The fee acquisition of contiguous lands as required by this section is a taking for a public purpose and for use in the operation of the utility

The utility is required to divest itself completely of all lands used for farming or capable of being used for farming within five years after the date of acquisition pursuant to this section. If these lands are not divested as provided by this section, they must be sold at a public sale as provided by chapter 21-47 . No land more than one - half mile from the center line of the power line may be taken. Source: SL 1980, ch 327 , § 9; SL 2025, ch 193 , § 2.