Right-of-Way Done Right: Avoiding Condemnation Through Cooperation

When it comes to major infrastructure projects — from pipelines and transmission lines to well pads — success often depends on how well you work with the people who own the land beneath it.

At Allegiant Land Services, we know right-of-way acquisition isn’t just a legal process — it’s a human one. The difference between a smooth project and one mired in conflict usually comes down to one word: trust.

Condemnation: The Last Resort, Not the First Option

Eminent domain exists for a reason, but relying on it too soon can damage community relationships and project timelines.

In rural America, land isn’t simply property — it’s identity, heritage, and livelihood. A condemnation order might grant access on paper, but it can close the door to cooperation for years to come.

That’s why Allegiant emphasizes communication over confrontation and cooperation over coercion.

Proactive Negotiation Builds Progress

A well-negotiated easement protects everyone’s interests. When landowners feel respected and informed, projects move faster, legal risks drop, and goodwill spreads across the community.

Our team starts by balancing the developer’s operational needs with the landowner’s surface protections, addressing issues like fencing, restoration, access, and compensation long before they become roadblocks.

The result? Projects completed on time, on budget, and with the community’s support.

Where Field Experience Meets Legal Expertise

Our field agents understand what it’s like to stand at a landowner’s gate. Our leadership understands the statutes and regulations that govern land use — from the Surface Damage Act to Section 7(h) of the Natural Gas Act in Oklahoma.

That combined experience allows Allegiant to deliver agreements that are both practical and defensible, ensuring long-term stability for developers and landowners alike.

Goodwill is a Competitive Advantage

In today’s energy landscape, reputation is everything. Projects that prioritize respect over authority don’t just get built — they get welcomed.

At Allegiant, our goal is simple:

• Secure the rights our clients need

• Protect the integrity of the land

• Preserve relationships for future projects

Because right-of-way done right isn’t just about access — it’s about respect, reputation, and results.

by Destinee Weeks, Development Director