Before a water resource board enters a contract, levies special assessments, issues special assessment warrants, or takes any special action, or if a water resource board in a common river basin does not agree to meet or cooperate in good faith as required under section 61-16.1-15.1, a water resource board may commence a special proceeding in district court by which the proceeding leading up to the making of a contract, levying special assessments, issuing special assessment warrants, or leading up to any other special action, including a request to cooperate under section 61-16.1-15.1, shall be judicially examined, approved, and confirmed. The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a water resource board fails to cooperate or act in good faith under section 61-16.1-15.1. Any judicial proceeding commenced under this section shall comply substantially with the procedure required in the case of judicial confirmation of proceedings, acts, and contracts of an irrigation district.