Back to Basics: What is an Easement?

In this blog series, we aim to get back to basics – that is, to explain some foundational concepts about the kind of law we practice here at Hansen, Howell & Wilkie, PLLC. Today’s key term: easement.

In basic terms, an easement is an interest in real property that is less than fee simple ownership.  If you grant someone an easement, you give them the right to use your real property in some way.

Continue reading “Back to Basics: What is an Easement?”

Back to Basics: What does Condemnation mean?

In this blog series, we aim to get back to basics – that is, to explain some foundational concepts about the kind of law we practice here at Hansen, Howell & Wilkie.  Today’s key term: condemnation.

In the realm of takings law, “condemnation” refers to the exercise of the power of eminent domain. It is a determination and declaration that a certain property is assigned to public use.  Continue reading “Back to Basics: What does Condemnation mean?”

Update on NCDOT Project Funding

The North Carolina Department of Transportation continues to monitor their cash reserves in light of the funding shortfalls that caused them to suspend preliminary engineering on more than 900 projects last year.  According to the DOT, if a project was already under construction, or if construction was set to start before August 2020, then the timeline for that project has not been affected.  If you would like to download an updated list of projects that continue to be affected by cash constraints, click here.  As  of February 18, 2020, there are more than 40 pages of projects listed.

NCDOT Funding Issues Causing Delays Statewide

Citing the costs of cleaning up after several natural disasters, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) acknowledges that funding shortages will delay hundreds of infrastructure projects statewide.  In fact, according to an Aug. 30th memo from NCDOT COO Bobby Lewis, preliminary engineering is being suspended on nearly 1000 projects.

Read more at the Triangle Business Journal by clicking here.