Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-7-101. Creation of irrigation districts by percentage of titleholders

(1) Sixty per centum in number of the holders of title or evidence of title to lands sought to be included in an irrigation district and which are susceptible of irrigation, such holders of title or evidence of title also representing 60% of the acreage of said lands, may propose the establishment and organization of an irrigation district under the provisions of this part and part 15. When any of such land sought to be included in such irrigation district is covered by mortgage or other lien, then the owner or owners of such land shall first procure the written consent of the holder of such mortgage or other lien before proposing the establishment and organization of such irrigation district.

(2) Irrigation districts may be formed in order to cooperate with the United States under the federal reclamation laws heretofore or hereafter enacted or under any act of congress which shall permit of the performance by the United States of work in this state for the purposes of construction of irrigation works, including drainage works, or for purchase, extension, operation, or maintenance of constructed works or for the assumption, as principal or guarantor, of indebtedness to the United States on account of district lands. When so organized, such district shall have the powers conferred or that may hereafter be conferred by law upon such irrigation district. In all irrigation districts organized in connection with United States reclamation projects, a majority of the holders of title or evidence of title to lands sought to be included in such irrigation district under the provisions of this part may propose the establishment and organization of such district.