United States v. Twin City Power Co.
United States Supreme Court
350 U.S. 222 (1956)
- Written by Rose VanHofwegen, JD
Facts
Over the course of 50 years, Twin City Power Company (Twin City) (defendant) amassed 4,700 acres on the Savannah River to build a hydroelectric dam and reservoir. Called fast land, the land lay entirely above the high-water mark. The federal government (plaintiff) condemned the fast land and built its own dam as part of a plan to develop the river basin. The dam was designed primarily to provide power but would also control flooding and improve flows for navigation purposes. The dam flooded Twin City’s land. To compensate for the taking, the government valued the land as it was used for timber and agriculture. The federal district court valued the land much higher, as a power-plant site. The circuit court affirmed, reasoning the purpose of the taking was not improving navigation, but flood control and power development. The government appealed, and the Supreme Court granted review.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Douglas, J.)
Dissent (Burton, J.)
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