United States v. 158.24 Acres of Land, More or Less, Situate in Bee County, Texas, R. J. Welder, Jr.

GEE, Circuit Judge:

In 1970, through exercise of its power of eminent domain, the United States acquired certain property interests in Bee County, Texas. To effect its purpose of constructing a radio guidance transmitter, the government took out of a 3,550-acre tract fee simple rights to 26.556 acres, an easement for road purposes in 0.38 acres, and an easement restricting use 1 in 131.31 acres. Prior to the proceedings before the jury at the compensation hearing, the court determined that the highest and best use for the land in question at the time of the taking was ranching, as an integral…