Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapters 220 to 244 General Highway Law § 235.5

Sec. 5. Whenever it is necessary or more convenient for the proper drainage of any highway in this state that the surplus water be taken onto or across the land adjacent thereto, the highway commissioner of the township in which said highway is situated, may secure the right of way and may open such drain or outlet for the water, and for these purposes may use any highway moneys of the township not otherwise appropriated, and such sums as may be voted for that use by the electors of the township. The highway commissioner shall secure the right of way for any such drain by gift or purchase from the owners of the land to be crossed by such drain; but in case of purchase the purchase price must be approved by the township board before any money be paid thereon. Such right of way shall be acquired by deed duly executed by the owner or owners of the lands sought to be crossed by the said drain, and shall be taken in the name of the township wherein the same is located, and filed in the office of the register of deeds of the county before any highway money shall be expended in opening such drain outside the highway limits.