Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 234

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 234
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.010 County commission to determine what bridges to be built.

234.010. County commission to determine what bridges to be built. — Each county commission shall determine what bridges shall be built and maintained at the expense of the county and what by the road districts; provided, that no road district shall be compelled to build a bridge which costs fifty dollars or more. (RSMo 1939 § 8534) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7898; 1919 § 10686; 1909 § 10486 CROSS REFERENCES: Bridges in special road districts, how built, 233.115 Bridges in township organization counties, how built, 231.220, 231.230 Bridges required by drainage district, how built, enlarged, and maintained, 242.350, 243.200

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.020 County engineer to supervise certain construction.

234.020. County engineer to supervise certain construction. — The construction of all masonry or concrete culverts and bridges, and of all other bridges costing over fifty dollars, shall be under the supervision of the county highway engineer. (RSMo 1939 § 8535) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7899; 1919 § 10687; 1909 § 10487

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.030 Damaged bridges, how repaired.

234.030. Damaged bridges, how repaired. — Whenever the highway engineer of any county is notified by any road overseer, or other reputable person, that any county bridge has been badly damaged by recent floods, or is otherwise in imminent danger of falling in, or is dangerous in any manner to public travel, said highway engineer, with the consent of one or more of the county commissioners, may contract with some bridge contractor, or other competent person, and have said bridge repaired forthwith, and the county commission, at the next term thereof, shall allow a reasonable compensation for such repair, not to exceed the reasonable cost thereof, plus ten percent. (RSMo 1939 § 8552) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7908; 1919 § 10696; 1909 § 10501

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.040 Road districts to repair bridges, when.

234.040. Road districts to repair bridges, when. — The county commission may order any bridge built by the county to be attached to a road district, for the purpose of being kept in repair by such road district; but when the repairs necessary at one time shall exceed in value fifty dollars, the same shall not be required to be done by such road district. (RSMo 1939 § 8536) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7900; 1919 § 10688; 1909 § 10488

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.050 Toll bridges, how controlled.

234.050. Toll bridges, how controlled. — The control and management of any toll bridge or toll road which may have been constructed originally by any corporation, partnership or person, whether chartered under the general laws or organized under special act, whose charter has expired or may hereafter expire, is hereby passed to and vested in the county commission of the county or counties in which such bridge or road may be situated. (RSMo 1939 § 8537) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7901; 1919 § 10689; 1909 § 10494

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.060 Taxpayers may petition for bridge, when.

234.060. Taxpayers may petition for bridge, when. — Whenever twelve resident taxpayers in any township or townships petition the county commission for a bridge upon any public road in such township or townships, giving the name of the stream and the locality of the contemplated bridge, and the citizens of the township or townships raise one-half the estimated cost of such bridge and deposit such amount with the county treasurer and certify the fact to the county commission, the commission shall immediately make an appropriation for the other half; provided, sufficient funds are on hand in the county treasury or will be available out of the taxes collected for such year and not previously set apart for other purposes. (RSMo 1939 § 8538) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7902; 1919 § 10690; 1909 § 10497

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.070 Construction of bridge in adjoining county.

234.070. Construction of bridge in adjoining county. — Whenever the county commission of any county, upon investigation, shall be satisfied that the citizens of said county will be benefitted by the construction of a bridge in an adjoining county and within one mile of the boundary line dividing said counties, the aforesaid county commission may unite with the county commission of said adjoining county in causing said bridge to be built and may contribute to the expense of building said bridge in any sum not to exceed one-half the cost of such bridge, and may make an appropriation for the payment of same. (RSMo 1939 § 8540) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7904; 1919 § 10692

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.080 Bridge across stream uniting two counties, how paid for.

234.080. Bridge across stream uniting two counties, how paid for. — 1. If a bridge be necessary over any watercourse which divides one county from another, the county commissions of such counties may unite in the building of said bridge and the expenses shall be borne by such counties in such proportion as may be agreed upon by the county commissions of said counties; provided, that the county commission of any other county of this state and the authorities of any municipal corporation, township, road district or other political subdivision of the state having jurisdiction of the construction and maintenance of public roads, which may deem the construction of such a bridge a benefit, may contribute to the cost of such bridge. 2. The plans and specifications for such bridge shall be prepared, the contract let and the construction of said bridge shall be supervised by the county highway engineers of the counties so uniting, or either of them, or otherwise, as the county commissions of said counties may agree. (RSMo 1939 § 8539) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7903; 1919 § 10691; 1909 § 10498

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.090 Bridges across state line - payment of expenses.

234.090. Bridges across state line — payment of expenses. — 1. If a bridge or bridges be necessary over any river, stream or watercourse forming the boundary line or part of the boundary line between the state of Missouri and any adjoining state or states, the county commissions of the counties of this state bordering on such river, stream or watercourse may unite with such adjoining state or the proper authorities of any county in such adjoining state for building such bridge or bridges and the expense thereof shall be defrayed by such county of this state and the adjoining state or county therein in such proportion as may be agreed upon. 2. The plans and specifications for such bridge or bridges shall be prepared and the contract let and construction supervised by some competent person who may be agreed upon by the respective interested authorities; provided, that private subscriptions may be received by the county commissions of such counties in this state to defray in part or in whole the expenses of building such bridge or bridges; provided further, that for the purpose of defraying the expenses of building such bridge or bridges, or to create a fund with which to build any such bridge in the future, it shall be the duty of the county commission in such county in this state, upon a petition signed by a majority of the taxpaying citizens of any township in which such bridge is located or is to be located, to levy on the taxable property in such township the full amount of the special road and bridge tax authorized by the first sentence of the first paragraph of Section 12, Article X of the Constitution of Missouri, and use the same solely for the purpose of defraying the expense of building such bridge or bridges or creating a fund for the future building thereof, and such fund, when inaugurated, shall be perpetuated until such bridge or bridges are built and the cost thereof is defrayed. 3. The county commission may appropriate moneys from the road and bridge fund of the county to pay the cost or part of the cost of building such bridges. (RSMo 1939 § 8541, A.L. 1945 p. 1481) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7905; 1919 § 10693 CROSS REFERENCE: Certain bridges to be part of state highway system, when, 227.080

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.100 Cities and counties may contract for free public highways over bridges, ...

234.100. Cities and counties may contract for free public highways over bridges, procedure. — Any city organized under general law, or under special charter, or under Section 19 of Article VI of the Constitution of this State, and adjoining a navigable stream and separated by such stream from a county of this state adjoining said stream opposite said city, and the county commission of any such county, may unite in purchasing, for a free public highway for travel between such city and such county by wagons, vehicles, footmen and animals right-of-way over any bridge or bridges crossing such stream and connecting such city and such county and being maintained and used as a toll bridge for wagons, vehicles, footmen, passengers and animals, and for other purposes, or in contracting with any holder of a franchise; for construction of a proposed bridge across such stream and to connect such city and such county, and for maintenance of such bridge as a toll bridge for wagons, vehicles, foot passengers and animals, and for other purposes, for the purchase, upon completion of such proposed bridge, of right-of-way thereon for a free public highway for travel between such city and such county by wagons, vehicles, footmen and animals; the cost of any right-of-way so purchased or contracted for to be defrayed by such city and such county, each paying such portion thereof as may be agreed upon between such city and such county commission; and whenever the owner of any such bridge shall in writing propose to sell such a right-of-way over such bridge, or the holder of any such franchise shall propose to contract with any such city and county for the sale, upon completion of the proposed bridge, of such a right-of-way thereon, said county commission shall appoint a commission, composed of the county surveyor or highway engineer, and two owners of real estate in the county, who shall confer with the mayor or other chief officer of such city and the owner of such bridge or the holder of such franchise, and ascertain and report to the county commission the price for which such right-of-way can be purchased or contracted for, and whether such price is reasonable, and the portion of such price that such city proposes to pay; which report shall be filed with such county commission, and if such price is for right-of-way over such a proposed bridge, such committee shall procure and file with such report a copy of the plans for such proposed bridge. (RSMo 1939 § 8553, A.L. 1945 p. 1481) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7909; 1919 § 10697

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.110 Counties may issue bonds.

234.110. Counties may issue bonds. — After filing of such report as provided in section 234.100 the county commission, with such city or the proper authorities thereof, may make, or cause to be made, a contract for the purchase of such right-of-way and such counties may issue bonds for such purpose, as authorized by the general law governing the issuance of bonds by counties. (RSMo 1939 § 8554, A.L. 1945 p. 1477) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7910; 1919 § 10698

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.120 Authorizing payment of bonds by special assessment - procedure.

234.120. Authorizing payment of bonds by special assessment — procedure. — 1. If such city shall contain two hundred thousand or more inhabitants and the price for such right-of-way shall be reasonable, and such city, through its proper authorities shall propose to pay as much as one-half of the cost of such right-of-way, and bonds of such county for payment of the remainder of such cost would, if issued, increase the indebtedness of such county to exceed the constitutional limit, or if an election shall be held in such county pursuant to the general law governing elections on the issuance of bonds by counties, and less than the constitutionally required percentage of the voters at such election vote for increase of indebtedness; or if the owners of a majority of acres of the land in such county and within two miles of such bridge, or the proposed site thereof if not then constructed, shall petition the county commission of such county, praying that bonds payable by special assessments be issued to provide funds for use in purchasing such right-of-way and paying any and all expenses preliminary to and incidental to issuance and sale of such bonds; the county commission, if it finds that such petition was signed by owners of a majority of the land in the county and within two miles of such bridge or such proposed site, which finding shall thereafter be conclusive evidence of such fact, shall appoint three commissioners, each of whom shall be a resident of and an owner of land in the county. If any commissioner so appointed shall fail or refuse to qualify as such commissioner, or to properly perform his duties as such, the county commission shall appoint another. 2. Such commissioners shall qualify within ten days after being appointed, by taking, subscribing and filing with the county clerk of the county the oath prescribed by the constitution, and that they will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge their duties as such commissioners according to law. 3. After so qualifying, such commissioners shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, a map of territory embracing all lands in this state and on the side of the stream adjoined by the county and within ten miles of the location or proposed location of such bridge and the commissioners shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, a list of all the lands, and shall fix a fair and impartial valuation on each tract of such lands independent of the buildings thereon, and indicate on such list the valuation so fixed upon each tract of such land, and what tracts lie within two miles of the location or proposed location of such bridge and what at a greater distance than two miles and not more than four miles, and what more than four miles and not over seven miles, and what over seven miles and within ten miles thereof. Each tract of land of forty acres, according to a government survey, and each of the smallest subdivisions of land that has been lawfully platted and each separate tract of less than forty acres shall, for the purpose of this section, be regarded as within two miles of such location or proposed location if the major portion thereof is so, and more than two miles and not over four miles from such location or proposed location if the major portion thereof is so, and more than four miles and not over seven miles if the major portion thereof is so, and over seven miles and within ten miles therefrom if the major portion thereof is so. If such lands lie in two or more counties, the commissioners shall indicate in such list what lands lie in each of the counties. 4. The word "lands" , as used in this section, shall be construed as meaning both lands and lots, and without regard to whether they are within any incorporated city, town or village. 5. If the commissioners cannot agree upon the valuation to be fixed upon any tract of such lands, they shall arrive at the value thereof by adding together the valuation placed thereon independent of the buildings thereon by each of them, and dividing the total thereof by three. The commissioners, upon completion of such list of lands shall annex a certificate thereto that they believe the same to be correct; and they shall file such a list of lands, with such certificate annexed thereto, with the county clerk of the county in which they were appointed, who shall thereupon give notice, in each county including any of such lands, by at least two publications in a weekly newspaper published therein, that the commissioners have so filed the list of lands, and setting forth therein the boundaries embracing all of such lands, and stating therein that all lands within such boundaries shall be subject to assessment to pay special assessment bonds, and such notice shall state a day not less than two weeks later than the date of the first publication of such notice, upon which the county commission will be in session and will consider objections and exceptions to such list of lands and the valuation therein indicated. Such notice shall state that all persons owning or interested in land within the boundaries may file written objections and exceptions to the list of lands and valuations, with the county clerk, at any time previous to such day, and be heard thereon on such day. 6. Should such county commission fail for any cause to be in session on the day stated in such notice, the county clerk shall give a new notice appointing some other day for consideration of such objections and exceptions. Such objections and exceptions shall be in writing and signed by or for the party offering the same, and shall describe the land owned or in which the party offering the same is interested, and shall specifically state the objections of such party to the list of lands or to valuations therein indicated, and shall be filed with the county clerk before the day stated in such notice for the consideration thereof. The county commission on such day, or as soon thereafter as the business of the county commission will permit, shall consider the list, and the objections and exceptions thereto that may be so filed, and hear any evidence offered in support thereof or contrary thereto. Such hearing may be continued from time to time as the ends of justice may require. After consideration of all such objections and exceptions, if any, and hearing such evidence as may be so offered, the county commission shall make any alterations and corrections of such list of lands, and of the valuation fixed by said commissioners of any of the lands, or fix such valuation on the lands as it may deem proper, and shall thereupon approve such list of lands, and order the clerk of the county commission to annex to the list of lands a certificate of such approval; and the county commission shall make an order stating and allowing reasonable compensation for the commissioners, and the expense incurred by them, including engineer and attorney fees, in preparing or causing to be prepared the map and list of lands, which compensation shall not exceed five dollars per day for each commissioner, and the county commission shall thereafter enter into a contract, or cause a contract to be entered into in conjunction with such city, for the purchase of such right-of-way and for the payment of the portion of the purchase price payable by the county, with such bonds, or out of funds to be derived from the sale of such bonds, and by such means only; and such commission shall thereafter issue such bonds for the amount payable by the county of such purchase price, plus the amount of such compensation and expense, and any and all expenses incidental to the issuance and sale of such bonds, and such additional amount as will cover the discount at which such bonds may be sold and pay interest on such bonds until the first assessment to pay such bonds shall become payable. 7. Such bonds shall be issued in denominations of not less than one hundred dollars each, and bear interest from their date at a rate not exceeding the rate per annum permitted by law, payable on the first days of April and October after such date until all of the bonds shall be paid. The principal shall become due and payable in installments, which need not be equal, and shall be such that the first thereof shall become payable on the first interest-paying day after the first of such special assessments shall become payable and one each year thereafter, but so as all installments shall become payable within twenty years and the last thereof not less than eighteen years after the date of the bonds. Both principal and interest shall be payable at some convenient banking house or trust company's office to be named in the bonds. 8. The bonds shall be signed by the presiding commissioner of the county commission and attested by the county clerk, and the clerk shall register them in a suitable book for that purpose. After being so registered, they shall be presented to the state auditor for registration, who shall register them as bonds mentioned in section 108.260 are required by law to be registered, and the provisions of such law as amended shall be applicable to special assessment bonds issued pursuant to this law the same as to bonds mentioned in such law as amended. Such bonds, after being so registered by the state auditor, shall be deposited with the treasurer of the county, in whose custody they shall remain until disposed of as authorized by this section. 9. The county commission may sell the bonds, or any of them, at public or at private sale, for not less than ninety-five percent of their face value or may use such bonds, or any portion of them, at not less than ninety-five percent of their face value in paying for such right-of-way. Such bonds, and the interest thereon, shall be payable and collectible only out of moneys derived from special assessments against the lands and from money derived from the sale of such bonds and interest that may accrue on funds so derived while on deposit with any depositary. 10. The county commission, either before or after issuance of such bonds, may have an adjudication of their validity, by the circuit court of the county, by filing a petition therefor with the circuit clerk of the county, setting forth therein the boundaries embracing all of the lands and stating what counties include such lands. The circuit clerk, when such petition shall have been so filed, shall cause notice to be published in four successive issues of a weekly newspaper, in each of the counties, stating therein such boundaries, and that all persons owning or interested in lands within such boundaries are thereby summoned to appear before the circuit court on the first day of the term thereof in such notice named and show any reason there may be why such bonds should not be adjudged valid or cannot be paid by special assessments against the lands. The notice shall also state the term of the circuit court, which shall be the first term fifteen or more days after the last publication of such notice, at which such parties are required to appear, and the first day thereof. The circuit court shall consider any and all reasons that may be submitted on or before the first day of the term why such bonds should not be adjudged valid or cannot be paid by special assessments against the lands and any evidence offered in support thereof or against the same; and unless the contrary shall be shown and proven to the satisfaction of the court, shall adjudge the bonds valid, and that the lands shall be subject to special assessments to pay same. 11. After issuance of such bonds, the county clerk of the county issuing them shall prepare a list of such lands and of the valuations thereof for special assessment purposes and therein give to all lands within two miles of the location or proposed location of such bridge the valuations indicated by the list approved by the county commission, and to lands a greater distance than two miles and not more than four miles from such location or proposed location, seventy-five percent of the valuations so indicated therefor, and lands more than four miles and not over seven miles, fifty percent of the valuations so indicated, and lands over seven miles from and within ten miles of such location or proposed location, twenty-five percent of the valuations thereof so indicated. 12. If the list includes land in more than one county, the county clerk shall prepare for and supply the county clerk of each other county embracing any of the land a list of such lands as are in the county of each and the valuations thereof as so given in the list so prepared for special assessment purposes, and shall certify to each of them as special assessments are ordered the rate at which the lands are assessed and are to be charged in the tax books to be prepared. 13. The county commission shall each year order a special assessment against the lands of such percent of the valuations thereof as so given in such list for special assessment purposes as shall suffice to pay such of the bonds, and such interest as shall become payable before the next assessment thereafter shall become payable. The county clerk of each county embracing any of such lands shall charge such assessments on his tax books against the lands subject thereto, and when so charged such assessments shall constitute a lien upon the lands charged therewith for the amount thereof and all interest and penalties that may accrue thereon and all cost in collecting the same, including attorney fees to be taxed as cost in the action to enforce payment, which lien shall be paramount to all other liens except of the state for state, county, school and road taxes, and such assessments shall become due and payable and be subject to penalties and interest at the same rate when in default as such taxes; and suits to foreclose the lien of such assessment may be instituted and enforced in the same manner as for such taxes; and county collectors shall receive and receipt for such assessments as are charged on their tax books, and interest and penalties thereon, the same as for taxes so charged. 14. In suits to enforce the lien of any such assessments, bills thereof issued by the county shall be prima facie evidence of the amounts of the assessments, and that they are valid liens against the lands charged therewith as indicated by such bills. The county treasurer of any county issuing such bonds shall be the custodian of funds derived therefrom, and from such special assessments, and shall be liable on his official bond therefor, and county collectors collecting any such assessments shall pay them to him. He shall deposit such funds in the county depositary and interest accruing thereon when so deposited shall be for the same use as funds derived from assessments, and he shall disburse all such funds as contemplated by this law. (RSMo 1939 § 8555, A.L. 1945 p. 1481, A. 1949 S.B. 1079, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1621) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7911; 1919 § 10699

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.130 Cities may increase indebtedness, how.

234.130. Cities may increase indebtedness, how. — 1. Any such city may increase its indebtedness by issuing and selling its bonds for funds for use in making a purchase or purchases by authority of this law and paying expenses of holding an election as by this section authorized and other expenses preliminary or incidental to the issuance and sale of such bonds. Such increase of indebtedness shall not cause the indebtedness of the city to exceed the constitutional limit. The council, trustees, or other proper authorities of the city, shall order an election to be held, and an election shall be held, as by this section provided, for the purpose of testing the sense of the voters of the city on the proposition to so increase indebtedness and the constitutionally required percentage of those voting at such election favor the increase of indebtedness. 2. Such council, trustees, or other proper authorities, shall give, or cause to be given, at least three weeks' notice of such election in a newspaper published in such city, or if there be no such newspaper, then by posting up ten printed or written handbills in ten different public places in such city. If there are one or more daily newspapers published in the city, which are qualified to publish public advertisements and orders of publication as provided by law, such notice shall be published in at least one of such newspapers. If the notice is published in a newspaper as provided in this section, such publication shall be made at least once in each of the three weeks, the last publication to be within two weeks of the date of such election. 3. Such election shall be held and judges thereof appointed as in case of other elections in such city, except that the board of election commissioners of the city, if there be such a board, or other proper authorities having charge of such election shall provide at least two voting places in each ward of the municipality conducting such election, if there be more than one ward, and for that purpose they may combine as many election precincts in each ward as in their opinion may be proper. The judges and clerks of the precinct in which a voting place is located shall act as the judges and clerks of such election for such combined precinct. Except as provided in this section, such election shall be conducted in the same manner and by the same election commissioners, if there be such election commissioners, judges and clerks and other officers and employees as other elections are conducted. 4. Such election may be held at the same time as any other election of the city, whether general or special, in which event the voting precincts, judges, clerks and the booths used shall be the same as at such other election, but not the same ballots or ballot boxes. (RSMo 1939 § 8556, A.L. 1953 p. 666, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1621) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7912; 1919 § 10700

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.140 City and county may pay proportionately, when.

234.140. City and county may pay proportionately, when. — 1. Any city and the county commission of any county contracting by authority of this law for the purchase of right-of-way over a bridge may pay the purchase price therefor when having funds therefor and proper conveyance of such right-of-way shall be made; provided, that payment shall not be made for right-of-way over a proposed bridge until after completion of such bridge in accordance with plans therefor. 2. The expense of preserving and maintaining the paving on and lighting and guarding the roadway or roadways covered by or subject to such a right-of-way shall thereafter be shared by such city and county proportionately to the amounts paid by them respectively of such purchase price; and any and all necessary expense of permanently preserving and maintaining such bridge so as it shall be sufficient and proper support for such roadway or roadways shall thereafter be borne by the owner of such bridge. (RSMo 1939 § 8557) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7913; 1919 § 10701

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.150 Condemnation of property for public use, proceedings.

234.150. Condemnation of property for public use, proceedings. — 1. Every county commission participating by authority in this law, in the purchase of or a contract for right-of-way over a bridge, shall cause such a highway to be opened in the county as may be necessary to give access to such bridge by the public; and every city so participating shall cause such streets or highways to be opened in the city as may be necessary for such purpose. 2. If the county commission or the city cannot agree with the owner of any land needed as right-of-way for such highway as to the amount to be paid him as damages for opening such highway, or if any such owner be incapable in law of making conveyance of such right-of-way, proceedings may be instituted in the circuit court in the name of such county, or of such city, for the condemnation of the lands, or any part thereof, needed for such right-of-way. The proceedings in the circuit court for the condemnation of such lands or any part thereof shall be had and conducted in the same manner and with like effect as provided in chapter 523 for condemnation of property for public use. (RSMo 1939 § 8558) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7914; 1919 § 10702

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.160 Toll bridges in two counties permitted, when, where.

234.160. Toll bridges in two counties permitted, when, where. — If a bridge be necessary over any watercourse which divides one county from another, and the county commissions of both counties shall determine that such bridge cannot be built, reconstructed or maintained at the expense of said counties, respectively, on account of the lack of funds and power to raise funds, then said county commissions of said counties are authorized to unite in empowering and granting the right to such person, partnership or corporation as they shall think proper to build or reconstruct such bridge as a toll bridge in such a manner and upon such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon by said county commission, and empower such person, partnership or corporation to charge, collect and receive such tolls as shall be determined as maximum tolls by the said county commissions of said counties at the time of empowering or granting said rights. Said person, partnership or corporation shall then build or reconstruct and maintain said bridge at their own expense; provided, this section shall not apply to bridges on state roads. (RSMo 1939 § 8542) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7906; 1919 § 10694; 1909 § 10499

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.170 Toll bridges may be built, how.

234.170. Toll bridges may be built, how. — If a bridge located wholly within any one county be necessary over any watercourse, and the county commission of such county shall determine that such bridge cannot be built, reconstructed or maintained at the expense of said county on account of the lack of funds and power to raise funds, then said county commission may grant the right to such person, partnership or corporation, as they shall think proper, to build or reconstruct such bridge as a toll bridge in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon, and empower such person, partnership or corporation to charge, collect and receive such tolls as shall be determined as maximum tolls by the said county commission at the time of empowering or granting said rights. Said person, partnership or corporation shall then build or reconstruct and maintain said bridge at their own expense; provided, this section shall not apply to bridges on state roads. (RSMo 1939 § 8543) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7907; 1919 § 10695; 1909 § 10500

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.180 Toll bridge to be part of state highway system.

234.180. Toll bridge to be part of state highway system. — The state highways and transportation commission of the state of Missouri is hereby authorized and directed to include as a part of the state highway system the whole of any toll bridge across any river forming a common boundary to this state and any other state or states, now or hereafter constructed, maintained, operated or owned by any person, firm or corporation, and to construct, maintain and operate, as a part of said state highway system, an approach within the boundaries of the state of Missouri to such bridge and highways connecting the same with established highways. (RSMo 1939 § 8544)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.190 May join with other states to secure bridge - contract - bonds.

234.190. May join with other states to secure bridge — contract — bonds. — The state highways and transportation commission of Missouri is hereby vested with authority to join with the state highways and transportation commission or a suitable public body of any such other state in the execution of contracts with the owner of any toll bridge which may now or hereafter be constructed across any such river, from a point in Missouri to a point in any such other state, and with the holder of any bonds issued in connection with the construction of such bridge, and with anyone else, by the terms of which contracts the state highways and transportation commission of Missouri and such state highway commission or suitable public body of any such other state, shall maintain, operate, and insure such bridge, and fix and collect and apply tolls thereon, and shall construct and maintain and operate as free state highways, approaches thereto and shall make and treat as part of the highway system of their respective states, such entire bridge and any part of such approaches lying within their respective states; provided, that as between such commissions or other public bodies of the respective states, their obligations under such contracts shall be at their joint expense, but that as between them and the holders of bonds above referred to or other third parties, the obligations of such commissions or other public bodies may be joint and several; provided further, that such holders of bonds or other third parties may enforce all obligations of such highway commissions or public bodies under such contracts by mandamus or other suit in law or equity to require such commissions or public bodies to account as if they were trustees of an express trust for such holders of bonds or other third parties; and provided further, that the state of Missouri pledges that the powers of the state highways and transportation commission of Missouri will not, while any bonds of the kind above referred to are outstanding, be altered in such a way that the rights and remedies of the holders of such bonds in any way be impaired; and provided further, that the authority hereby vested to enter into such contracts or agreements shall exist only in cases where the tolls received from the operation of such bridge, after the execution of such contract or agreements, shall be used solely for the retirement of the costs of construction of such bridge, with interest thereon, including bonds issued for that purpose, if any, and where the owner of such bridge by proper legal action has agreed to transfer or has transferred the title to and ownership of such bridge, free of cost, to the state of Missouri and such other state, subject to, but not in assumption of, any incumbrance, or any part thereof, then existing against any such bridge; provided further, that the owner of such bridge shall furnish to the said state highways and transportation commission or other proper authorities so entering into such contract or agreement a verified statement of the cost of the construction of such bridge, together with a verified statement of the sums remaining unpaid at the time of the execution of such contracts or agreements, including a statement of the terms upon which the balance of the cost of the construction remaining unpaid, with interest, including bonds issued for that purpose, if any, is to be paid; and provided further, that tolls shall be charged for the use of such bridge only until such time as the cost of the construction thereof, with interest, including bonds issued for that purpose, if any, shall have been fully paid, after which such bridge shall become a free bridge. (RSMo 1939 § 8545)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.200 Commission may accept title and ownership of bridge, when - obligation.

234.200. Commission may accept title and ownership of bridge, when — obligation. — The state highways and transportation commission is hereby authorized to take and accept conveyance of title to and ownership of any such bridge, or part thereof, situated within the state of Missouri, subject to any incumbrance against any such bridge and pledge of its tolls previously executed, but not in assumption of any such incumbrance or part thereof existing upon or against any such bridge at the time of such conveyance. And such acceptance of title to and ownership of the same shall not in any manner create any liability, present or future, upon or against the state of Missouri or the state highways and transportation commission thereof, for the payment or assumption of any such incumbrance or any part thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 8546)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.210 Acquisition of toll bridges, by whom.

234.210. Acquisition of toll bridges, by whom. — Any county, municipality, road district, political or civil subdivision of a county or of the state, severally or acting with other authorized agencies in this or adjoining states, may acquire, own and operate, construct, or aid in the construction, in whole or in part, improve or extend, and maintain toll bridges, including the approaches thereto, either within or adjacent to the territory over which such public agency has jurisdiction and over any of the rivers and waters in or forming the boundary between this and other states. (RSMo 1939 § 8547)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.220 Toll bridge revenue bonds - who may issue - manner.

234.220. Toll bridge revenue bonds — who may issue — manner. — 1. In order to secure funds for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning and operating, improving or extending, and maintaining toll bridges, and approaches thereto, all public agencies named in section 234.210 may issue negotiable toll bridge revenue bonds and sell such bonds to the United States government, or any authorized agency thereof, or other investor or investors. 2. In the event of the issuance and sale of bonds authorized by sections 234.210 to 234.300 by a public agency, such agency shall charge a reasonable toll for the use of any such toll bridge, the amount of which toll shall be sufficient to pay the reasonable cost of maintaining, repairing and operating such bridge and to provide a sinking fund sufficient to amortize and repay any such loan, including interest and financing cost, on such dates and within such period of time as may be agreed upon between the borrower and the original purchaser of such revenue bonds, and said tolls shall be used for no other purpose; and any public body which shall issue bonds under the provisions of sections 234.210 to 234.300 is hereby authorized and required to make all necessary provisions for the payment of principal and interest on any such bonds by the fixing, collecting, segregating, and allocating of the tolls and other revenues received from the operation of said bridge or bridges. 3. Such public agencies enumerated in section 234.210 may execute liens in proper form, pledging the revenue derived from the toll from such toll bridges or parts thereof which are constructed or acquired with funds borrowed as aforesaid, to the retirement of such bonds; provided, however, that no revenue bonds or any liens securing such bonds shall be repaid in whole or in part from any funds arising from taxation, nor shall any such bonds or liens, given under authority of sections 234.210 to 234.300 constitute a lien on any other property of any such public agency or a pledge of the credit of such agency; and provided further, that at such time when all moneys borrowed as aforesaid shall have been repaid, together with interest and charges thereon, no further toll shall be charged for the use of such bridges by the traveling public. 4. Such bonds may be made negotiable, may bear interest not to exceed six percent per annum, and may mature annually or semiannually, and may be sold at such time and in such manner as the issuing authority may determine upon. (RSMo 1939 § 8548)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.230 Highways and transportation commission may contribute to cost - amount.

234.230. Highways and transportation commission may contribute to cost — amount. — The state highways and transportation commission may, when in its opinion the best interests of the state require, contribute not to exceed thirty percent of the cost of construction of such bridge or bridges when constructed under the provisions of sections 234.210 and 234.220 and when such bridges form a part of or a continuation of the state highway system, and may incorporate any such toll bridge into the state highway system and maintain such bridge as a part of the state highway system; provided, however, that such law shall create no obligation or responsibility on the part of the state highways and transportation commission to make any refund for any moneys expended in the acquisition, construction, maintenance or operation of such bridge. (RSMo 1939 § 8549)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.240 Acquisition of land, by whom.

234.240. Acquisition of land, by whom. — The public agencies named in section 234.210 may acquire by purchase or by eminent domain all necessary land, rights-of-way, easements, materials and supplies for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning and operating, improving or extending, and maintaining toll bridges, and approaches thereto. (RSMo 1939 § 8550)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.250 Bridges to be toll-free, when.

234.250. Bridges to be toll-free, when. — Provided that nothing in this law shall authorize or permit the collection of tolls on any bridge heretofore made toll-free or on any existing bridge on which tolls are not at present collected. (RSMo 1939 § 8551)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.260 Revenue and refunding bonds, how redeemed - interest rate.

234.260. Revenue and refunding bonds, how redeemed — interest rate. — 1. For the purpose of redeeming any toll bridge revenue bonds or toll bridge revenue refunding bonds at maturity, or upon voluntary surrender by the holder or holders thereof regardless of maturity, or upon call for redemption of any such bonds prior to maturity, if the right to make such call was expressly reserved in the issuance of such bonds, the public agency by which such bonds were issued may issue its negotiable toll bridge revenue refunding bonds in an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal amount and the redemption premium, if any, of the bonds to be redeemed, together with interest accrued and to accrue thereon to the date of such refunding bonds, and together also with the expenses necessarily incurred in the issuance of such refunding bonds. 2. All such refunding bonds shall bear such date, shall mature in such amount or amounts and at such time or times, shall be payable at such place or places, shall be executed in such manner, shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding six percent per annum, and shall be of such denomination or denominations, all as may be determined by the governing authority of the public agency by which such refunding bonds are issued, and such refunding bonds shall be secured and provision for their payment shall be made in the same manner as in sections 234.210 to 234.300 with reference to the security for and the payment of original toll bridge revenue bonds issued hereunder. (L. 1941 p. 525 § 5b)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.270 Bonds, how sold or exchanged.

234.270. Bonds, how sold or exchanged. — Toll bridge revenue refunding bonds issued under the provisions of sections 234.210 to 234.300 , may be sold at such time and in such manner as the issuing authority may determine upon, or such refunding bonds may be issued and delivered in exchange for and upon surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded thereby, with adjustment of interest to be made in cash, if necessary. (L. 1941 p. 525 § 5c)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.280 Maturity date may be extended.

234.280. Maturity date may be extended. — 1. In lieu of issuing toll bridge revenue refunding bonds as provided for in section 234.220 , the governing authority of any public agency now or hereafter having outstanding bonds issued under the provisions of sections 234.210 to 234.300 , may, with the consent of the holders of such bonds, extend the maturity date or dates of such bonds and, with like consent, may also reserve the right to call in, pay and redeem such bonds on any interest payment date prior to the extended maturity date or dates thereof, and, with like consent, may also change the interest rate thereon. All such changes in the terms of such bonds shall be evidenced by proper endorsement or endorsements to be made on or attached to such bonds and by attaching to such bonds such appropriate interest coupons as may be necessary to evidence the interest to accrue thereon to such extended maturity date or dates. No such extension of maturity or reservation of the right of redemption prior to maturity, or change in interest rate shall be construed as changing or varying in any respect or to any extent any other terms or provisions of such bonds. 2. Upon the making of any such extension or extensions of maturities, or upon reservation of the right of redemption prior to maturity, or upon making any change of interest rate, the governing authority of the public agency by which such bonds were issued shall cause to be certified to the state auditor of Missouri, for filing in his office, a full transcript of proceedings and other documents relating to such extension, reservation or change, but such bonds, bearing such endorsement or endorsements and having such appropriate interest coupons attached thereto, need not again be registered by said state auditor. (L. 1941 p. 525 § 5d)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.290 Bonds may be called - notice to be given.

234.290. Bonds may be called — notice to be given. — In the issuance of toll bridge revenue bonds or toll bridge revenue refunding bonds under the provisions of sections 234.210 to 234.300 , the issuing authority may reserve unto itself the right, at its option, to call in, pay and redeem such bonds prior to the maturity date or dates thereof at such premium as such issuing authority may designate in such bonds, but not exceeding a premium equal to five percent of the principal amount of such bonds; provided, however, that whenever it is desired to exercise the aforesaid right, if reserved in such bonds, the issuing authority shall cause written notice thereof to be delivered to the bank or office at which such bonds are payable, and such notice shall be so delivered not less than thirty days prior to the interest payment date designated for the redemption of such bonds, after which date, so designated, no further interest shall accrue on the bonds so called for redemption. Notice of the exercise of such right shall also be filed with the state auditor of Missouri, as provided by section 108.260 . (L. 1941 p. 525 § 5e)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.300 Expenses, how paid.

234.300. Expenses, how paid. — All expenses necessarily incurred under the provisions of sections 234.260 to 234.290 shall be deemed to be expenses of operation of any such bridge and may be paid by the issuing authority in the same manner as other expenses of such operation are paid. (L. 1941 p. 525 § 5f)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.310 Certain cities empowered to acquire, construct, operate and maintain bridges.

234.310. Certain cities empowered to acquire, construct, operate and maintain bridges. — All cities in this state now organized and operating under a special charter, or which are now or hereafter may be organized under the provisions of Section 19 of Article VI of the State Constitution, are hereby given the power and authority to build and construct bridges, viaducts and their approaches thereto; also to acquire, in whole or in part, by purchase, lease, gift, condemnation proceedings or otherwise, bridges, viaducts and the approaches thereto already constructed, together with the necessary lands, rights-of-way, easements, leaseholds, other property and rights, upon which any such bridge, viaduct, or its approach are now or may hereafter be constructed, operated and maintained by private parties, and to own, operate and maintain any such structure for public use, as and for a public highway for all kinds of vehicles, pedestrians, railroads and streetcars under such terms and conditions as the city may lawfully prescribe; and such cities are hereby empowered and authorized to condemn and pay for any or all such public improvements so constructed or acquired, together with the necessary lands, rights-of-way, easements, leaseholds, other property and rights, upon which any such bridge, viaduct or its approach are now or may hereafter be constructed, operated and maintained, in the manner aforesaid, either in whole or in part out of the general funds of the city, in whole or in part out of money raised from the sale of municipal bonds for that purpose, in whole or in part by special assessments. (RSMo 1939 § 8559, A.L. 1945 p. 1488) Prior revisions: 1929 § 14844; 1919 § 13815

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.320 Condemnation proceedings.

234.320. Condemnation proceedings. — In the event the whole or any part of the cost of such bridge or viaduct or the approaches thereto, or the right-of-way therefor, or any interest therein, or any other property and rights upon which any such bridge, viaduct or its approaches are now or may hereafter be constructed, operated and maintained, shall be sought to be condemned by such city and paid for by special assessments against any private property, subject to special assessment as may now or hereafter be prescribed by the charter of such city, the common council, or two houses of legislation, of such city shall so declare by ordinance, and the city, if it so desires, may proceed with such condemnation in the manner now prescribed or which hereafter may be prescribed by the charter of such city for the taking or damaging of private property for public use; but no part of such structure sought to be condemned shall be removed by the owner thereof, and it shall not be necessary to file detailed plans of such structure with such proceedings, but a general description of such structure may be made in the ordinance. All special assessments shall be made and collected in accordance with the charter provisions above referred to. (RSMo 1939 § 8560) Prior revisions: 1929 § 14845; 1919 § 13816

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.330 Existing rights not impaired.

234.330. Existing rights not impaired. — The provisions of sections 234.310 and 234.320 shall not abrogate or impair any right or power which such cities may now or hereafter have to build and construct bridges and viaducts and their approaches thereto, or to acquire, in whole or in part, by purchase, lease, gift, condemnation proceedings or otherwise, bridges, viaducts and the approaches thereto already constructed, together with the necessary lands, rights-of-way, easements, leaseholds, other property and rights, upon which any such bridge, viaduct or its approaches are now or may hereafter be constructed, operated and maintained by private parties, and to own, operate and maintain any such structure for public use as and for a public highway for all kinds of vehicles, pedestrians, railroads and streetcars. (RSMo 1939 § 8561) Prior revisions: 1929 § 14846; 1919 § 13817

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.340 Cities having 100,000 population and over - power and authority.

234.340. Cities having 100,000 population and over — power and authority. — All cities in this state having one hundred thousand inhabitants or over are hereby given the power and authority to build or acquire, by purchase, lease, gift or otherwise, within their corporate limits or within a reasonable distance outside thereof, a bridge or bridges, or a tunnel or tunnels, for public use by railroads, streetcars, vehicles of all kinds and pedestrians, over or under rivers and streams in Missouri or those forming a boundary between this and other states, and to acquire, hold, use and retain, by purchase, lease, gift or otherwise, land to be used for approaches for and in the construction, operation and maintenance of said bridge or bridges, tunnel or tunnels, in this and other states, and to maintain, use and operate said bridge or bridges, tunnel or tunnels, either as toll or free bridges or tunnels, as may by said cities be deemed expedient. (RSMo 1939 § 7574) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7431; 1919 § 8839; 1909 § 9688

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.370 Commissioners - appointment and qualifications.

234.370. Commissioners — appointment and qualifications. — Within ninety days after this law becomes effective the governor shall, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint five commissioners of the Tennessee-Missouri Bridge Commission created by compact between the states of Missouri and Tennessee. If the senate is not in session at the time for making any appointment, the governor shall make a temporary appointment as in case of a vacancy. All commissioners so appointed shall be qualified voters of the state of Missouri and shall reside within the county of Pemiscot, Missouri, or counties adjacent thereto. (L. 1949 p. 625 § 1) CROSS REFERENCE: Members to be appointed by the highways and transportation commission, 226.007

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 234.380 Terms of commissioners.

234.380. Terms of commissioners. — Of the commissioners first appointed one shall be appointed to serve for a term of one year, one for two years, one for three years, one for four years and one for five years. At the expiration of the term of each commissioner and of each succeeding commissioner, the governor shall, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint a successor who shall hold office for a term of five years. Each commissioner shall hold office until his successor has been appointed and qualified. (L. 1949 p. 625 § 2) CROSS REFERENCE: Members to be appointed by the highways and transportation commission, 226.007
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=234Fetched: 10/17/2026

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