There are different types of acquisitions for public projects.
Existing right-of-way is land that is already used for highway purposes. Along county highways existing right-of-way commonly extends 33 lineal feet (or 2 rods) from the highway centerline.
A fee simple interest is absolute ownership. Title is passed to heirs if the property owner dies without a will. A fee acquisition means the government acquires all rights to this area of the property.
A temporary limited easement (TLE) is land that is used during the project, which reverts back to the owner after construction. TLEs are commonly acquired for sloping and grading to match the topography of the remaining property with the project design.
A permanent limited easement (PLE) is a partial interest acquired for maintenance of the public improvements into perpetuity.
