Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-30
LAW FOR FREE BRIDGES.

City Attorney Moreland Prepares Two Acts
and Submits Them to Counci1s-Giving
the City the Right to Either Build or Buy
Appointing Appraisers.
Free bridges were again discussed in
Common Council. City Attorney More
land sent two proposed acts of Legislature
in relation to free bridges.
The first act authorizes the boroughs and
cities of the State to purchase and condemn
bridges crossing navigable rivers Section l
provides that when any bridge connecting with
a public street or highway, and it shall appear
public. 1t shall be lawful for any
borough or city to purchase such
bridge on payment or securing the
payment Of such sum as may be agreed upon
between the Councils and the owners. In order
to secure the payment the Councils shall have
power to appropriate from time TO time sum
sufficient 10 pay the amount agreed upon. or
which may be awarded by viewers and Court.
The borough or city shall have the right to
collect tolls until fully reimbursed for the pur-
chase.
Providing for Appraisers.
The second section provides that when it is
determined to acquire a bridge and the price
cannot be agreed upon, it shall be lawful for
the Court of Common Pleas on application of
the Councils, to appoint five freeholders, resi-
dents OF tie county, but not residents or prop
erty owners in the borough or city. unless the
parties interested shall agree to such appoint
ment. to fix place and time to apDraiSe the
value of such bridge and franchise.
Section provides for describing the location
of the bridge in making application for ap-
praisers
Section provides that the viewers shall esti-
mate the sum 10 be paid, report the same to
Court. and if no exceptions are filed within ten
days this report shall become final. If excep-
lad hn
order for disposal, or may grant jury trial,
both parties having right of appeal to the
Supreme Court.
Section provides for filling vacancies on the
Board of Viewers, and section provides for
the Councils taking possession of the bridges
or of stopping proceedings for purchasing
when thought advisable.
The second act authorizes borouCnS and
cities to build bridges over navigable rivers.
The ilrst section provides that 1t shall be
lawful tor any borough or city to erect and
maintain bridges across any navigable river
the waters of which divide such borough or
city from any other borough or city, or which
flows through or is adjacent to such borough
or city.
Asking for Proposals.
Section 2 provides that the Councils shall
determine by ordinance or joint resolution the
location, construction and character of the
bridge. The plans shall be prepared and post
ed in a conspicuous place where they can be
seen by the people interested, with full specifi-
cations. Due notice shall be given in the ofli-
clal papers of the prepar 'tion and plans and
inviting proposals for I work.
Section gives power to make appropriations
for defraying the expense.
Section gives authority to occupy wharves
and public landings for brGge approaches
Section gives authority for taking private
property. and on failure to come to agreement
with the owners to have board of viewers ap-
pointed to fix the price, and sections G, T. and
8 cover the legal forms for the appraIsement.
The acts were sent to the Committee on Free
Bridges.
Mr.. Lambie, as Chairman of the Free Bridge
Committee, reported to Select Council that the
resolution requesting Hon. B. F. Jones to ap-
point members to fill the vacancies on the Leg
islative Commission had been sent lack to the
committee by Common Council, and that the
committee now desired to reaffirm its favorable
report on the resolution.
The report of the committee was adopted,
and this action was approved by Common
Council.