Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 486. Water and Power Companies § 486.308

Sec. 8. In case said company cannot agree with the owners or occupants of any lands or water, intended to be taken or used as aforesaid, for the purchase thereof, said company may, for the purpose of acquiring the necessary title and right to said lands or water, present a petition to the circuit court of the county where the company is located, at any term thereof, or during the vacation of the term, to any judge of a court or record, praying for the appointment of 3 commissioners; and such proceedings shall be had upon said petition as are prescribed in the act to provide for the incorporation of railroad companies, being chapter 67 of the Compiled Laws,  1 for the purpose of acquiring such title or right, except that the said circuit court or judge shall appoint disinterested and competent freeholders residing in the township or municipality where the said premises are situated.