The board of directors of a conservancy district may, at any time after the conservancy appraisal record is filed, when necessary to fulfill the objects for which the district was created, alter or add to the official plan by amendment. Such alterations or additions may be alterations in or additions to improvements previously provided for in the official plan or may consist of new works or improvements for the accomplishment of the purposes for which the district was created that were not previously provided for in the official plan. When such alterations or additions are formally approved by the board and by the court and are filed with the secretary of the conservancy district, they shall become part of the official plan for all purposes of this chapter. If such alterations or additions in the judgment of the court neither materially modify the general character of the work, nor materially increase resulting damage for which the board is not able to make amicable settlement, no action other than a resolution of the board is necessary for the approval of such alterations or additions. Any alteration or addition to the official plan relating to the provision of water supply or the collection and disposal of sewage and liquid wastes requires the approval of the environmental protection agency. If the proposed alterations or additions materially modify the general character of the work, or materially modify the resulting damages or materially reduce the benefits for which the board is not able to make amicable settlement, or materially increase the benefits in such a manner as to require a new appraisal, the court shall direct the board of appraisers of the conservancy district, which may be the original board, or a new board appointed by the court on petition of the board of directors or otherwise, to appraise the property to be taken, benefited, or damaged by the proposed alterations or additions.

Upon the completion of the report by the board of appraisers, notice shall be given and a hearing had on its report in the same manner as in the case of the original report of the board of appraisers, and the same right of appeal to a jury exists. When the only question at issue is additional damages or reduction of benefits to property due to modifications or additions to the plans, the board of directors may, if it finds it practicable, make settlements with the owners of the property damaged instead of having appraisals made by the board of appraisers. In case such settlements are made, notice and hearing need not be had. After bonds have been sold, in order that their security may not be impaired, no reduction shall be made in the amount of benefits appraised against property in the district, but in lieu of such reductions in benefits, if any are made, the amount shall be paid to the party in cash. This section applies to all changes in appraisals under this chapter.

Effective Date: 09-21-2000 .