For the removal of 136,709 cubic yards of material, therefore, it appears that the contractors received the sum of $25,689.43, making the average rate per yard paid to the contractors eighteen and three-fourths cents. Including all expenses, the average cost of removing this material was nineteen and two-thirds cents. For the work done above Albany (63,556 cubic yards), the contractors were paid an average of twenty-two and six-tenths cents per cubic yard, while the entire expenditure averaged twenty-three and one-half cents per cubic yard. For the work done at and below Albany (73,153 cubic yards), the contractors were paid an average of fifteen and one-half cents,* while the total expenditure averages sixteen and three-tenth cents per yard. It should be stated, in explanation of the items paid for dredges, at sixty dollars per day, that it was found necessary to deposit a large quantity of material behind the high dyke below Troy. This material was first dredged, transported and deposited alongside the dyke, and then taken up and thrown over the dyke by a second dredge. Extra payment was made for this second handling of material. Attention is called to the fact that, of the total expenditure of $26,919.94, only the sum of $1,230.50, or four and one-half ner cent was paid for engineering and inspection. This very small expenditure, in view of the large amount of engineering required and done, is explained by the fact that all instrumental surveys, and all maps, have been made by the United States engineers, without cost to the State. Again, upon making the first cut of the new channel below the sloop lock at Troy, the material had to be thrown up on each side of the cut, as scows could not be floated within reach. For this work the dredge was paid by the day, as stated. The material was afterward taken up by the dredges, dumped in scows, transported and deposited. The inspectors, all of whom were young, educated engineers, have made the estimates upon which payments have been made, and each estimate has been verified by the oath of the inspector who made it as true, of his own personal knowledge. While the excavation of this new channel was going on, it became necessary to repair the dam above, and to stop the excessive leakage through it. A large quantity of material which was needed on the upper slope of the dam, and below the apron, and which, under other circumstances, would have been procured from other points at large expense, was furnished from the excavation below, without extra cost. The unexpended balance of $13,080.06 may be sufficient for the mainten nce of navigation during the coming season, but, for the purpose of * One-half cent due to erroneous estimate of inspector, elsewhere explained. providing for possible contingencies, and for the removal of bars which may be formed during the spring freshets, the State Engineer respectfully recommends the appropriation of an additional sum of $25,000, or a little more than half the amount appropriated last year. A communication from Lieutenant Willard npon this subject, with estimates for the coming year, is appended. The attention of the Legislature is respectfully called to the constant encroachments upon the channel of the river, resulting from numerous grants of lands under water, and to the following extract from the last annual report of General Newton to the chief of engineers, United States army, dated July 14, 1876: "There are continual applications for grants of land under water from the State. Now, as it is necessary to preserve the back channels in order to maintain a proper tidal flow, and also to lay down a pier line on the river itself, I would respectfully propose a commission (to include the State Engineer) to consider and report upon this subject, with the view of having such report legalized both by Congress and the State Legislature. I consider the matter important and requiring dispatch." This subject is earnestly recommended to the attention of the Legislature. In conclusion, the State Engineer desires to make acknowledgment of the cordial co-operation of, and the valuable assistance received from, Lieutenant Willard and his corps of assistants. Respectfully submitted. JOHN D. VAN BUREN, JR., State Engineer and Surveyor. TABLE showing the depths, at "mean low water," and the leasi depths of water on bars below Albany. Honorable JOHN D. VAN BUREN, Jr., State Engineer and Surveyor of New York: SIR.I have the honor to furnish you with tracings of the surveys made at your request during the working season of 1876. The sheets are prepared for the photo-lithograph, with the exception of three, on which some of the contour lines are in color but the same process can be applied to them, as the colored lines can be omitted, the principal lines being in black. I should be glad to have the large map reproduced on the same scale, if possible. No map of this part of the Hudson has been issued for some years, and I think one is needed. The plane of low water to which all soundings have been reduced, is the lowest datum that has ever been employed, so far as I can learn. You are aware, of course, that the President reduced the general appropriation, passed last August, from $50,000 to $25,000, and that there is an opinion that Congress will not grant any money this session. In view of this contingency, and with the hope that the State may aid this work, I offer some estimates for work which can be done with advantage next season. I put down a small amount for the repairs of existing State works which have been neglected for some years, the amounts as heretofore to be expended in your discretion. In conclusion, let me say that if it had not been for your action in the spring and summer of last year, navigation of this part of the Hudson would have been seriously impeded. The United States moneys had become almost exhausted, and the new appropriation was not available until October. With congratulations for your success, and thanks for your many courtesies, I am very respectfully, Your obedient servant. J. H. WILLARD, ESTIMATES FOR 1877, 1878. For blasting and removing sunken rocks between slooplock, Troy, and railroad bridge.. For dredging and removing 10,000 cubic yards, more or less, to complete new channel from sloop-lock to railroad bridge, Troy.... For dredging 12,000 cubic yards, more or less, at Washington and Van Buren bars, Troy For dredging and relifting 12,000 cubic yards, more or less, at Round shoals..... For dredging and relifting 10,000 cubic yards, more or less, at Fish-house shoal ..... 8. 2,200 00 8 7 1,800 00 For dredging and relifting 9,000 cubic yards, more or less, at Bath 1,600 00 Amount required for blasting, and for emoving 53,000 cubic yards, more or less $12,000 00 Pay of superintendent 400 00 Amount to be expended between sloop-lock, Troy and $12,400 00 For dredging 20,000 cubic yards, more or less, from upper overslough.... $2,800 00 For completing removal of stone-wing dam on overslough, 14,000 cubic yards. 2,100 00 Carried forward............. $4,900 00 |