ARTICLE 97
It is the duty of the Commonwealth to acquire ownership of and to operate all waterways serving as means of general public communication.
After they have been taken over, waterways serving as means of general public communication may be constructed or extended only by the Commonwealth or with its consent.
In the administration, development, or construction of such waterways the requirements of agriculture and water-supply shall be protected in agreement with the States. Their improvement shall also be considered.
Each waterways administration shall consent to connection with other inland waterways at the expense of the latter. The same obligation exists for the construction of a connection between inland waterways and railroads.
In taking over the waterways the Commonwealth acquires the right of expropriation, control of rates, and the police power over waterways and navigation.
The duties of the river improvement associations in relation to the development of natural waterways in the Rhine, Weser, and Elbe basins shall be assumed by the Commonwealth.