Abstract
The power of eminent domain authorizes the government to take private property for a public use, such as building roads, schools, and firehouses. In Kelo v. City of New London, the U.S. Supreme Court found that a local government may condemn private property for the sole purpose of economic development. The 2005 decision has generated strong reactions, including legislative activity at the state and national levels, with implications fortransportation projects. This article presents details of the Kelo decision and discusses the federal government and state government reactions toit.