MADISON, Neb. -- Summit Carbon Solutions once again met with Madison County to discuss their CO2 pipeline project, which aims to transport emissions from Ethanol plants underground and out of state.

The project is expected to bring in an estimated $1.1 million in annual centrally assessed property tax revenue to Madison County and involves five other states. 

Compared to its last update, Summit had made much slower progress in acquiring the needed mileage in the county had jumped from about 57% in December to 59% as of March.

As for the entire state, 60% of the needed mileage has been acquired by Summit.

Rob Latimer, who was representing Summit, said despite this, they are still working hard to get all the land needed.

He also said their goal of beginning construction later this year is still expected. 

A question that has been brought up numerous times by the county's constituents is the question of eminent domain.

Ron Schmidt said a number of landowners who do not wish to sell their land fear eminent domain will force them to do so regardless.

Latimer stated numerous times that Summit would prefer to acquire land through easements.

However, after continued questioning by Schmidt, he did concede that eminent domain could be attempted, but only as a last option.

Another Summit representative Ben Fuller said "there is a pathway for that" when asked about eminent domain.

"There's a regulatory process that involves just compensation," Latimer said. "Again the company is going to want to do everything in its power to avoid that."

The board also addressed that they had no power over eminent domain, saying those decisions can only be made at the state level. 

Summit is expected to give future updates to the Madison County Board.