Cities and utility companies use private property to build the infrastructure that serves gas, electric, water, sewer, communications, roads, bridges, and flood controls. Ideally, engineers want to use the least amount of space possible to provide these services. But when that space is needed professional negotiators step in to settle a fair price for the use of private property.

The intersection at 7th Street and Illinois Avenue would frequently flood along Illinois Avenue during a 25-year or larger storm. At times, the water level would rise as much as 4.3 feet above the edge of the road.