(a) The board of directors of a district may from time to time, on its own motion, and upon the filing of a petition by a majority in number of the owners of the lands or the owners of a majority in value of the lands, as shown by the last assessment of real property within a proposed improvement project area within the district, adopt a proposed plan for the construction, operation, and maintenance of works of improvement for the prevention of erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, or for the conservation, development, and utilization of soil and water resources and the disposal of water within the proposed project area.
(b) The petition shall describe generally the territory intended to be included in the project area and shall state the general nature and purposes of the proposed improvements and their necessity, feasibility, and estimated cost, with such reasonable detail and definiteness as will demonstrate the utility, feasibility, and need for the improvements.
(c) The petition of the landowners shall also be accompanied by a surety bond to pay for the expenses of survey of the proposed area, in case the proposed improvement plan for the project area is not approved by the court.