Jorge Sosa, once again, has the latest on the MinnCan Pipeline. Sosa should be commended for his commitment to thoroughly covering this story as it continues to develope.

Earlier this summer, Minnesota Pipe Line reported it had reached easement agreements with about 85 percent of the landowners along the MinnCan Project route.

Condemnation proceedings against the remaining holdouts are under way, and a single judge — Meeker County Judge Steven E. Drange — has been appointed to hear cases for all 13 affected counties.

Minnesota Pipe Line hopes to exercise what is known as a “quick take” option on Sept. 27. While the courts are figuring out how much landowners should finally be paid, MPL will make an initial payment to landowners and start site work along the pipeline route.

The company recently filed a legal motion for an order allowing its agents to begin surveying work, without interference from landowners, prior to Sept. 27.

Attorney Rod Krass, who is representing 47 landowners in their negotiations with MPL, said the workers might also start staking out the centerline for the pipeline route.