National Right-of-Way Professionals Week: Palmer's People, Projects, and Progress
During National Right-of-Way Professionals Week, Palmer Engineering is proud to recognize the dedicated professionals who make our projects possible.
When people drive on a newly improved roadway, cross a safer intersection, or benefit from expanded transportation infrastructure, they rarely see the work that happens long before construction begins.
Before a roadway project can move forward, Right of Way (ROW) professionals help coordinate property acquisition, utility impacts, surveying, relocation assistance, and the land rights necessary to bring projects to life. Their work serves as the foundation for infrastructure improvements that connect communities, improve safety, and support economic growth.
What Is Right of Way?
Simply put, Right-of-Way is real estate for public use.
It is the legal right to use or access land for a specific purpose, such as building roads, utilities, pipelines, or communication lines. ROW professionals help acquire easements and property interests while balancing the needs of landowners, communities, and public agencies.
The process requires careful planning, communication, and coordination. From surveying and appraisals to negotiations and relocation assistance, every step plays a critical role in ensuring infrastructure projects move forward fairly and efficiently.
One aspect of the process that many people may not realize is how property valuations are determined. As Hannah Walker, one of Palmer Engineering’s ROW Specialists, explains, "An appraisal completed for a Right-of-Way acquisition is called a Before and After Appraisal and it effectively has two full appraisals in one document. It values the property before the acquisition (as-is) and as though the acquisition has occurred. The compensation offered to property owners is based on the difference between these two values."
Surveying is often one of the first steps in the process, helping establish property boundaries, map corridors, and provide the information needed to support future improvements.
A Legacy of Right-of-Way Excellence
Palmer Engineering has built a legacy of success on problem-solving, integrity, and delivering results. Our full-service ROW team brings several decades of combined experience, providing comprehensive support for government and private-sector projects throughout our four-state service area.
As a pre-qualified service provider for both the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Palmer delivers professional, efficient, and timely Right of Way solutions for projects of all sizes. Our team ensures compliance with state and federal requirements, including the Federal Highway Administration's MAP-21 guidelines and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act.
To date, Palmer Engineering has provided ROW services for transportation projects involving more than 270 parcels across Kentucky transportation corridors.
Projects That Make a Difference
KY 32 Realignment - Fleming County, KY
Selected through the KYTC Statewide ROW Contract, Palmer Engineering provided acquisition and relocation assistance services for the KY 32 widening project.
The 4.68-mile roadway improvement project involved 104 acquisition parcels, including 60 appraised parcels and 54 Minor Acquisition Review parcels. Palmer successfully completed acquisitions for all 60 appraisal parcels, helping advance safety improvements along this important corridor.
KY 107 Realignment - Christian County, KY
Palmer was also selected through the KYTC Statewide Right of Way Contract to provide acquisition and relocation assistance services for the KY 107 widening project.
The project involved 16 acquisition parcels and one relocation, requiring close coordination with property owners to improve roadway safety and mobility along the corridor.
Graves Road / I-275 Interchange Design Build - Boone County, KY
Securing Right of Way for the Graves Road Reconstruction Project presented unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palmer successfully managed negotiations and acquisitions across 65 parcels while overcoming pandemic-related delays. Through strategic prioritization and close coordination with property owners, the team maintained the project schedule and ensured construction could move forward without delay.
Meet the Professionals Behind the Process
While every project is unique, the people behind the work share a common commitment to communication, problem-solving, and serving both property owners and communities.
Keith enjoys the variety that comes with ROW projects, noting that every project brings new people and new challenges. He believes one of the most important parts of the profession is ensuring property owners feel heard and respected throughout the acquisition process.
"We always work to give the property owner what they deserve," Keith says, emphasizing the importance of fairness and respect in every acquisition. He also considers listening to be one of the most valuable skills in ROW work.
"Allowing the property owner the time to discuss their concerns or just to vent about the project" helps build trust and create productive conversations throughout the process. For Keith, ROW work is about more than acquiring property—it's about working with people and helping them navigate an often unfamiliar process.
For Hannah, one of the most rewarding aspects of ROW work is solving unique real estate challenges and collaborating with professionals across multiple disciplines. She notes that many people don't realize that ROW appraisals involve evaluating a property both before and after an acquisition, with compensation based on the difference between those values. Hannah is especially proud of becoming Palmer Engineering's first appraiser added to the KYTC’s pre-approval list.
Mary Beth believes that ROW work is ultimately about people. Through her work across Kentucky, she has the opportunity to build relationships with property owners and gain a deeper appreciation for the communities impacted by transportation projects. As she explains, “I enjoy listening to their histories regarding their property, families, and the project areas."
She emphasizes that communication is one of the most important skills in ROW work, helping property owners understand how a project may impact their property and ensuring successful negotiations. Mary Beth is especially proud of Palmer Engineering being selected as the number one firm for KYTC Statewide ROW Services.
For Max, the appeal of ROW lies in the variety and problem-solving involved in each project. He notes that many people underestimate the amount of communication and coordination required between engineers, attorneys, government agencies, and property owners. Max views every successfully acquired parcel as an accomplishment because each presents its own unique challenges. One of the things he enjoys most about the profession is the opportunity to gain knowledge across a wide range of disciplines.
As Max explains, "Right-of-Way agents end up learning a little bit about everything—law, engineering, surveying, and even local history—just from working through different parcels."
More Than Property Acquisition
ROW work is often unseen by the public, but it is essential to the success of every infrastructure project. It requires technical expertise, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping communities grow while treating property owners fairly and respectfully.
During National Right-of-Way Professionals Week, Palmer Engineering proudly recognizes the professionals who work behind the scenes to solve complex challenges, build relationships, and create the pathways that make progress possible.
Thank you to our ROW team for the expertise, dedication, and professionalism you bring to every project and every community we serve.