Free Answer - District Court of Federal Claims - federal


File Size: 48.2 kB
Pages: 19
Date: January 20, 2006
File Format: PDF
State: federal
Category: District
Author: unknown
Word Count: 4,984 Words, 32,153 Characters
Page Size: Letter (8 1/2" x 11")
URL

https://www.findforms.com/pdf_files/cofc/14764/41.pdf

Download Answer - District Court of Federal Claims ( 48.2 kB)


Preview Answer - District Court of Federal Claims
Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 1 of 19

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE, et. al., Plaintiffs, v. THE UNITED STATES, Defendant. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Civil No. 03-600 L Chief Judge Edward J. Damich

ANSWER TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT Defendant, in answer to Plaintiffs' Complaint, hereby admits, denies and avers as follows: FIRST DEFENSE Defendant responds to the numbered paragraphs of Plaintiffs' Complaint as follows: 1. In response to the allegations of subparagraph (1)(a) of paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs'

Complaint, Defendant admits that the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is a federally-recognized Indian tribe. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of subparagraph 1(a). In response to the allegations of subparagraph (1)(b), Defendant admits that the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation is located in central South Dakota. The allegations of the second, third and fourth sentences of subparagraph (1)(b) are conclusions of law to which no response is required. In response to the allegations of the fifth sentence of subparagraph (1)(b), Defendant admits that some of the land within the boundaries of the Cheyenne River Sioux

1

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 2 of 19

Reservation is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. In response to the allegations of subparagraph (1)(c), Defendant admits that some of the land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is located outside the boundaries of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. The remaining allegations of subparagraph (1)(c) are conclusions of law to which no response is required. (2) In response to the allegations of subparagraph (2) of paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint, Defendant admits that the Cheyenne River Housing Authority (CRHA) maintains, constructs and operates low-income housing for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of the first and third sentences of this subparagraph. The remaining allegations of the second sentence of this subparagraph are conclusions of law to which no response is required. (3) Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of subparagraph (3) of paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint. (4) Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of subparagraph (4) of paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint. 2. The allegations of paragraph 2 are conclusions of law to which no response is required. In further response, Defendant admits that the Tucker Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1491, and the Indian Tucker Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1505, are the principal statutes conferring jurisdiction on this Court to hear a Fifth Amendment inverse condemnation case such as this. 3. The allegations of paragraph 3 are a characterization of Plaintiffs' Complaint to which

2

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 3 of 19

no response is required. 4. The allegations of paragraph 4 are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of those allegations. 5. Defendant lacks information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the first sentence of paragraph 5. In response to the allegations of the second sentence, Defendant admits that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has constructed a series of six main stem dam projects in the upper Missouri River Basin, which included the construction of the Oahe Dam near Pierre, South Dakota, pursuant to the authority of the Flood Control Act of 1944, 58 Stat. 877. In response to the allegations of the third sentence, Defendant admits that as a result of the creation of the Oahe Dam, the flow patterns of the Missouri River were altered. In further response, Defendant admits that the alteration of flow patterns caused a delta to be created, but denies that the delta is impacting any of Plaintiffs' properties. The allegations of the fourth sentence are denied. 6. The allegations of paragraph 6 are denied. 7. The allegations of paragraph 7 are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied. Defendant specifically denies that it has taken Plaintiffs' properties. 8. The allegations of paragraph 8 are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied. 9. The allegations of paragraph 9 are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied.

3

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 4 of 19

[Plaintiff Group #1 - Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe] 10. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 11. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning an ownership interest of Plaintiff Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of those allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from this Plaintiff, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second sentence. The allegations of the third sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. 12. The allegations of the first sentence of paragraph 12 are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claim of Plaintiff Group #1. [Plaintiff Group #2 - Cheyenne River Housing Authority] 13. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 14. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interest of Plaintiff Cheyenne River Housing Authority, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement

4

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 5 of 19

from this Plaintiff, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second sentence. The allegations of the third sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. 15. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claim of Plaintiff Group #2. [Plaintiff Group #3 - Terry Ducheneaux, et al.] 16. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 17. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #3, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third sentence. The allegations of the fourth sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. 18. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically

5

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 6 of 19

denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #3. [Plaintiff Group #4 - Ernest Ducheneaux] 19. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 20. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interest of Plaintiff Ernest Ducheneaux, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from this Plaintiff, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second sentence. 21. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claim of Plaintiff Ernest Ducheneaux. [Plaintiff Group #5 - Arlyn Lawrence, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe] 22. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 23. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the

6

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 7 of 19

ownership interests of Plaintiffs Arlyn Lawrence and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 24. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #5. [Plaintiff Group #6 - William Gilbert, et al.] 25. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 26. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interest of Plaintiff Group #6, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 27. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is

7

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 8 of 19

required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #6. [Plaintiff Group #7 - Gregg Mowrer, et al.] 28. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 29. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #7, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 30. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #7. [Plaintiff Group #8 - Gloria Smith, Sharon Smith] 31. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above.

8

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 9 of 19

32. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #8, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 33. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #8. [Plaintiff Group #9 - Clifford Marshall, Jr., et al.] 34. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 35. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #9, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences.

9

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 10 of 19

36. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken in interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #9. [Plaintiff Group #10 - Robert Smith, et al.] 37. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 38. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #10, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 39. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #10. [Plaintiff Group #11 - Francis Traversie]

10

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 11 of 19

40. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 41. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #11, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from this Plaintiff, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 42. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiff's property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiff's claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claim of Plaintiff Group #11. [Plaintiff Group #12 - Leslie Logg, et al.] 43. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 44. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #12, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the

11

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 12 of 19

second and third sentences. 45. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiff's property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #12. [Plaintiff Group #13 - Clarence Lawrence, et al.] 46. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 47. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #13, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 48. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #13.

12

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 13 of 19

[Plaintiff Group #14 - Mary Jane Anderson, et al.] 49. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 50. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #14, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 51. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #14. [Plaintiff Group #15 - Marty Lawrence, et al.] 52. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 53. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #15, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient

13

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 14 of 19

knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 54. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #15. [Plaintiff Group #16 - Robert Lawrence, Jr., et al.] 55. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 56. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #16, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 57. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing

14

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 15 of 19

the claims of Plaintiff Group #16. [Plaintiff Group #17 - Community of White Horse, et al.] 58. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 59. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #17, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 60. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #17. [Plaintiff Group #18 - Robert Lawrence, Jr., et al.] 61. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 62. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #18, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement

15

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 16 of 19

from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 63. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #18. [Plaintiff Group #19 - Jules Lamb and Marne Lamb] 64. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 65. In response to the allegations of the first sentence concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #19, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first sentence, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the second and third sentences. 66. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required.

16

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 17 of 19

WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #19. [Plaintiff Group #20 - Delbert Lamb, et al.] 67. Defendant repeats and incorporates herein its responses to paragraphs 1-9, above. 68. In response to the allegations of the first and second sentences concerning the ownership interests of Plaintiff Group #20, Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations. In further response to the allegations of the first and second sentences, Defendant admits that it has not acquired a flowage easement from these Plaintiffs, and specifically denies that a flowage easement has been taken. Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations of the third and fourth sentences. 69. The allegations of the first sentence are conclusions of law to which no response is required; to the extent matters of fact are alleged, they are denied, and Defendant specifically denies that it has taken an interest in Plaintiffs' property. The allegations of the second sentence are a characterization of Plaintiffs' claim to which no response is required. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order dismissing the claims of Plaintiff Group #20. All allegations of the Complaint which have not been specifically admitted or otherwise answered are hereby denied. SECOND DEFENSE The complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

17

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 18 of 19

THIRD DEFENSE Plaintiffs have failed to join all necessary property owners as required by RCFC 19. FOURTH DEFENSE Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the statute of limitations to the extent they are based on events occurring more than six years prior to the filing of the complaint herein. WHEREFORE, defendant respectfully requests that this Court enter an order: 1. Dismissing the Complaint with prejudice; 2. Assessing the costs of this litigation against Plaintiffs; and 3. Granting such other relief as the Court may deem just and proper. Dated: January 20, 2006. Respectfully submitted, SUE ELLEN WOOLDRIDGE Assistant Attorney General Environment & Natural Resources Division

s/ Susan V. Cook SUSAN V. COOK Senior Attorney Environment & Natural Resources Division Department of Justice P. O. Box 663 Washington, D.C. 20044-0663 (202) 305-0470 Fax (202) 305-8273 Email: [email protected] Attorney for Defendant 322521.1

18

Case 1:03-cv-00600-EJD

Document 41

Filed 01/20/2006

Page 19 of 19

.

19