[Toll Bridge Facts.com Editor:  Even if a railroad wanted to try -- and there isn't one that does -- to use eminent domain to acquire the Toll Bridge, the fact is that it is not possible under Michigan statutory and case law.  Michigan statutory law -- the Railroad Code of 1993, Act 354 -- provides bridge companies with the power of eminet domain.  This same law expressly prohibits a railroad from comdemning the right-of-way of another railroad or bridge company.  There is absolutely no way under Michigan statutory and case law, among other reasons, that a railroad can use eminent domain to acquire the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge or its right-of-way. 

According to senior staff members of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, there is not one example in the American history of a railroad using eminent domain powers in any state to acquire a bridge.

It is worth noting that there is federal law does not control how railroads or bridge companies may exercise eminent domain powers -- these eminent domain powers are controlled by state law.  Click here for more information.]