2006 Utah Code - 17A-2-542 — Terms defined -- Power over watercourses -- Expenses.

     17A-2-542.   Terms defined -- Power over watercourses -- Expenses.
     The word drainage, when used in this part, shall be held to include the reclamation, protection or betterment of lands by leading or carrying by gravity or pump lift through canals, ditches, pipes or otherwise, the excess waters from said lands, or the withholding of water from the same; and for all the intents and purposes of this part, the authorization for the construction of a drainage canal or system, or any part of the same, shall include the authority to build dykes, levees, embankments, revetments, or any other necessary works and structures to reclaim or better lands for agricultural or sanitary purposes. The word ditch, when used in this part, or for the purposes thereof, shall be held to include any drain or watercourse, whether opened, covered, or tiled, or any natural watercourse into which drains or ditches may enter, whether such watercourse is situated within or outside of the district. To secure complete drainage of the lands within any drainage district, the board of supervisors are hereby vested with full power to widen, straighten, deepen, or enlarge any watercourse, or remove any obstruction or rubbish therefrom, whether such watercourse is situated within, outside of, or below any drainage district; and, when it is necessary, straighten any watercourse by cutting a new channel upon other lands, the value of such lands (to be occupied by such new channel), and damages, if any, made by such work may be ascertained and paid in the manner that is now or may hereafter be provided by law providing for the exercise of the right of eminent domain in force in this state. The expenses of the work provided for in this section shall be paid from moneys arising from assessments upon lands within the district or in any lawful manner required.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 186, 1990 General Session