Interstate 35 Transmission Line Relocation Easements

At a glance

What: Austin Energy's relocation of transmission structures for the Texas Department of Transportation's I-35 Capital Express program (circuits 823, 834 and 835 near East 38 1/2 Street and Dean Keeton Street, District 9) required permanent easements from four property owners. Council authorized eminent domain proceedings on September 24, 2026.
Where it stands: Four resolutions passed 10-1 with Council Member Qadri voting no. A fifth, for a related Austin Water line relocation on Loop 360, passed 11-0.
Next: None recorded; owners may still settle before condemnation.

Resolutions No. 20260924-074 through -077 approved together on Council Member Siegel's motion, Mayor Pro Tem Vela's second, 10-1; Council Member Qadri voted nay. Appraised values: $33,834, $43,040, $60,643 and $69,526 (easements of roughly 419 to 861 square feet each), subject to increase from updated appraisals, a Special Commissioner's award, settlement or judgment. Funded from Austin Energy's capital budget.
Resolution No. 20260924-078 (Austin Water, Capital of Texas Highway/Loop 360 at Lakewood Drive, water line easement of 0.3461 acre plus a temporary working easement, appraised $101,192, District 10) approved 11-0.

Four easement condemnations authorized 10-1 (Council Member Qadri no); related Austin Water item 11-0.