According to U.S. law, the government can seize private property for public use. This power is called eminent domain. However, according to the U.S. Constitution, the government must provide the landowner "just compensation" for the land it condemns.
Working toward 'just compensation'
The government notifies you of its intent to take possession of your land to use for a government project. This is legal in some situations, using eminent domain laws.
