Eminent Domain Concerns Raised Over Missouri's Hyperloop Plans

Critics are pointing to a discrepancy between the plan and the reality in terms of how much private property must be acquired through eminent domain to make the state of Missouri's Hyperloop dreams come true.

1 minute read

April 18, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Hyperloop One

Kevin Krejci / Flickr

"As much as 35 percent of the proposed route for Missouri’s ultra-fast Kansas City to St. Louis Hyperloop would require land acquisition through the government’s power of eminent domain, far more than boosters of the $10-billion venture have claimed," reports Edward McKinley

"The full feasibility report, completed last fall by the Kansas City-based firm Black & Veatch, is at odds with statements by supporters of the project, including Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, who said last month that among the project’s selling points was that it could use 'a vast majority' of state-owned right-of-way along I-70," according to McKinley.

Eminent domain isn't popular in the state of Missouri. "On Tuesday, the House tentatively approved legislation blocking the use of eminent domain for the Grain Belt Express, a transmission line that would carry wind-generated electricity east across eight Missouri counties," according to McKinley.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in The Kansas City Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.