July 1, 1892, balance unexpended July 1, 1893, balance unexpended Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.... Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1895 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867 and of sundry civil act of March 3, 1893. (See Appendix N N 5.) $15, 049. 10 10, 461.96 4, 587. 14 196, 250.00 120, 000. 00 6. Operating and care of St. Clair Flats Canal, Michigan-The canal is in the immediate charge of a custodian, who reports any violations of canal regulations, and also acts as inspector whenever work is in progress. During the spring of 1893 the damage done to the east dike by the Steamer Phillip Minch was repaired, and work of repairing the damage done to dikes by storms was begun. The cost of this work was $147.95. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, the ordinary current expenses of operating and care of the canal, such as salary of custodian, trimming willows, etc., exclusive of the amount named above, was $2,527.98. (See Appendix N N 6.) 7. Grossepoint Channel, Michigan-Between the lower end of St. Clair Flats and the deep water of Detroit River, the only known obstruction to navigation is the large shoal off Grossepoint, known as Grossepoint Flats. At ordinary stages of water vessels drawing 16 feet can cross this obstruction, but when the water is as low as it has been during the last few years vessels drawing more than 15 feet can pass only with great care and difficulty. * * The river and harbor act of August 11, 1888, appropriated $75,000 for "improving St. Clair Flats Ship Canal, all or any portion of which may, in the discretion of the engineer, be expended in dredging Grosse Pointe Channel." The sum of $5,000 was consequently reserved from this appropriation for the removal of any small and well defined obstruction that might be found at Grossepoint, as well as for making such surveys as might be necessary before making a definite project. A small shoal was removed in July, 1889, but no more such obstructions have since been found. Grossepoint Channel forms part of the "ship channel connecting the waters of the Great Lakes between Chicago, Duluth and Buffalo," which is provided for in the river and harbor act of July 13, 1892, and all information and estimates concerning the work at this point will be found in the report for last-named work. July 1, 1892, balance unexpended... $3,844.05 3, 844. 05 8. Detroit River, Michigan.-Originally the channel at Lime Kiln Crossing, Detroit River, could not be depended upon for more than 13 feet of water, the ordinary depth being much affected by the direction of the wind. As originally projected in 1874, the improvement at this point was to consist of a curved channel 300 feet wide, with a uniform depth of 20 feet; and the original estimate was based upon this project. In 1883 it was wisely determined to so modify the project as to secure a straight channel, the least width of which should be 300 feet, with a somewhat greater width at each end, utilizing the work already done. In 1886 this was further modified to the end that the width of the channel should be increased to 400 feet by removing an additional 100 feet from the western (American) side; and in 1888 a further additional width of 40 feet on the western side was authorized, as the lowest bid under the final appropriation was so low that the money available was sufficient to pay for the increased excavation. The 440-foot channel was completed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, at a cost of but little more than half the estimate for the 400-foot channel. The present project for improving Detroit River contemplates the removal of such shoals between Detroit, Mich., and Lake Erie as obstruct navigation. The only work done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, has been the ascertaining of the location and extent of the obstructions between Ballards Reef and the head of Lime Kiln Crossing. The obstructions found, consisting of bed rock and bowlders, are more serious and extended than was supposed; and, since nearly 25,000,000 tons of freight pass through this river each year, these obstructions should all be removed, cost what it may. The estimate for obtaining a channel 20 feet deep and 800 feet wide from the head of Ballards Reef to the head of Lime Kiln Crossing is $180,000, of which $28,744.95 is available, from appropriation made under previous estimate, leaving $151,255.05 to be appropriated, all of which will be required during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. 151, 255, 05 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1895 151, 255.60 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867 and of sundry civil act of March 3, 1893. (See Appendix N N 8.) INVESTIGATION OF RAFT-TOWING ON THE GREAT LAKES AND THEIR CONNECTING WATERS, IN COMPLIANCE WITH JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVED FEBRUARY 3, 1893. Under the provisions of joint resolution approved February 3, 1893, a Board, consisting of Col. O. M. Poe, Maj. Charles E. L. B. Davis, and Maj. Clinton B. Sears, Corps of Engineers, was by authority of the Secretary of War constituted by Special Orders No. 7, Headquar ters, Corps of Engineers, February 23, 1893, "to investigate the subject of raft-towing on the great lakes and their connecting waters, and to report to Congress as to what restrictions, if any, should be placed upon the size and manner of constructing and towing rafts upon said Great Lakes and their connecting waters." The report of the Board will be submitted when received. IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS ON LAKE ERIE WEST OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA. This district was in the charge of Lieut. Col. Jared A. Smith, Corps of Engineers, with Lieut. William V. Judson, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders to February 10, 1893. 1. Monroe Harbor, Michigan.-This harbor is in the Raisin River, the piers being at the mouth of the dredged canal which now forms part of the river, and the wharves being about two and a half miles above. Improvements were commenced in 1835 upon a plan devised in 1834 to cut a canal through the low marshy point which separated the river from the lake. The canal is 4,000 long, 100 feet wide, and was dredged to a depth of 10 feet. The sides of the canal are protected by a sheet piling supported by ordinary piles and waling pieces. The mouth of the river at entrance to canal is protected by piers extending into the lake. A project for repairs of piers and canal revetment was adopted in 1886, the cost then being estimated at $20,000. In 1891 the estimate was amended to $26,000. The total amount expended upon the improvement from 1836 to June 30, 1892, was $225,515.27. The channel in general has a depth of not less than 9 feet to the wharves at Monroe. The revetment and piers are badly decayed, and storms in the spring of 1893 tore away considerable of the superstructure of the north pier. The appropriation of $10,000 made by act of July 13, 1892, will be expended in making necessary repairs to north pier. A survey of the harbor was made in October, 1892, and the channel was found in such condition that no dredging is required at present.. The work of repair was commenced early in June by hired labor and purchase of materials in open market, that being the most advantageous and economical method for the United States. Amount appropriated by act approved July 13, 1892 July 1, 1893, balance unexpended... July 1, 1893, balance available $10,000.00 307.28 9, 692.72 2,262.55 7,430. 17 (Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project (repairs) Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1895 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867 and of sundry civil act of March 3, 1893. (See Appendix O O 1.) 16,000.00 16,000.00 2. Toledo Harbor, Ohio.-The original project for improving this harbor was adopted in 1866, pursuant to the act of June 23, 1866, appropriating $20,000 for the improvement. The project provided for improving the old channel through Maumee Bay by dredging to a depth of 12 feet and width of 200 feet. This was amended from time to time, until the old channel had a least depth of 15.5 feet. In 1887 a project was adopted, in compliance with previous acts of Congress, for a straight channel through Maumee Bay, 200 feet wide at the bottom and 17 feet deep, referred to the mean level of the lake. The line was so located as to utilize the old channel as far as possible. The estimated cost of the last project was $1,875,000. The total amount appropriated and expended for old channel to June 30, 1892, was $724,332.61. As a result the channel has been dredged as originally planned, save a single cut 25 feet wide and 2,400 feet long in outer section, and a cut 30 feet wide and 1,300 feet long in turn-out division. The channel, however, filled so that the average depth was but 15.6 feet. The officer in charge of the improvement recommended that but onehalf of the last appropriation of $200,000 be expended in dredging the straight channel because that amount would complete the original dredging of straight channel and would redredge a part which had filled; it was also recommended that a dredge, scows, and tug be purchased and that the balance of the appropriation be used to operate the dredge, to maintain depths in the straight channel, and to extend the removal of shoal in old channel, and extending improvement up the Maumee River. These recommendations were approved. Surveys of straight channel were made in the autumn of 1892 and spring of 1893. After advertising three times for proposals, a contract was awarded in December, 1892, for dredging in straight channel. Dredging was commenced early in the spring, and will be continued until the contract is completed. The channel in turn-out section has been completed and good progress has been made elsewhere. The straight channel is regularly navigated by day, but is not well lighted, so that navigation by night is difficult. It has been found necessary to widen the outer section to 300 feet. It is proposed to expend the next appropriation in widening the channel in outer section, in maintaining depth throughout, and in strengthening pile protection in turn-out. July 1, 1893, amount covered by uncompleted contracts. $6,605.89 96, 356. 23 July 1, 1893, balance available... 98, 616.32 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project............. 1, 200, 000. 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. 300, 000. 00 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867 and of sundry civil act of March 3, 1893. (See Appendix O O 2.) 3. Port Clinton Harbor, Ohio.-In 1870 the channel at the entrance to this harbor was narrow and intricate, with a depth of only 5 feet. The present project, adopted in 1875, provides for a pile revetment from the north shore of the Portage River, opposite the town, 967 feet into the lake, and two pile piers 200 feet apart, of an aggregate length of 4,100 feet, extending to the depth of 10 feet in the lake, with a view of maintaining a depth of 9 feet between them. The total expenditures to June 30, 1892, amounted to $66,000. As a result the east and west piers have been extended to within 420 feet and 480 feet of completion, respectively. The act of July 13, 1892, appropriated $10,000 for improving this harbor, with a condition that $1,200 of the amount be paid to Charles Roose, of Oak Harbor, Ohio, in full satisfaction for the necessary portion of the sand beach adjoining the inner end of the west revetment. The land has been surveyed and deeds made out in complete form, but the payment has not been made because of delay in examination of title by the United States attorney. A contract has been made for widening the channel of 10 feet depth by dredging. Work is to be completed on or before November 30, 1893. The piers are now very rotten, and unless soon repaired will go to complete ruin. The officer in charge recommends that the project be not completed, but that the amount estimated therefor be expended in much-needed repairs. Amount appropriated by act approved July 13, 1892. July 1, 1893, balance unexpended.... July 1, 1893, amount covered by uncompleted contracts.. July 1, 1893, balance available...... Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1895 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867 and of sundry civil act of March 3, 1893. (See Appendix O O 3.) $10,000.00 175.54 9,824.46 8,000.00 1, 824. 46 27,000.00 27,000.00 4. Sandusky Harbor, Ohio.-Various improvements to this harbor were made from 1826 to 1879, at a total cost of $222,980. The channel over the bar had but 10 feet depth and the greatest depth inside was about 12 feet in 1880. In 1880 a definite project was adopted for a channel 200 feet wide and 15 feet deep through the outer bar and by an indirect route to the city wharves along the front of which the channel was to be 100 feet wide and 15 feet deep. This work was nearly completed in 1888 when a project was adopted for a straight channel 200 feet wide and 17 feet deep from the east end of the wharf channel to the north end of Cedar Point. The estimated cost of this project was $96,712. The amount expended on this work to June 30, 1892, was $69,185.29. As a result the straight channel has been so far dredged that the removal of 250,000 cubic yards will complete it entirely. A contract has been let for completing the work and is to be finished on or before November 30, 1893. The completion of the work will still leave the channel along the wharves but 100 feet wide and 15 feet deep. Reports were received that this channel has been somewhat filled. The expenses of last fiscal year have been for a necessary survey of the straight channel and channel over the bar; the latter now has a least depth of 16 feet over a width in narrowest place of 90 feet. |