Sec.[Section] 1^st. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly, That James T. Gifford and Samuel J Kimball their heirs and assigns, be, and they are hereby authorized, to construct and build a mill dam across Fox River at the Town of Elgin in the County of Kane, between the lands held by them, to the height of six feet above low water mark. Provided said grant shall not be construed so as to prevent the State from improving said Fox River at that place, by dams, locks, or in any other way, at any time hereafter, for the purpose of slack water navigation or otherwise.

This act shall take effect from and after its passage.