Delaware § 704 - Condemnation.

§ 704. Condemnation.

(a) The Department may exercise the right of eminent domain, in the name of the State, for the acquisition of real property for public purposes, for the purpose of acquiring any property which it is authorized by this title to acquire by condemnation. In such cases, whenever the Department cannot agree with the owner of any land, building, franchise, easement, or other property necessary to be taken, it may institute condemnation proceedings in accordance with Chapter 61 of Title 10.

(b) The right of eminent domain herein granted extends to and includes the right to acquire the fee simple title to land, or an easement, or a right-of-way in, to, over or above such land or property as the Department deems necessary in making adequate and practical provisions for the removal of obstructions of any nature whatsoever in approaches to an airport or landing field.

(c) In the determination of the compensation to be paid in any condemnation proceeding authorized by this section, there shall be paid either the value of the property and facilities taken or the cost of any changes in or relocation of the property and facilities, whichever is higher.

(d) The fact that the property so needed has been acquired by the owner under power of eminent domain shall not prevent its acquisition by the Department by the exercise of the right of eminent domain herein conferred.

(e) For the purpose of making surveys and examinations relative to any condemnation proceeding, it is lawful to enter upon any land, doing no unnecessary damage.

Code 1935, c. 167;  45 Del. Laws, c. 301, §  11(4);  2 Del. C. 1953, §  704;  57 Del. Laws, c. 671, §  12;