Any action involving intercounty drains, 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 intercounty drain 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 process, the presiding circuit judge of Michigan shall appoint a circuit judge of any judicial circuit not wholly or partially located within any county in which any part of the intercounty drain is located to hear said action.
MCL 280.134