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Show 115 bridges over the Columbia River and in the Tennessee Valley.225 In the case of bridges carrying railroad traffic, a similar but broader modification became effective in 1940 over a presi- dential veto.226 In addition to prescription of detailed pro- cedural provisions, the 1940 legislation provides for an appor- tionment between the United States and the owners of the costs of altering or relocating unreasonably obstructive rail- road bridges. The owner must bear such part of the costs as is attributable to benefits accruing to him as a result of the change, including expectable savings in repair or maintenance costs, and that part attributable to the requirements of traffic by railroad or highway or both,227 including any expenditure for increased carrying capacity of the bridge, and including such proportion of the actual capital cost of the old bridge or such part of the old bridge as may be altered or changed or rebuilt, as the used service life of the whole or the part bears to the total estimated service life of the whole or such part.228 The United States shall bear "the balance of the cost, including that part attributable to the necessities of navigation."229 Drawbridge Operation-Since 1894, the Secretary has had authority to prescribe such rules and regulations, as in his opinion the public interests require, to govern the opening of drawbridges for the passage of vessels and other water crafts.230 Regulation of Tolls.-As to bridges constructed under the 1906 Bridge Act, Congress authorized the Secretary to pre- 225 Act of August 16,1937, 50 Stat. 648; Act of November 21, 1941, 55 Stat. 773, 16 U. S. C. 831C-1. 2M See President Koosevelt's Message of June 10, 1940, H. Doc. No. 834, 76th Cong., 3d sess., and Act of June 21, 1940, 54 Stat. 497, 33 U. S. C. 511- 523. 227 That part of the cost of alteration of a bridge used for both highway and railroad traffic, attributable to requirements of traffic by highway, shall be borne by the proprietor of the highway. § 6, 54 Stat. 497, 499, 33 U. S. C. 516. 228 Id. If the alteration is desirable both because the bridge unreasonably obstructs navigation and for some additional reason, the Secretary may require equitable contribution from interested persons or agencies desiring such alteration as a condition precedent to ordering the alteration. 229 Id. 280 Act of August 18,1894, § 5, 28 Stat. 338, 362, as amended, 33 U. S. O. 499. |
