§214.68.  Defendant's answer; requirements; delay for filing

When property is expropriated pursuant to this Part, any defendant may apply for a trial to determine the ownership of subsurface mineral rights to which he is entitled, if:

(1)  He files an answer within one year from the date he is notified in writing by the department that it has finally accepted the project for which the property was expropriated. However, he may file his answer prior to the date he is notified by the department.

(2)  His answer reasonably describes the areas to which he asserts ownership of the subsurface mineral rights.

(3)  His answer has a certificate thereon showing that a copy thereof has been served personally or by mail on all parties to the suit who have not joined in the answer.

Acts 2004, No. 633, §1, eff. July 5, 2004.