§513 Notice, hearings, and findings

Summary

When the Secretary believes a bridge is unreasonably blocking water navigation, the Secretary must tell the interested parties and hold a hearing. The bridge owner, people who use the waterway, those who use the railroad or highway on the bridge, and any other interested parties can present evidence and speak about whether the bridge needs changes and what changes are needed. If the Secretary decides changes are needed to make navigation reasonably open while also considering rail or highway needs, the Secretary must make a finding and issue an order requiring the necessary alterations and serve that order on the interested parties.