2006 Utah Code - 17A-2-509 — Board to appoint engineer -- Contract with United States -- Eminent domain -- Power to obtain water.

     17A-2-509.   Board to appoint engineer -- Contract with United States -- Eminent domain -- Power to obtain water.
     (1) The board of trustees shall appoint a competent engineer and fix the engineer's compensation.
     (2) The board may enter into any obligation or contract with the United States under any act of Congress now enacted, or which may hereafter be enacted, and the rules and regulations established thereunder, for the construction or operation and maintenance of the drainage system, or any drainage works, or for the assumption as principal or guarantor of indebtedness to the United States on account of district lands.
     (3) The board and its agents and employees may enter upon any lands to make surveys, and may locate the necessary drainage canal or canals, and the necessary branches of the same, on any lands which may be considered best for such location.
     (4) The board may also acquire, on behalf of the district, by purchase or condemnation or other legal means, all lands and other property necessary for the construction, use, maintenance, repair, and improvement of a canal or canals, drains and works constructed (including canals, drains, or drain ditches being constructed) by private owners, and all necessary appurtenances.
     (5) In case of necessity for condemnation proceedings the board shall proceed in the corporate name of the district under the provisions of the law relating to eminent domain.
     (6) Drainage districts organized under the provisions of this part may appropriate water for useful and beneficial purposes, may regulate and control, for the benefit of the landholders within the district, all water developed, appropriated, or owned by it, and may appropriate, use, purchase, develop, sell and convey water and water rights in the same manner and for the same use and purposes as any corporation, association, or person.

Amended by Chapter 254, 2000 General Session