Keeton v. State, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

MAASSEN, Justice.

*935I. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT or the State) condemned a strip of property along the Parks Highway. DOT filed a declaration of taking, allowing it to take title immediately, and deposited approximately $ 15,000 in court as estimated compensation for the taking. The landowner challenged DOT's estimate and was eventually awarded approximately $ 24,000, as well as attorney's fees and costs. Pursuant to AS 09.55.440, the superior court awarded prejudgment interest to the landowner at the rate of 10.5% on the difference between the…