Carson family wins more money for freeway land

Wednesday, May 12, 2004 | 9:41 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Transportation Department, which originally offered $1.7 million for land for construction of part of the freeway through Carson City, is now going to pay $12 million for a smaller parcel.

The department announced Tuesday it has reached an out-of-court settlement with the Lompa family for 82 acres in the east section of Carson City. A trial was scheduled to begin June 1.

Laura Fitzsimmons, Las Vegas lawyer for the Lompa family, said the state in 2000 offered $1,782,000 for 122 acres. Than in 2002 it upped its price to $2.8 million for a reduced 82 acres.

Fitzsimmons said the family was asking for $15 million. She said the negotiations never held up construction of the freeway.

The department was granted right-of-entry and has constructed draining improvements on a portion of the project to complete the first phase of the freeway from north of Carson City to U.S. 50 East. The department plans to build a portion of the freeway on property as part of the second phase of the project.

Fitzsimmons several years ago won a $5.6 million judgment for land the department was condemning south of Carson City that belonged to John Serpa.

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