Tag Archives: Relocation Assistance Program

Relocation Assistance Programs are Not Limited as Suggested

A statement mentioned in this article, http://peekskill.patch.com/articles/crossroad-tenants-speak-out-against-eminent-domain , regarding business relocation cost reimbursements being limited to $25,000 is a misconception. Any statement that says a business or resident is limited to some total dollar figure for relocation reimbursements is always a misstatement or a misunderstanding, which I regularly have to dispel.

As a relocation consultant for businesses and residents, who lives and breathes eminent domain and Relocation Assistance Programs around the U.S, I will clarify this misconception that there is a maximum amount of eligible relocation cost reimbursements for relocating a business. If a state or local public agency’s relocation program closely follows the Federal Relocation Assistance Program, which most do, it contains only two categories having a maximum amount of relocation cost reimbursements, or a cap. The remaining eligible categories are uncapped, so they have no dollar limits.

While using relocation programs that are based on the Federal Relocation Assistance Program along with its capped and uncapped eligible reimbursement categories, seldom have I seen small business relocation reimbursements total under $50,000, in fact they are often between $100,000 and $200,000. Larger, more industrial types of businesses can reach into the millions of dollars in relocation cost reimbursements. Reimbursements mostly depend on what the business has at the old location and how the business sets up at the new location.

Businesses, as well as, residents can do better than most people think when facing eminent domain and relocation. However, many otherwise eligible relocation cost reimbursements are too often overlooked and go unreimbursed. Many more costs can be eligible for reimbursement and can be paid with proper planning, proper understanding of the Relocation Assistance Program, and with well-prepared relocation claims. So, don’t be discouraged by false statements that businesses are limited to relocation reimbursements of $25,000, $50,000, or any limiting figure.

Martyn Daniel