State continues litigation on Lompa Property, buys one piece

In a sensitive land purchase between the state and a pioneering Carson City ranch family, small progress was made this month when the state acquired 3 acres needed for completion of the future freeway bypass.

The state paid $1.8 million for two parcels, currently home of a storage-unit business owned by the Lompa family off Fifth Street. However, the purchase of a swath of the family's ranchland is still in litigation.

State transportation representatives were reluctant to discuss the Lompa land acquisition process Thursday. The state needs 82 acres of the ranch to begin the second section of freeway through the middle of the city.

A spokesman for Gov. Kenny Guinn said that while the deal is a sensitive subject for the state, the governor is optimistic an agreement can be reached that is fair to both the state and the Lompas.

"It's been sensitive because this is a long-standing issue with a pioneer family in Carson City," Bortolin said. "I think it's sensitive to both the family and to the state.

"It's just a classic case of the state wanting to do the right thing and a pioneer family trying to get fair market value for their property," Bortolin said.

The governor understands the Lompa's interest in getting a fair deal, Bortolin said. But as chairman of the Board of Transportation, the governor also wants to make sure the state pays a fair price.

"I think fairness is all everyone is looking for," Bortolin said.

Lompa family attorney Laura FitzSimmons said the case is moving forward.

"So far, it does not look hopeful it will be resolved without a jury," FitzSimmons said.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Hutchins, handling the case for the Department of Transportation, said he would not comment on the status of the litigation.

The state offered $2.8 million for the 82 acres last year and the family has not yet countered. Three actions for condemnation were filed since -- including two regarding the storage-unit properties, which were settled, FitzSimmons said.

The state acquired the right to enter the property earlier this year to begin work on a drainage system that will allow the completion of the first phase of the freeway from Arrowhead Drive at the north end of town to Highway 50 East.

So far, work has not started on the land, said Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Magruder. The state may have started surveying, testing and doing preliminary designs, he said.