Sec. 28. If during an entry under section 26 of this chapter damage occurs to the land or water as a result of the entry or work performed during the entry, the department shall compensate the aggrieved party. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the compensation determined by the department, the amount of damages shall be assessed by the county agricultural extension educator of the county in which the land or water is located and two (2) disinterested residents of the county, one (1) appointed by the aggrieved party and one (1) appointed by the department. A written report of the assessment of damages shall be mailed to the aggrieved party and the department by first class United States mail. If either the department or the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the assessment of damages, either or both may file a petition, not later than fifteen (15) days after receiving the report, in the circuit or superior court of the county in which the land or water is located. The department shall pay any compensation awarded to an aggrieved party under this section:
(1) not more than sixty (60) days after the date on which the parties agree to the amount of the compensation; or
(2) as ordered by the circuit or superior court.
As added by P.L.18-1990, SEC.216. Amended by P.L.40-1993, SEC.3; P.L.99-2008, SEC.4.