New York adopted the Eminent Domain Procedure Law (EDPL) by Chapter 839 of the Laws of 1977. The purpose of the law is to provide the exclusive procedure by which property is to be acquired by the exercise of the power of eminent domain and to assure that just compensation is paid. The law also was to establish opportunity for public participation in the planning of public projects necessitating the exercise of eminent domain.  EDPL §101.

The adoption of the EDPL followed an intensive study, combined with public hearings by the Temporary State Commission on Eminent Domain. The Commission published annual reports in 1972, 1973 and 1974. (This author was a consultant to the commission in 1972 and 1973.)