The Texas A&M University System v. Montgomery County

The state of Texas and The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) appeal a declaratory judgment that Montgomery County is vested with a statutory easement and right-of-way through a section of state forest managed by TAMUS. The controversy concerns the widening of a state highway pursuant to a pass-through toll agreement between the county and the Texas Department of Transportation. Appellants contend that the express statutory grant of an easement across state land for county projects does not apply here, because the project relates to a state highway system improvement. Instead, they argue, a section of the Education Code that permits TAMUS to grant easements to the Texas Department of Transportation applies. Appellants further contend the declaration of an easement is actually a trespass-to-try-title suit from which they are immune. Finally, appellants contend the county is liable for appellants' expenses, because the county abandoned its condemnation claim. The trial court's judgment is affirmed. Beaumont Court of Appeals, No. 09-09-00518-CV, 02-24-2011