In federal condemnation actions, federal rules and principles generally control, despite a significant crossover with condemnations in the state courts. United States v. Miller, 317 U.S. 369 (1943). The procedural framework for federal condemnations is set by Rule 71.1, formerly FRCP 71A, of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Before the promulgation of Fed.R.Civ.P. 71.1…