this committee.
To learn more about the U.S. Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council and its members, click under “Resources” below.
Meghan serves as a Practice Group Leader for the Rails to Trails practice group at Lewis Rice LLC in St. Louis, Missouri. Meghan represents landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One of her primary focuses is representing landowners before the United States Court of Federal Claims whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. Her goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. Meghan focuses on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. She also has significant experience representing landowners in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Meghan has practiced before the Court of Federal Claims since 2008 and is serving a three-year term on the Court of Federal Claims Bar Association’s Board of Governors.
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Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent Advocate for Chadwick Flyer Landowners
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent were recently featured in the Springfield Business Journal for advising property owners along the Chadwick Flyer Trail in Springfield, Missouri. In a recent educational meeting, Meghan emphasizes their goal to obtain compensation and states,
"[W]e represent the landowners who are going to host this park through their property, and we specifically will work to get them compensated the fair market value of their land.”
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below. Note the article is behind a paywall; only subscribers of Springfield Business Journal may access it.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
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Lindsay S.C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent Educate Dorchester County Landowners About Compensation Opportunities
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S.C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent were recently featured in an article by The Star Democrat for her recent presentation educating Dorchester County landowners about their rights in relation to the potential rail trail conversion. Lindsay and Meghan explained that landowners adjacent to rail lines that may be converted into recreational trails could be compensated from the federal government. Lewis Rice attorneys have already filed a lawsuit on behalf of approximately a dozen local property owners, with more than 50 others potentially eligible to make claims.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails Team Files Case in Snohomish County, Washington
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S.C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent are pleased to announce the filing of their latest case, Cumming 24-1550, in Snohomish County, Washington. Lindsay and Meghan are eager to advocate for landowners affected by the rail-trail conversion in this area, ensuring their rights are safeguarded throughout the process.
There are still more than 100 landowners who have yet to file claims. If you or someone you know owns land in Snohomish County and is impacted by this conversion, please reach out to us.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Lewis Rice to Represent Landowners in Eastrail Expansion Case, the Seattle Times Reports
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay Brinton and Meghan Largent were featured in The Seattle Times following a significant federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) decision to convert an 11.9-mile railway in Snohomish County, Washington, into part of The Eastrail. In response to this decision, Lindsay and Meghan have contacted about 150 landowners who have the eligibility to file a claim for compensation. With a recent $17.9 million settlement for property owners in a similar case, their strong track record continues to demonstrate their commitment to securing justice for landowners.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Meghan S. Largent Named to Missouri’s 2024 POWER List in Commercial and Consumer Law by Missouri Lawyers Media
Lewis Rice member Meghan S. Largent was named to Missouri Lawyers Media's POWER List in Commercial and Consumer Law for the third consecutive year. The POWER List is a regular feature examining the most powerful attorneys in commercial and consumer litigation. Selections were made based on attorney interviews and records of verdicts and settlements. The list includes attorneys who have won notable jury trials, achieved significant settlements in both class action suits and individual claims, and helped to set important precedents that shape the law.
To read more about the POWER List, or to read about Meghan's impressive career, click under "Resources" below. Please note, this link is accessible only by Missouri Lawyers Media subscribers.
Meghan represents landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One of her primary focuses is representing land owners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Meghan litigates cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. Her goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. Meghan focuses on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Her national work for landowners includes representing land owners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
Lewis Rice Wins $459,870 in Compensation for Sarasota County Landowners
Lindsay S. C.Brinton and Meghan S. Largent, attorneys from Lewis Rice’s Federal Takings & Rails to Trails Practice Group, recently won $459,870 in compensation for three landowners in Sarasota County, Florida. These landowners brought takings claims against the federal government for the taking of their property for the northern extension of the Legacy Trail, a recreational hiking and biking trail that crossed or trespassed on their property.
Several years ago, the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued an order allowing Seminole Gulf Railway to sell the line to a non-railroad for trail use. Two months later, Seminole Gulf Railway sold the line to Sarasota County for the northern extension of the Legacy Trail. Landowners’ property underlying the railroad easement was seized pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks.
Over the years, Lindsay and Meghan have helped landowners along the Legacy Trail recover more than $10 million in compensation. In 2023 they won $926,023.70 for two Sarasota County landowners with property on the northern extension.
“There are about 20 Sarasota County landowners who still have the right to file a claim for the just compensation the federal government owes them,” Lindsay said. “We’d be pleased to help ensure that they receive what they are entitled to.”
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. The attorneys in the Federal Takings Practice Group focus on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Their national work for landowners includes representing landowners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
Lewis Rice Welcomes Marlee L. Rowe as Associate
Lewis Rice is pleased to announce that Marlee L. Rowe has joined the Firm as an associate. Marlee is practicing in the Federal Takings & Rails to Trails, Eminent Domain & Land Use, and Commercial Litigation practice groups. Prior to joining Lewis Rice, Marlee served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Focused on federal takings and government contract matters, Marlee works closely with people affected by rail-trail conversions, which occur when the federal government converts an abandoned railroad corridor into a public park or trail. She also has experience managing government contractor claims and assists contractors in all aspects of the government procurement process including bid protests, contract claims and disputes, and regulatory compliance.
“Marlee possesses a deep understanding of federal claims processes, which will enable her to serve our clients with informed and effective legal strategies,” said Lewis Rice Chairman Richard B. Walsh, Jr. “We look forward to seeing all the ways she will contribute to the success of our clients.”
Marlee earned her juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2022. As a student, she was an editor of the Arkansas Law Review, served as moot court competition chair for the Arkansas Law Board of Advocates, earned the Best Brief Award for legal research and writing, and was a semifinalist in the William H. Sutton Barrister's Union Trial Competition.
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent Secure Payout for Southern Indiana Property Owners
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent secured the first settlement payout in the Monon South Trail development lawsuit. Representing property owners in Southern Indiana, Lindsay and Meghan have successfully obtained more than $220,000 in compensation for eight landowners in Kay v. United States. Lindsay, who has been working with the affected landowners since 2018, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and indicated more settlements are forthcoming. This case is part of four related claims with expected total compensation of $1 million.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below. Note the article is behind a paywall; only subscribers of News and Tribune may access it.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. The attorneys in the Federal Takings Practice Group focus on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Their national work for landowners includes representing landowners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
Lewis Rice Wins More Than $220,000 in Compensation for Southern Indiana Landowners
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent, attorneys from Lewis Rice’s Federal Takings & Rails to Trails Practice Group, recently won more than $220,000 in compensation for eight landowners in southern Indiana. These landowners brought takings claims against the federal government for the taking of their property for the Monon South Trail, a recreational hiking and biking trail that crossed or trespassed on the landowners’ property.
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 authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. Over the years, many of these landowners have presented their claims in a series of cases, including this one, Kay v. United States. The remaining cases—Cessna v. United States, Popp v. United States and Lawrence County v. United States—have all been settled. Those landowners are expected to receive compensation from the federal government later this year.
“We are pleased to have been able to obtain the just compensation that the federal government owes to these eight landowners,” Lindsay said. “We look forward to seeing the plaintiffs we are representing in three other cases related to the Monon South Trail receive what they are entitled to soon.”
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. The attorneys in the Federal Takings Practice Group focus on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Their national work for landowners includes representing landowners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
Lewis Rice Wins More Than $5 Million in Compensation for Henderson and Transylvania County Landowners
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent, attorneys from Lewis Rice’s Federal Takings & Rails to Trails Practice Group, recently won $5,039,224 in compensation for 164 landowners in Henderson and Transylvania counties in North Carolina. These landowners brought takings claims against the federal government for the taking of their property for the 19.4-mile Ecusta Trail, a recreational hiking and biking trail between Hendersonville and Brevard that crossed or trespassed on the landowners’ property.
On June 28, 2021, the federal Surface Transportation Board issued a Notice of Interim Trail Use, allowing for the conversion of the railroad corridor formerly owned by Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, a division of Watco Companies, into the Ecusta Trail pursuant to the National Trails System Act. The following day, Lindsay and Meghan filed what would become the first and largest case regarding the Ecusta Trail rail-trail conversion: Austin v. United States. It alleged the conversion of the railroad corridor for public trail use violated landowners’ property rights, namely, to regain full use and control of the land once it was abandoned for railroad purposes.
On May 31, 2024, the United States Court of Federal Claims awarded just compensation to the landowners, which also includes interest from the date of the taking of their property to the date of payment.
“Many of these landowners were disheartened by the taking of their property for trail use,” Lindsay said. “They shared concerns of trespassing, loss of privacy, loss of river access and impact on farming operations. One was disappointed with the lack of collaboration with the contractor involved with trail development after her stone wall, gravel driveway and Leyland cypress trees were all removed with little communication about the process. We are pleased that we have been able to obtain the just compensation from the federal government that these individuals are entitled to.”
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. The attorneys in the Federal Takings Practice Group focus on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Their national work for landowners includes representing landowners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
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Private landowners win $5M for loss of property to Ecusta Trail
US government to pay $5M to Ecusta Trail landowners who brought suit over greenway
Lewis Rice secures over $5 million for landowners affected by Ecusta Trail project
Lewis Rice secures over $5 million for landowners affected by Ecusta Trail project
Lewis Rice Wins More Than $17.8 Million in Compensation for Landowners in St. Petersburg, Florida
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent, attorneys from Lewis Rice’s Federal Takings & Rails to Trails Practice Group, recently won $17,859,000 in compensation for three landowners in St. Petersburg, Florida, who brought takings claims against the federal government. The claim resulted from the conversion of an abandoned 0.86-mile railroad easement running south from 5th Avenue North to 9th Street North in downtown St. Petersburg into a public, recreational hiking and biking trail, which crossed or trespassed on the landowners’ property.
On June 10, 2020, the federal Surface Transportation Board authorized CSX Transportation Inc. (CSX)—the then-current owner of the line—to transfer the right-of-way to a subsidiary, Georgetown and High Line Railway Company (GHL), for public recreational trail use pursuant to the National Trails System Act. The three St. Petersburg landowners filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C. against the federal government a year later when the railway corridor was transferred from CSX to GHL on June 17, 2021. They alleged the transfer of the line to GHL for public trail use violated their property rights, namely, to regain full use and control of the land once it was abandoned for railroad purposes.
On May 17, 2024, the United States Court of Federal Claims awarded just compensation to the landowners, which also includes interest from the date of the taking of their property to the date of payment. The interest will likely bring their total payment close to $20 million—the largest trial decision from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in a rail-trail conversion case. Additionally, with a payment of more than $12.9 million, one of the plaintiffs in this case will receive the largest award ever granted to an individual landowner.
“These landowners have vindicated by proving their property belonged to them and was taken in violation of the Fifth Amendment,” Lindsay said. “We are glad they have finally received the just compensation from the federal government that they are entitled to.”
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail. The attorneys in the Federal Takings Practice Group focus on both proving the taking has occurred as well as establishing the value of the property that was taken. Their national work for landowners includes representing landowners coast-to-coast, including 11 states.
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails Team Hosts Meetings in Estero, Florida
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent were recently featured in an article by Gulfshore Business about hosting meetings in Estero, Florida, to educate landowners along the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT). Together, they provided updates on the project's progress and discussed how landowners can file claims for compensation from the federal government.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Lewis Rice Attorneys Assist Landowners with Bonita Estero Rails to Trails Concerns and Compensation Claims
Wink News featured an article highlighting the efforts of Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent in assisting landowners affected by the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) project. Lindsay and Meghan are addressing concerns such as safety, security, and potential financial compensation. Together, they represent about a dozen landowners along this trail, with up to 50 more eligible to file claims.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent Secure $7.4M in Compensation for Clients in Greensboro, North Carolina
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent recently secured millions of dollars in compensation for their clients who owned property along the Downtown Greenway trail, formerly the Atlantic & Yadkin railroad. Lindsay explained to News & Record that if a landowner wants to be paid the just compensation they are owed for the taking of their land, he or she must first file a claim for compensation by suing the federal government. Lindsay also notes that the deadline to file a claim is in October 2025 for those Greensboro landowners along the Atlantic & Yadkin trail. So far, eight landowners were awarded amounts ranging from nearly $42,000 to $3.3 million, totaling more than $7.4 million.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below. Note the article is behind a paywall; only subscribers of News & Record may access it.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Associated Press Reported on the Trail Expansion in Indiana
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorney Lindsay Brinton was featured in an Associated Press article discussing trail expansion in Indiana. Lindsay represents landowners along former railroad tracks and expressed her concerns about property devaluation and fair compensation with the ongoing development of the Cardinal Greenway trail within the proposed Great American Rail-Trail.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails Team Represents Landowners in Hudson Valley
Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent were recently interviewed by The Journal News regarding their representation of landowners in Hudson Valley along the Beacon Line Trail in New York. Landowners like Ian Mandrew Prendergast often are unaware that their property rights are involved until they meet with Lindsay and Meghan. The article highlights the attorneys' successful track record, with numerous settlements totaling millions of dollars.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below. Note, only subscribers may access this article.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
FarmProgress Discusses Rails to Trails Compensation
FarmProgress published an article discussing the conversion of unused railroad rights-of-way into walking and biking trails in the United States, and how that affects agriculture. The article references a webinar for the National Agricultural Law Center in which Lewis Rice members Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent outline the process for filing for compensation for rail-trail conversions. Lindsay showcased examples like the Legacy Trail in Sarasota, Florida, highlighting how defunct railroad lines are repurposed into public amenities and explaining how affected landowners may receive just compensation for the taking of their land.
To read the full article or watch the free recording of this webinar, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.
Southern Indiana Landowners Compensation Claim Deadline Approaching
February 27, 2024 marks the final deadline for southern Indiana landowners to seek compensation from the federal government for the taking of their land for the Monon South Trail conversion. After February 27, landowners who have not yet filed a claim for compensation will be forever barred from doing so. WBIW highlights the urgency of this cutoff, noting that the Lewis Rice Rails to Trails attorneys, Lindsay S. C. Brinton and Meghan S. Largent, have a series of cases that have been settled. These affected landowners anticipate receiving their compensations within the year.
To read the full article, click under "Resources" below.
Lewis Rice's federal takings attorneys represent landowners throughout the United States pursuing takings claims against the federal government. One primary focus of the group is representing landowners in what is commonly referred to as rails to trails takings. Attorneys in this group litigate cases in the United States Court of Federal Claims on behalf of those whose property was taken by the federal government pursuant to the National Trails System Act, which authorizes abandoned railroad lines to be converted to public parks. The goal is to obtain compensation from the government for the taking of their land for the public recreational trail.