Document: 402 U.S. 497 91 S.Ct. 1650 29 L.Ed.2d 61 TRIANGLE IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL et al., petitioners,v.William S. RITCHIE, Commissioner, State Road Commission of West Virginia, al. No. 712. Supreme Court the United States October Term, 1970. May 17, 1971 Jack Greenberg, New York City, for petitioners. William Bradford Reynolds, Federal respondents, pro hac vice, by special leave Court. Stanley E. Preiser, Charleston, W. Va., State. On writ certiorari to Appeals Fourth Circuit. PER CURIAM. 1 The is dismissed as improvidently granted. 2 Mr. Justice HARLAN, concurring. 3 In light my Brother DOUGLAS' assertion, post, at 508, that today's disposition might be taken impair integrity 'rule four,' see Ferguson v. Moore-McCormack Lines, 352 521, 559-562, 564, 77 459, 515 (1957) (opinion this writer), I deem it appropriate set forth reasons joining in dismissal 4 Federal-Aid Highway Act 1968 provided pertinent part that: 5 'The Secretary [of Transportation] shall not approve any project [such here involved] which will cause displacement person * unless he receives satisfactory assurances from department that—— 6 7 '(3) within a reasonable period time prior there available, extent can reasonably accomplished, areas generally less desirable regard public utilities and commercial facilities rents or prices financial means families individuals displaced, decent, safe, sanitary dwellings, defined Secretary, equal number available such displaced accessible their places employment.' 23 U.S.C. § 502 (1964 ed., Supp. V). 8 principal issue presented case whether statute, either its own force together with administrative regulations promulgated pursuant it, prevents authorizing construction segment interstate highway system, even where rights-of-way had been acquired some persons effective date Act, first compiles comprehensive formal relocation plan. short, question what constitutes 'satisfactory assurances' case. 9 Since was granted, events have occurred that, judgment, rendered wholly inappropriate our review. First, upon petitioners base has repealed. Secondly, new statute enacted Congress alters drastically potential impact decision we reach Third, were informed oral argument, than 10 remained federal project. Finally, brief on merits Court, almost completely abandoned original claim relief now seek broaden substantially nature remedy they seek. prayer simply sought enjoin further pending submission implementation plan Virginia Department. fact repealed since granted would affected accept petitioners' legal position renders case, think, classic instance situation exercise powers review no significant continuing national import. Of course, every individual alleging abused power should, general matter, heard, his becomes unique due repeal cessation action challenges. That why district courts appeals are vested largely obligatory jurisdiction. Hearing claims not, however, purpose sits. See Rule 19 Rules 11 At same Uniform Relocation Assistance Real Property Acquisition Policies 84 Stat. 1894. Its purpose, title implies, establish uniform governing rule law all federally directed financed projects business. 1970 very consciously modeled following 'as closely possible [its] substantive provisions,' S.Rep.No.91-488 (1969), an effort assure uprooted authority receive beneficient protection earlier extended those situated path construction. especially 115 Cong.Rec. 31535 (remarks Sen. Cooper). Section 210 provides 12 '[T]he head agency grant agency, under assistance pay cost program result after title, 13 14 '(2) programs offering services described section 205 persons; 15 displacement, replacement dwellings accordance 205(c)(3).' 16 205(c)(3) describes detail must provided. It does explicitly state 'program' include reflecting projected each affected. 17 Arguably, presence provision enhance significance relevant,1 similarly worded, Act. Indeed, DOUGLAS asserts 'any necessary interpretation [Act] equally applicable Act.' Post, 504, n. 1. For me, increase, but rather diminishes, appropriateness ruling instant 18 This comes us record sheds only proper governed programs, administered one aid States. appears anything hold may well carried over full govern administration large bring about human displacement. To render determination wide-ranging minimum, benefit thinking lower problem, knowledge responses various agencies statute. Yet entirely without these essential aids. extent, then, future, seems me issues should await arising Insofar said present subsequent granting have, noted previously, robbed significance. 20 troublesome virtually initial relief. Instead preparation plan,2 decree effect District before inquire locations meet statutory standards. As issue, neither opinion below nor judge claim. tried theory statutes require plan, numerous improperly relocated fact. And seem bar initiation proceedings, raising sort do exist. 21 changed posture think adjudication provident expenditure energies Cf. Sanks Georgia, 401 144, 593, 27 741 (1971). 22 DOUGLAS, whom BLACK, BRENNAN, MARSHALL concur, dissenting. involves two federal-aid Virginia. Charleston lies narrow valley, along Kanawha River bisected east Elk joins near center city. Triangle located south side mouth. Many residents Tringle elderly comparatively low incomes. often happens highways, route selected through poor area town, politically powerful people live. 24 common urban housing shortage severe part, because many homes demolished prjects. exceptionally severe. Land clearance proposed expansion local water company 243 few years ago. planned displace 300 more. renewal (which postponed indefinitely lack housing) area's 2,000 residents. 25 Although alternative routes considered, approved 1964. authorization right-of-way given 1966 1967. There dislocated Triangle. 26 August 23, 1968, amendments relating benefits highways became effective. By 60% But vast majority area, who highway, yet amendments. Just three months commenced action, arguing complied disclosing existence adequate housing. Prior trial households moved 280 displaced. Once began did occur Solicitor General's brief, filed just informs nine left vacant order Under Transportation Beggs November 6, 28 Much made although originally Triangle, remain care found shelter. If involved, would, view, different. regime call halt government acts lawlessly. patently bureaucracy defied congressional mandate. notorious citizens efforts inadequate relocation. 1962 amended 'relocation advisory assistance' authorized minimal payments assistance. 133 (repealed Pub.L. 90-495, 37, 82 836). But, Judge Sobeloff below, 'cold indifference plight roofs heads mounted level scandal.' 429 F.2d 423, 424 (dissenting opinion). passed certain rectify 'national scandal.'1 30 provide 'may elect actual expenses moving.' 505 V).2 property owner, entitled payment State, addition acquisition price taken, up $5,000, representing difference between obtaining comparable dwelling. A tenant $1,500 enable him rent years, make down purchase dwelling 'not desirable' existing one. 506 V).3 31 duty explicit. He V),4 'which person, business, farm operation that' (1) fair other afforded (2) (3) 'within 32 Satisfactory strictly regulation. Instructional Memorandum 80-1-68, 5a(5) Department requires 'realistic.' department, proceeding furnish information approval division engineer [concerning methods] needs evaluated correlated [and inventory currently housing.' (Italics added.) Id., 7b. 80-1-68 issued September 5, 5b stated 'assurances required acquire commence issuance memorandum.'5 Even restriction, memorandum apply until fall 1969. 33 1964 both early Director Public Roads regional administrators directing problems considered more extensively. reviewed stated: 34 'In secure valuable relative survey assist defining overall problem involved. opinion, complete factual, estimated availability 35 need all, felt 'half plan' credit. Then 511(3) Supp.)6 moves real chapter' highway. 36 comply requirements 502. least dislocated. finally prepare response lawsuit while officials obtained copy told attempt it. prepared consider competing simultaneous competition relevant. No submitted if then effect. Subsequent dismissing complaint authorized. 37 petition Our four'7 allows four Justices vote consideration merits. dissent ones petition. five' actions five opposed certiorari. improper them dismiss argument voted so do, here. Harlan save money immediately waiting briefs argument. 560, (separate Harlan's makes clear, opposing persuade others Conference, but, failing 562, S.Ct., 479. His advice heeded here, lest four' impaired. 38 therefore still relevant focus class action. become January 1971, specifically preserves rights liabilities Acts. 220(b). Those latter well. Petitioners They argue relief' relocated. Petitioners' Brief 51. Prime emphasis, placed remedial technique text. true, 1970, similar convenience parallel citations footnotes. 202 §§ 203 204 higher Act: 'Notwithstanding law, to, contract agreement with, '(1) persons, sections 202, 203, title; identical 502(3) mentioned infra textual paragraph. subsquently applies approvals Transportation: Implementation Replacement Housing Policy, 15, 1970; Administration Circular Memorandum: Assistance—Availability Housing, March 27, 101(6) old recurring Frankfurter took deny can, properly Shannon, 342 288, 294-297, 72 281, 96 L.Ed. 321. thought then—and think—that practice impairs 'the jurisdiction.' 298, 281. 'By long practice—announced well-known Bar—it takes votes out dismiss, cannot get four-vote impaired.' Ibid.

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