Pursuing eminent domain to open a trail connector in Fall City, King County filed a condemnation proceeding Tuesday, June 8, against property owners.

According to a statement released by County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, the county finished a formal appraisal and made an offer on May 28 to owners Rutherford Slough LLC, who own a parcel between 39th Place and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Rutherford Slough LLC rejected the offer.

A trial date is set for February 2011.

In the meantime, the county has asked the owners for use of the property.

“There are financial incentives that benefit the property owners if they provide timely response to the request,” Lambert stated.

If granted, the public will regain access to the trail this summer.

“We cannot force them into this decision, however, so there is a chance that we will have to wait to regain access until after the trial is over,” Lambert stated.