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9/6/2024
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) this week voted to allow Sandersville Railroad to begin condemnation of land to be used for its Hanson rail spur project in Sparta.
In April 2023, several parcel owners along the proposed spur route challenged the short line’s use of eminent domain to acquire property for the route. But a Georgia PSC November 2023 decision was made in the railroad’s favor affirms that decision, Sandersville Railroad officials said in a press release.
"Although we do not take the use of eminent domain lightly, without it we would not have roads, airports, electrical lines, gas lines, or a host of other infrastructure that allows our communities to thrive," said Ben Tarbutton III, president of Sandersville Railroad.
Sandersville Railroad will compensate property owners for property it acquires through eminent domain, railroad officials said. When completed, the 4.5-mile spur in Sparta, Hancock County, will connect raw material producers, farms and businesses in the middle Georgia region to the CSX rail line that runs along Highway 16.
Lawyers for residents who oppose the railroad's efforts to force land sales of the properties say they will appeal the PSC's decision, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Heidelberg Materials, one of the raw materials producers, owns the Hanson Quarry along the spur's planned route. The cement, aggregate and asphalt supply company intends to expand its plant near the quarry as well as the quarry itself.
These expansions combined with the Hanson spur will be the largest private investment in Hancock County history. The spur is expected to generate over $1.5 million in annual economic benefits to the city and county and create at least 12 jobs immediately, according to Sandersville Railroad officials.
Additionally, grade crossings will be installed on all properties crossed by the spur, and earthen berms with trees will be installed to separate nearby homes from the rail, Heidelberg Materials plant and quarry.