Maine Revised Statutes Title 23. Transportation § 154-E. Improvement

Payment to tenants of record shall be made by the department pursuant to this section for any building, structure or other improvement which is owned by the tenant. The tenant shall be paid the fair market value which the building, structure or improvement contributes to the fair market value of the real property to be acquired, or its salvage value, whichever is greater. No payment may be made unless, prior to condemnation, the owner of the land involved disclaims in writing to the department all interest in the tenant's improvement, and the department determines that the improvement qualifies for payment. In consideration for any such payment, the tenant shall assign, transfer and release to the department all rights, title, and interest in and to the improvements. The department shall not make any payment under this section which it determines would result in duplication of any payment otherwise authorized by this Title.

For the purpose of determining the just compensation to be paid for any acquired building, structure or other improvement, that building, structure or other improvement shall be deemed to be part of the real property, notwithstanding the right or obligation of a tenant, as against the owner of any other interest in the real property, to remove that building, structure or improvement at the expiration of the term of the lease.

Nothing in this section may be construed to deprive the tenant of any rights to reject payment under this section and to obtain payment for the property interests in accordance with applicable law other than this section.