[§167-16]  Consideration of petitions;notice and hearing.  When more than one petition is filed covering portionsof the same territory, the board of agriculture may consolidate the petitions. Having received the petitions, on the basis of such evidence as may besubmitted to it by the petitioners and on the findings of investigations orsurveys made by or for it, or by other governmental agencies, the board shallestablish such irrigation projects as it deems necessary to carry out thepurposes of this chapter.  Before making a final determination to establish aproject or projects, the board shall hold a hearing, notice of which shall beduly advertised in the same manner and form, as nearly as may be, as providedin section 167-17. [L 1987, c 306, pt of §1]