242.320. 1. The board of supervisors of drainage districtsorganized under sections 242.010 to 242.690 shall not have theright to enter upon or appropriate any land for rights-of-way,holding basins or other works of the districts, until the pricesawarded to the owners of such land shall have been paid to suchowners or into the hands of the circuit clerks of the courtsorganizing such districts for the use of such owners; and if thesums awarded be not so paid within five years from the date offiling the commissioners' reports, all proceedings as to thetaking of such property for rights-of-way, holding basins andother works not so paid for shall abate at the cost of saiddistrict. Whenever any land is acquired by any district underthe provisions of said sections and the price of such propertyhas been paid the owner by the district, the title, use,possession and enjoyment of such property shall pass from theowner and be vested in the district, and subject to its use,profit, employment and final disposition.
2. The price awarded for all land acquired by any districtfor rights-of-way, holding basins, or other works and the amountof damages assessed by the board of commissioners and confirmedby the court to any tract or parcel of land or other property inthe district, shall be paid in cash to the owner thereof or tothe clerk of the court for the use of such owner, and thatportion of any tract or parcel of land or other property nottaken for use of the district shall be assessed for the benefitsaccruing in accordance with the provisions of sections 242.010 to242.690.
(RSMo 1939 § 12353)Prior revisions: 1929 § 10772; 1919 § 4405