Recommendations for improvements in U.S. right-of-way (ROW) acquisition processes should consider the environmental, social, political, and economic characteristics of individual states. These characteristics are reflected in state statutes and constitutions, which place restrictions on ROW staff in applying recommended strategies. This work compares state condemnation statutes, noting their weaknesses and strengths. It recommends modifications to current laws to expedite the acquisition process, minimize cost, and build property owners’ trust in government. It also examines how various factors are statistically significant in predicting state condemnation rates.