1. (a) If a petition is filed under section 61 of this chapter for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or recleaning of a drainage ditch that extends to or within one hundred sixty (160) rods of a freshwater lake and has a bottom depth lower than the average normal water level of the lake and the petition does not request the construction of a dam, other structure, diversion ditch, pumping station, or other appurtenance to protect and preserve the water level of each lake likely to be affected:

   1. (1) twenty percent (20%) of the owners of land abutting or within four hundred forty (440) yards of the shoreline or water line of the lake;
   2. (2) a county in which the lake lies; or

   3. (3) the department;

      may file a petition addressed to the court having jurisdiction any time before the court order granting the petition for the drainage project to include a dam, other structure, diversion ditch, pumping station, or other appurtenance necessary to protect and preserve the water level of the lake.

2. (b) Upon receipt of a petition filed under subsection (a), the court shall set a date for a hearing. On that date the court shall hear all evidence submitted regarding the practicability and public need of a dam, other structure, diversion ditch, pumping station, or other appurtenance to protect and preserve the water level of each lake likely to be affected.
3. (c) If the court rules that the additional construction is necessary, the same procedure shall be followed for inclusion as if the additional construction were included in the petition for the drainage work.

4. (d) If the court rules adversely on the practicability or public need of a dam, other structure, diversion ditch, pumping station, or other appurtenance, an appeal may be taken from the final judgment of the circuit or superior court to the supreme court or the court of appeals within thirty (30) days.

   [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-18-23(b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.19.