Any action arising from the provisions of this chapter except such actions as may be brought directly in the supreme court may be brought in the circuit court of any county in which any part of the project involved is located: Provided, That on request by any party to said action made prior to the time said action is instituted, or within 30 days after receipt of service of process, the presiding circuit judge of Michigan shall appoint a circuit judge to hear said action.
MCL 280.577