Missouri § 243.020 - County commission authorized to organize drainage districts.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 243.020 — County commission authorized to organize drainage districts., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 243.020. County commission authorized to organize drainage districts.
1. When it shall be conducive to the public health, convenience or public welfare, or when it will be of public utility or benefit, the county commission of any county in this state shall have the authority to organize, incorporate and establish drainage districts and to cause to be constructed, straightened, widened, altered or deepened, any ditch, drain, natural stream (not navigable), bank protection, current control, or watercourse, when the same is necessary to drain or protect any land or other property.
2. The petition for any such improvement shall be held to include any side, lateral, spur, or branch ditch, drain, watercourse, or levee, the lowering of any lake, the protection of the banks of an adjacent stream from wash, cutting or erosion or any other work necessary to secure fully the object of the improvement, petitioned for, whether the same is mentioned in such petition or not. The commission may establish any such side, lateral, spur or branch ditch when the main ditch is established, or at any time thereafter, and the commission shall require that proper compensation be given the main ditch district for the outlet afforded such lateral, side, spur or branch ditch; provided, that in the event any work is to be done upon any navigable stream, the consent of the federal government shall be obtained to make such improvement or improvements before the actual work on the improvement shall be begun.
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(RSMo 1939 §§ 12398, 12452, A. 1949 S.B. 1083)
Prior revisions: 1929 §§ 10809, 10862; 1919 §§ 4477, 4529; 1909 §§ 5578, 5615
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1949 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 243.020
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 243.020 cover?
Section 243.020 ("County commission authorized to organize drainage districts.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 243.020?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 243.020" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 243.020 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.