Chap. 141.—An ACT to Authorize the City of Lynchburg to Build a Dam
Across James River, and to Improve the Water Level Below the Same,
and to Issue Bonds for the Purpose of Paying the Same.

Approved March 18, 1871.

Whereas, it is desirable and expedient that the city of Lynch-
burg should, for the purpose of enlarging the city water works
and for increasing the water power in and near the said city,
build a dam across James river, at or above said city, and widen
and deepen the canal, and otherwise improve the level imme-
diately below said dam on both sides of the river; and whereas,
for the purpose of making such improvement, it is necessary
that the city should issue and sell or otherwise dispose of its
bonds for a sum not exceeding two hundred thousand dollars,
and shail make all necessary contracts with the James river
and Kanawha company, and with private individuals, con-
cerning lands, rights or franchises affected by said work: now
therefore,

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
for the purposes heretofore set forth, it shall be lawful for the
city of Lynchburg to build a dam across the James river at
some point within its corporate limits, or within a mile thereof,
and to widen, deepen, and otherwise improve the canal for the
whole length of the level thereof below said dam; and to con-
struct a race or canal, not exceeding sixty feet in width, on the
Amherst side of the river, extending from said dam down the
river to some point not exceeding three miles from said dam.
For these purposes the city may contract or agree with the
owners of any land for the use or purchase thereof, or may
have the same condemned in the mode prescribed in the fifty-
sixth chapter of the Code of eighteen hnndred and sixty, for
the location, extension or enlargement of said work.

2. It shall be lawful for the city to make all ncessary con-
tracts with the James river and Kanawha company for the
purpose of building said dam and making such other im-
provements, and for indemnifying itself against loss by reason
of such outlay upon its part as may be necessary to complete
such work. ‘The city shall further have power to rent or lease,
for manufacturing or other purposes, the use of the water de-
rived from said canal and race, on both sides of the river, in
accordance with the terms of the contract which said city may
make with said company in regard thereto, and to do such
other acts and make such other contracts in regard thereto, as
may be necessary to the proper use and enjoyment of the
rights and franchises which may accrue to said city by virtue
of its making said improvement.

3. For the purpose of raising the money necessary to build
said dam and make such improvements to said level, it shall be
lawful for the city of Lynchburg to execute, issue, and dispose
of its bonds, by sale or otherwise, to an amount not exceeding
two hundred thousand dollars. Said bonds may be either re-
gistered or with coupons attached; shall bear interest at a rate
not exceeding eight per centum per annum, and shall be paya-
ble thirty-four years after date.

4, The city council shall have power to determine whether
said work shall be done by the city, whether said bonds shall
be issued, and, if so, how many, and what interest they shall
bear. Said council also shall have power to determine how
said work shall be done; to make all contracts and agree-
ments with the James river and Kanawha company, and with
the owners of lands and rights to be affected by building said
dam and other improvements, as may be necessary to secure
to said city and its citizens the benefits which are likely to re-
sult from said work. The council shall further have power,
from time to time, to make such contracts, agreements, rules,
and regulations, as may be necessary for the full and pfoper
enjoyment of the privileges, franchises, and property, which
may be acquired by said city in carrying out the provisions of
this law: provided, that a fish-way be constructed so as to
permit the passage of fish over the same.

5. This act shall be in force from its passage.