Mo. Rev. Stat. § 351.035
Any corporation may be formed under this chapter for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a bridge over any of the streams of water, or any part of such streams, which may be within this state, or bordering on this state, or within any adjoining state, for public use for the crossing of persons or property, according to the provisions of this chapter; and also for the purpose of constructing, owning, leasing, controlling, maintaining and operating a toll bridge or viaduct in any city, town or village of this state and any adjoining city, town or village of any adjacent state connecting such cities, towns or villages, and over any of the streams of water, or any part of such streams, which may be within this state, or bordering on this state, or within any adjacent state, and approaches thereto for the passage of wagons, vehicles, foot passengers and animals, and to charge reasonable rates of toll therefor, with the right to convey and transport persons and freight thereon by electricity or other mechanical power; provided, the consent thereto of the municipal authorities of such cities or towns be first obtained; and may make any contracts for the use of its property, or any part thereof, by lease or otherwise. Sections 351.035 and 351.040 shall apply to any corporations heretofore organized under the laws of this state for any of the purposes expressed in said sections.
§ 351.035, RSMo
RSMo 1939 § 5380, A.L. 1943 p. 410 § 164