River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-07-10
Provisions of the Bill.

The bill is entitled can Act relating
to the Improvement of navigation on
navigable waters; to the construction.
maintenance and operation of dams
and other works and a fee therefor; to
the inspection of all dams and works
and fee therefor; to a survey of the
navigablle waters of the state, to the
creation of special corporations for
the Improvement of navigation and
the development of hydralic power
and hydro electric energy for sale,
and making an appropriation.
A synopsis of the provisions of the
bill is as follows:
|. Definitions of terms of the act.
2. Authorizing the railroad commits
sion to make a full and complete
photographic survey of all navigable
waters and the filing of records and
plats of such waters, also to inspect
developed and undeveloped river i'm
provements and water powers, and
for this purpose are to secure the CO
operation of the state and national
geological survey.
3. To make a complete investiga-
ton of all existing dams, franchises
aud permits Of dams now in existence,
and to report to the legislature with
such recommendations as may be in
the public interest.
A. Provides that dams hereafter
shall be located only at sites approved
by the railroad commission.
5. That in the interest of naviga-
ton and other public rights and of
public welfare and safety, the power
to regulate and control the level and
flow of water in all navigable waters
in the state, and to require bench
palKs to be erected showing the min
imum-maximum heights to which
water may be held Also to maintain
stations to guage and to keep records
of the flow and Volume of streams.
Best Means of Construction.
s. In the interest of navigation, life,
health and property, to investigate the
best means of construction, equip
ment, maintenance and operation of
dams, and providing that no dams
shall be constructed until plans and
specifications have been passed upon
and approved by the commission.
Z. Are given all rights and are sub
ject to all duties imposed upon public
utilities insofar as not inconsistent
with the act, and also are subject to
the stocks and bonds law of Wiscon-
sin to prevent over-capitalization
s. When ordered to do so, all dams
shall be equipped and kept in good
repair with piers, booms, weirs, tun-
nels, races, fumes, locks, etc., nee
essary for the purpose of navigation
and other purposes.
8. No substantial alterations shall
be made to any dam except upon ap.
prevail of the commission
10. Upon receipt of information
from the authorities of any munich
patty that a reservoir or dam is in a
condition dangerous to life, health or
property, the commission shall inves-
tigate and compel repairs and means
of safeguarding the health, life and
property Of the people and to that end
have appropriate powers to order all
things necessary therefor.
II. To defray the expense of in.
specting and supervising the dams in
accordance with preceding provisions,
an annual inspection fee of not to ex-
coed ten cents per horse power shall
be charged, with minimum fee of
$1,000 for any one dam.
Powers of Corporations.
II. Corporations organized under
this act have all powers. rights and