DRAINAGE DISTRICT

drainage district.A  political subdivision authorized to levy assessments for  making drainage

improvements within its area. [Cases: Drains    12.C.J.S. Drains § 8.]

“In  the  United  States there are  numerous special  districts  that  administer  drainage projects.

They are typically formed  under state law after a local election  or petition showing consent of a

majority  of affected landowners. The  projects are usually publicly financed, and assessments are

made  against  all  property  benefited,  whether  or  not  all  individual  landowners  have  consented.

Such  projects can  increase the  agricultural capacity  of  drained  lands and  provide  ‘new’  land  for

buildings  and  other  improvements  ….  Special  statutes  governing  drainage  districts  generally

exempt them from restraints …. But if private property rights are taken or if others are damaged,

compensation must be paid.” David H. Getches, Water Law in a Nutshell 301 (3d ed. 1997). [Blacks Law 8th]