Federal, state, and local governments all have the power to condemn private property for public purposes. This power has been delegated to government agencies including the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This power has also been delegated to “quasi-public” entities such as public utility companies, but these “private condemnors” are subject to different procedures and restrictions. Under federal and North Carolina law, all entities possessing the power of eminent domain are subject to the constitutional requirements that 1) a taking must be for a public use; and 2) the property owner must receive just compensation for the taking.