Missouri Revised Statutes Title XV. Lands, Levees, Drainage, Sewers and Public Water Supply § 244.070. Limitation on improvements--dismissal of case, when

1. The word “tract” and “parcel” of land as used in this chapter shall include town lots or other subdivisions of land according to ownership. Persons desiring to drain or protect land under the provisions of this chapter shall not be limited to a single ditch, tile or levee, but two or more of each or all three may be constructed for the drainage or protection of the same tract of land.

2. If the report of the commissioners, as approved or as amended by the circuit court shows the total cost of the improvements, including value of the land used, the amount of the damages and cost of crossings, exceeds the total benefits accruing to all the land from the proposed improvement, the court shall dismiss the case and tax the court costs against the petitioners. Thereafter any one or more persons owning any portion of the wet, swamp, flat or overflowed land shall have the right to construct the ditch, tile or levee at his or their expense, but if constructed under such conditions the other owners of land that will be improved shall not be taxed for any of the costs.