Reducing Land Condemnation and Community Disruption

Private land, whether farms, forests, businesses, or wildlife habitat and corridors, would be largely protected. Interstate construction condemns at least one and a half acres for every lane mile built. An enlarged interstate thus reduces tax revenues, destroying small communities in its path, whereas rail improvements—built largely on existing rights-of-way—impose a smaller burden upon the land and local budgets.  Railroads pay taxes.