Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-7-106. Hearing on petition

(1) At the time specified in the notice mentioned in 85-7-105, the district court in which the petition is filed shall hear the petition but may adjourn such hearing from time to time, not exceeding 3 weeks in all, and may continue the hearing for want of sufficient notice or other good cause. The court, upon application of the petitioners or any interested person or persons, shall permit the petition to be amended and may order further or additional notice to be given. Upon such hearing all interested persons whose lands or rights may be damaged or benefited by the organization of the district or by the irrigation works or improvements therein or to be acquired or constructed may appear and contest the necessity or utility of the proposed district or any part thereof, and the contestants and petitioners may offer any competent evidence in regard thereto.

(2) The court shall hear and determine whether the requirements of 85-7-101 through 85-7-105 have been complied with and for that purpose shall hear all competent and relevant testimony that may be offered.