The boards of supervisors of drainage districts organized under this chapter shall not have the right to enter upon or appropriate any land for rights of way, holding basins or other works of the districts until the prices awarded to the owners of such land shall have been paid to such owners or into the hands of the appropriate clerks of the courts of common pleas for the use of such owners. If the sums awarded be not paid within five years from the date of filing the commissioners' reports all proceedings as to the taking of such property for rights of way, holding basins and other works not so paid for shall abate at the cost of the districts. Whenever any land is acquired by any district under the provisions of this chapter and the price of such property has been paid the owner by the district the title, use, possession and enjoyment of such property shall pass from the owner and be vested in the district and subject to its use, profit, employment and final disposition. The price awarded for all lands acquired by any district for rights of way, holding basins or other works and the amount of damages assessed by the board of commissioners and confirmed by the court to any tract or parcel of land or other property in the district shall be paid in cash to the owner thereof or to the clerk of the court for the use of such owner and that portion of any tract or parcel of land not taken for use for the district shall be assessed for the benefits accruing in accordance with provisions of other sections in this chapter.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 18-525; 1952 Code Section 18-525; 1942 Code Section 6185; 1932 Code Section 6185; Civ. C. '22 Section 3239; 1920 (31) 663.