Mich. Comp. Laws § 280.324
Whenever it is necessary or more convenient for the proper drainage of any highway in this state that the surplus water be taken onto or across the land adjacent thereto, the county road commission of the county in which said highway is situated may secure the right of way and may open such drain or outlet for the water, and for these purposes may use any highway moneys of the township in which said highway is situated, not otherwise appropriated, and such sums as may be voted for that use by the electors of the townships. The county road commission shall secure the right of way for any such drain by gift or purchase from the owners of the land to be crossed by such drain; but in case of purchase the purchase price must be approved by the township board whenever township funds are involved, before any money be paid thereon. Such right of way shall be acquired by deed duly executed by the owner or owners of the lands sought to be crossed by the said drain, and shall be taken in the name of the township wherein the same is located, and filed in the office of the register of deeds of the county before any highway money shall be expended in opening such drain outside the highway limits.
Before the township board approves the purchase price of any drain right of way under this section, the county road commission shall submit to the board for its approval details of the proposed drain, with specifications that the drain shall be constructed in accordance with good health and sanitation standards and in such a manner as not to constitute a hazard to health or safety and that in construction of the drain the township board shall approve the use of the land upon which the drain is to be located.
MCL 280.324