§1703. Approval of formation by Department of Public Works
No drainage district shall be created under this Part until the Department of Public Works has approved the formation of the district with respect to the body of land to be included therein, and has furnished the police jury a map approved by the Department of Public Works showing the lands which it is proper to include in the drainage district. If in the opinion of the Department of Public Works it is necessary to include in the district any high lands for the purpose of reclaiming the body of unreclaimed lands, the inclusion shall not invalidate the creation of the district or any proceeding taken in connection therewith, but the high lands shall be taxed only in the proportion, if any, as they shall be benefited by the reclamation and drainage works constructed in the district. The Department of Public Works when requested to do so by any police jury, by any drainage board affected, or by a majority of the land owners in the proposed district shall examine into and report its opinion or findings, and furnish all maps required to be given, made or furnished by it under the provisions of this Part.