Washington V. Brannan

This matter is before the court upon certiorari to review an order of public use and necessity, entered by the Superior Court for Whitman County. The action was brought by the State to condemn lands for a state route, SR 276, which is planned as a 4-lane highway carrying traffic around the outskirts of Pullman, Washington. The petitioners own land used as their residence in the Palouse River Valley about 2 miles northwest of Pullman. The land is in a quiet suburban area with natural surroundings, including two adjacent ravines which serve as habitats for wildlife. The proposed highway right-of-way line will pass within approximately 100 feet of the petitioners' property and the construction of the highway will result in substantial damage to the wildlife "cover" located in the adjacent ravines.