WACO -- Governor Rick Perry signed the eminent domain bill into law in Waco, saying the legislation will "close a door the Supreme Court jarred open."

Perry had officially signed the law September first, but had to postpone the ceremonial signing in Waco because of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Texas was one of at least 31 states to review eminent domain laws following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that backed governments' power to take private land for economic development as a way to increase tax revenue.

At the Waco Association of Realtors office yesterday, Perry said that government should not encroach upon the private property rights unless there is an eminent public need.

He says that eminent domain for public use is a necessary power; eminent domain for private use is a great threat.