(1) A written contract shall be entered into between the board of directors of the district and the successful bidder, after due advertisement for bids as is required in case of contracts for public improvements, in connection with each work plan or project of the district, the cost of which other than rights-of-way and maintenance is to be borne by the district or landowners in the district.
(2) If the project and method of financing have been approved by the court, the contract shall be submitted to and approved by the court prior to the commencement of the plan, improvement, or project.