Chapter 348. To authorize the Atlantic and Gulf Short Line Railroad Company to build, construct, and maintain railway bridges across the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers within the boundary lines of Irwin, Wilcox, Telfair, and Montgomery counties, in the State of Georgia
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CHAP. 348.— An Act To authorize the Atlantic and Gulf Short Line Railroad Company to build, construct, and maintain railway bridges across the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers within the boundary lines of Irwin, Wilcox, Telfair, and Montgomery counties, in the State of Georgia. May 4, 1900. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, Atlantic and Gulf Short Line Railroad may bridge Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers, Ga.
That the Atlantic and Gulf Short Line Railroad Company, a corporation duly incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Georgia, be, and it is hereby, authorized to construct, build, and maintain across the Ocmulgee River a railroad bridge for the passage of railroad engines and cars, at such point as may be selected by said company and approved by the Secretary of War, within Irwin, Wilcox, and Telfair counties, in the State of Georgia, the said Ocmulgee river being the dividing line between said counties of Irwin and Wilcox on the west and Telfair on the east side of said river.
Sec. 2. Oconee River. That the said Atlantic and Gulf Short Line Railroad Company is hereby authorized to build, construct, and maintain a railroad bridge for the passage of railroad engines and cars across the Oconee River, in the county of Montgomery, State of Georgia, at such point as may be selected by said company and approved by the Secretary of War. Sec. 3. No obstruction to navigation. Draws. That said bridges are to be so constructed as not to obstruct the navigation of said rivers, and to be provided each with a suitable *Provisos*.
To be lawful structures and post routes. draw: *Provided*, That the bridges constructed under this Act and according to its limitations shall be lawful structures and shall be known and recognized as post routes, and the same are hereby declared to be post routes, and the United States shall have the right of way for a Rights of railways to use. postal telegraph across said bridges: *Provided further*, That all rail-169road companies desiring the use of said bridges and approaches shall have and be entitled to equal rights and privileges relative to the passage of trains over the same upon payment of a reasonable compensation for such use; and in case the owner or owners of said bridges and the several railroad companies, or any of them, desiring such use shall fail to agree upon the sum or sums to be paid, or upon rules and conditions to which each shall conform in using said bridges and approaches, all matters at issue between them shall be decided by the Secretary of War upon a hearing of the allegations and proofs of the parties.
Sec. 4. That the bridges authorized to be constructed under this Secretary of War to approve plans. Act shall be located and built under and subject to such regulations for the security of the navigation of said rivers as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and the said company or corporation shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, designs and drawings of the proposed bridges and maps of the locations, giving, for the space of one-fourth of a mile above and one-fourth of a mile below the proposed locations, the topography of the banks of the rivers, the shorelines at high and low water, the direction and strength of the currents, and the soundings, accurately showing the bed of the streams, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject; and until the said plans and locations of the bridges are approved by the Secretary of War no work upon the said bridges shall be commenced; and should any change be made in the plans of said bridges during the progress of construction or after completion such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War.
Sec. 5. That Congress reserves the right to alter, amend, or repeal Amendment. Alterations. this Act at any time; and that if at any time the navigation of said rivers shall in any manner be obstructed or impaired by the said bridges the Secretary of War shall have authority, and it shall be his duty, to require the said railroad company to alter and change the said bridges, at its own expense, in such manner as may be proper to secure free and complete navigation without impediment.
Sec. 6. That the draws provided for the bridges herein authorized Draws. to be constructed shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for the passing of boats or other craft; and the said company or corporation Lights. shall maintain at its own expense from sunset to sunrise, such lights or other signals on said bridges as the Light-House Board may prescribe; and if actual construction of the bridges herein authorized Commencement and completion. shall not be commenced within one year from the passage of this Act, and be completed within three years from same date, the rights and privileges hereby granted shall cease and be determined.
Approved, May 4, 1900.