The general objectives of the Right of Way Design Engineering Section are to provide plans, plats, and descriptions for the use of all of those employed by the Department of Roads in the acquisition of right of way for highway purposes. The Title Research Agent completes the Certificate of Title, Five-Year Record of Ownership report for all ownership of land immediately adjacent to, or to be affected by a planned highway improvement. The information is obtained through a search of the records in the offices of the Register of Deeds, the County Judge, and the Clerk of the District Court. The purpose of the search is to obtain the names of the present owners of lands affected, how the title is held, the name of the grantor, the date and type of the instrument, the consideration, and the legal description of the property affected by the project.
Similar information is required for all owners in the five years prior to the search.
If an estate is involved, it is necessary to record the names of heirs, shares of each, names of spouses, names of minors or incompetents, names of guardian, executor, or administrator, and the attorney for the estate. The Title Research Agent also obtains data on mortgages, liens, and conditions affecting title such as easements, leases, judgments, and other district or county court proceedings. Ownership data, land line, and property line ties are assembled and added to construction plans. Right of way requirements are studied and the limits of tracts to be acquired are established. Access control designations are checked to assure intended service.