§18-1A-256. Abandonment of acquisition.

(a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), an arbitration under this article may specify the terms and conditions, if any, under which the condemnor may abandon acquisition of the property.

(b) Unless the arbitration agreement expressly waives the property owner's right to reimbursement, in the event of abandonment of acquisition after an arbitration agreement has been entered into, he is entitled to recover from the condemnor:

(1) The same litigation expenses that would be recoverable upon dismissal of an action for the acquisition of the property; and

(2) All other expenses, not included in recoverable litigation expenses, reasonably and necessarily incurred by him in preparation for and in participating in the arbitration and in judicial proceedings in connection with the arbitration, including reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees.

(c) If abandonment of acquisition occurs after the rendition of an award in the arbitration proceedings, the amount of the expenses payable under this section shall be determined as an additional issue in the arbitration, unless the arbitration agreement expressly provides otherwise. If the abandonment occurs before the rendition of the award, the amount shall be determined by the court in a condemnation action, if one is commenced, or in any independent action brought against the condemnor.

(Acts 1985, No. 85-548, p. 802, §1507.)