Any municipality, corporation, person or individual who has already constructed any bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstructions in, over or across any of the navigable rivers of the state, shall make application and submit the plans, specifications and construction of such bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstruction to the secretary of transportation when such bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstruction forms a part of a public highway, for the secretary’s inspection and approval.

The secretary of transportation shall act upon the application as practicable. Upon the approval of the plans, specifications and construction of the bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstruction, by the secretary of transportation the bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstruction shall immediately become established and the right to maintain the bridge or bridges, dam or dams or other obstruction in, over or across such navigable rivers, confirmed and made permanent to the same extent and effect as if such right had been originally obtained and granted as provided by the preceding section, but all rights and privileges granted by this act shall be subject to the future wants and needs of the government of the United States and of the state of Kansas.