Chapter 477. To authorize the construction of a bridge across Little River, at or near mouth of Big Lake, State of Arkansas
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CHAP. 477.— An Act To authorize the construction of a bridge across Little River, at or near mouth of Big Lake, State of Arkansas. February 25, 1901. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * Jonesboro, Lake City and Eastern Rail-road may bridge Little River, Arkansas. That the Jonesboro, Lake City and Eastern Railroad Company, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Arkansas, its successors or assigns, are hereby authorized to construct, operate, and maintain a drawbridge across Little River, at or near the mouth of Big Lake, in section nine, town-ship fourteen north, range nine east, Mississippi County, in the State Secretary of War to approve plans.of Arkansas.
Said bridge shall be constructed in accordance with such plans as the Secretary of War may decide to be necessary, and *Provisos*.approved by him: *Provided*, That before the construction of any bridge herein authorized is commenced the said company shall submit to the Secretary of War. for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of such bridge, and map of the location, giving sufficient information to enable the Secretary of War to fully and satisfactorily understand the subject: and unless the plan and location of such bridge are approved by the Secretary of War the structure shall not be built;
Changes.and should any change be made in said bridge, before or after completion, such changes shall be likewise subject to the approval of the Secretary of War. And any changes in said bridge which the Secretary of War may at any time deem necessary, and order in the interests of navigation, shall be made by the owners thereof at their own Aids to navigation, etc.expense: *Provided further*, That any bridge constructed under authority of this Act shall at all times be so kept and managed as to offer proper and reasonable means for the passage of vessels and other water craft through or under said structure: and the piers of said bridge shall be parallel with, and the bridge itself at right angles to, Lights.the currents of the river: and for the safety of vessels passing at night 809there shall be displayed on said bridge, from sunset to sunrise, such lights or other signals as may be prescribed by the Light-House Board; and the said company shall, at its own expense, build and maintain suchWing dams, etc. dikes, wing dams, or other works as the Secretary of War may deem necessary to maintain the channel within the draw or channel spans of the bridge.
Sec. 2. That all railroad companies desiring the use of said bridgeRight of railroads to use. shall have equal rights and privileges relative to the passage of railway trains over the same and over the approaches thereto, upon payment of a reasonable compensation for such use: and in case the owner of said bridge and any railroad company desiring such use shall fail to agree upon the sums to be paid or upon the conditions to be observed, all matters at issue shall be decided by the Secretary of War upon hearing the allegations and proof of the parties.
Sec. 3. That the bridge constructed, maintained, and operated underLawful structure and post route. this Act and according to its limitations shall be a lawful structure, and shall be recognized and known as a post route, upon which also no higher charge shall be made for the transportation over the same of the mails, the troops, and the munitions of war of the United States than the rate per mile paid for transportation of said mails, troops, and munitions over the railroads and public highways leading to said bridge: and the United States shall have the right of way for postal,Postal telegraph, etc. telegraph, and telephone purposes over said bridge.
Sec. 4. That this Act shall be null and void if actual construction ofCommencement and completion. the bridge herein authorized be not commenced within one year and completed within two years from the approval of this Act. Sec. 5. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is herebyAmendment. expressly reserved. Approved, February 25, 1901.