In response to US Coast Guard statements regarding ownership of the rail bridge, FORB conducted research regarding ownership of the Missouri River and items attached thereto. When North Dakota became a state in 1889, the Missouri River and all attachments were transferred to the state of North Dakota. FORB's research asserts that the bridge, like the river itself, is publicly-owned property. FORB's research is public record and is available at friendsoftherailbridge.org

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