Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUBUQUE PONTOON BRIDGE COMPANY
DUBUQUE PONTOON BRIDGE COMPANY. In August, 1886, the Dubuque Pontoon Bridge Company was authorized to construct and maintain a bridge suitable for the crossing of vehicles, horsemen and animals and for the ordinary public uses and purposes of a highway bridge from at or near Pine street in Dubuque across the MISSISSIPPI RIVER to East Dubuque, Illinois.
The bridge was to be located below and as near as practicable to the railway bridge and the draw was to be of such dimensions and character as should be approved by the secretary of war, or if built without a draw it should be high enough at the right place to permit the free passage at all stages of water of craft navigating the Mississippi.
To assist the company in the construction of this bridge, the city appropriated $25,000, to be paid in two installments, and released it conditionally from taxation. The total cost was about $133,000. The city reserved the right to take possession and control of the bridge by paying annually to the company 8 per cent on the total cost less that paid by the city. The mayor was to be ex-ofificio a member of the board of directors. The toll was fixed by the council on December 14, 1887.