JASPER—The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) appeared in Dubois County Circuit Court yesterday, seeking a temporary restraining order to access private properties for environmental surveys related to the proposed Mid-States Corridor project. Judge Nathan Verkamp presided over the hearing in a packed courtroom.
State attorneys argued that INDOT possesses the legal authority to enter private land to conduct these preliminary surveys. However, property owners, represented by the Property Rights Alliance, contested this claim. Their arguments centered on allegations of insufficient notification and doubts regarding the necessity of the requested surveys.
During the hearing, state witnesses testified that the denied access has already delayed the project by over seven months and incurred more than $50,000 in additional expenses.
Judge Verkamp concluded the hearing by stating he would take the arguments and testimony under advisement and issue a decision on the temporary restraining order soon. A more comprehensive hearing addressing the state’s broader complaint has been scheduled for July 2. The outcome of these legal proceedings could significantly impact the timeline and progress of the controversial Mid-States Corridor project.
