WA utility can take land for data center power lines, judge rules
A Grant County Superior Court judge ruled that the Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) has the legal right to condemn private land for new transmission lines. These lines are crucial for doubling the electricity supply to Quincy, Washington, a significant data center hub. Property owners are appealing the decision, arguing the PUD failed to follow proper appraisal procedures and offered unfair compensation.
Grant County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Richardson ruled that the Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) has the legal right to seize private land for the construction of new transmission lines. This decision impacts nine property owners in Grant County, Washington, whose land lies in the path of a planned line designed to significantly increase electricity supply to Quincy, a burgeoning data center hub.
The property owners had argued that the PUD's lawsuit should be dismissed due to alleged failures in following Washington's negotiation and appraisal procedures. However, Judge Richardson stated that even if the PUD had not fully complied with these requirements, it would not invalidate the condemnation itself, though the question of fair compensation remains open for future determination, potentially by a jury.
James Bulthuis, an attorney for the landowners, criticized the ruling, suggesting it allows government agencies to treat state laws regarding fair market value as mere guidelines. Affected residents like farmer Darrin Reynolds and homeowner Felicitas Quintero expressed frustration over perceived disregard for private property rights and inadequate compensation offers, particularly as the PUD typically offers only a percentage of appraised value for easements rather than full ownership. The property owners have filed an appeal.
The $260 million transmission expansion project aims to roughly double the electricity Grant PUD can deliver to Quincy, where data centers consumed 37% of the county's power last year. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, with power delivery expected by 2029.