# Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-628: Condemnation of oyster bottoms and grounds

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-628

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-628
- **Heading:** Condemnation of oyster bottoms and grounds
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 28.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 28.2-628

## Text

The Department of Transportation, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, and any locality shall have the right by eminent domain, to acquire any right or interest, partial or complete, in and to any oyster bottoms, oyster-planting grounds, or interest therein necessary for the purpose of such Department, Authority, or locality. The procedure in such cases shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1. However, a locality shall not exercise the right by eminent domain to acquire any right or interest, partial or complete, in and to any oyster-planting grounds leased pursuant to Article 1 (§ 28.2-600 et seq.) or 2 (§ 28.2-603 et seq.) of Chapter 6, other than a water-dependent linear wastewater project where there is no practical alternative and the project is subject to permitting under the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.).

The Department of Conservation and Recreation shall have the same right of eminent domain against the same properties as previously described, where the purpose of the condemnation is to provide for a navigational improvement benefiting the Commonwealth and not limited to purposes of any particular locality.

Code 1950, § 28-122.1; 1950, p. 92; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-115; 1989, c. 656; 1992, c. 836; 2003, c. 940 ; 2014, cc. 162 , 591 ; 2026, c. 924 .

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-628. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.