If any of the proceedings for the location, establishment, or construction of any drain under the provisions of this chapter shall have been enjoined, vacated, set aside, declared void, or voluntarily abandoned by the water resource board, for any reason whatsoever, the board may proceed under the provisions of sections 61-16.1-17 through 61-16.1-22 to locate, establish, and construct a new drain at substantially the same location as the abandoned or invalid drain. For the purposes of this chapter, a drain that is not properly maintained shall be considered abandoned. When a new drain is established at substantially the same location, the board shall ascertain the real value of services rendered, moneys expended and work done under the invalid or abandoned proceedings, and the extent to which the same contributes to the construction and completion of the new drain. The board shall then issue warrants in an amount not exceeding the value to the new drain of the work completed on the invalid or abandoned drain and shall deliver such new warrants, pro rata, to the owners or holders of old warrants or bonds issued under the invalid or abandoned drainage proceedings, upon the surrender of such old warrants or bonds by the holder or holders thereof.
N.D.C.C. § 61-16.1-46