HH 2. IMPROVEMENT OF HARBOR AT CALUMET, ILLINOIS. The object of this improvement is to provide a safe and reliable entrance to the Calumet River and port of South Chicago. It is proposed to accomplish this by the construction of two parallel piers, 300 feet apart, projecting from the shore to deep water in the lake, and by dredging the channel-way between them to a depth sufficient to accommodate the largest class of vessels seeking the port. This work was commenced in 1870, and at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, 3,640 linear feet of the north pier and 1,520 linear feet of the south pier had been completed, making a total length of pier work of 5,160 feet. At the beginning of the fiscal year contracts were in force for pier extension and dredging. Messrs. Walsh and Hannahs completed their contract for the former on August 31, and the Calumet and Chicago Canal and Dock Company completed their contract for the latter on September 23. The total amount of material dredged from the harbor from the beginning of operations in 1870 to the present time is 384,376 cubic yards. After a severe northeast storm on September 7, it was found that the stone in the 300 feet of north pier constructed during the season had settled somewhat. Two hundred and forty-seven and ninety-one hundredths cords of stone were purchased for the refilling of this work, and also for a partial refilling of the old cribs of the north pier. CONDITION OF THE WORK ENDING JUNE 30, 1884. The crib work in both piers is in comparatively good condition, but for the proper security of the work a partial refilling of some of the cribs will be needed; stone for this purpose will be purchased during the present season. The shore line north of the harbor and in the immediate vicinity of the work has advanced 68 feet during the past season, due entirely to the dumping of slag into the lake by the proprietors of the North Chicago Rolling Mills. As this matter has become serious, involving as it does a possible extension of the north pier so long as the dumping continues, I have deemed it better to make the matter a subject of a separate communication to be submitted to the Department at an early date. The gap that existed at the shore end of the south pier, and which threatened the destruction of the old plank revetment at that point, has been closed by a line of pile work put in by the Calumet and Chicago Canal and Dock Company, and permission has been granted that company to cut through the south pier for the purpose of constructing a slip. The old plank revetment along the north and south piers is in a dilapidated condition and needs repair. This revetment was put in when it was contemplated to dredge only to a depth of 13 feet, but now that this depth has been increased to 16 feet, dredging close up to the pier work is impossible. It is proposed to put in a new revetment in front of the old, and extend it so as to allow a depth of 16 feet to be maintained throughout the entire width of channel. PROPOSED APPLICATION OF FUNDS AVAILABLE. The amount available July 1, 1884, was $215.61. The appropriation of $20,000 made by act approved July 5, will be expended in extending the south pier and in repairing portions of the north and south piers. ESTIMATE FOR FUNDS FOR YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1886. In my report for year ending June 30, 1883, I estimated for a further extension of the south pier a distance of 500 feet, in order to procure a permanent channel depth to that point, to repair the old plank revetment, and to fill with stone certain portions of the north pier to the water level, the estimated cost of which was $41,400. Of this amount $20,000 was appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884, leaving $21,400 to be appropriated. The dredging previously estimated for will not be required until the pier extension, as above provided for, is carried out, and the effects of the work ascertained. Amount appropriated from commencement of work to June 30, 1884 $362,000 00 361, 754 39 Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 $6,372 38 6,126 77 July 1, 1884, amount available Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.... 245 61 20,000 00 20,245 61 21,400 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886.. 21,400 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The harbor of Calumet is at South Chicago, in the collection district of Chicago. There is a light-house and a keeper's dwelling on the reservation near the shore end of the north pier. A beacon light is maintained at the extremity of that pier to mark the entrance to the harbor. Number of vessels entered during the fiscal year.. Number of vessels cleared during the fiscal year...... 373 358 375, 283 Abstract of contracts for Calumet Harbor, Illinois, in force during the fiscal year ending The sum of $50,000 was appropriated by the river and harbor act approved July 5, 1884, for the improvement of this river, with the following provision inserted: That no part of said sum shall be expended until the right of way shall have been conveyed to the United States, free from expense, and the United States shall be fully released from all liability for damages to adjacent property-owners to the satisfaction of the Secretary of War. At the present time releases have been obtained from all but two of the property-owners as far up the river as the funds available will allow the work to be carried. So soon as the document is completed and has received the approval of the Secretary of War, as required by the act, proposals will be issued for executing the work by contract. It was recommended by the Board of Engineer Officers convened to report upon the proposed improvement that the work be done by the Government owning its own dredges and have sufficient amount appropriated at the outset for the purchase of the plant and for one season's work. This recommendation is repeated, as after the completion of the improvement the dredges will be needed for the maintenance of the improved channel. Money statement. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.... $50,000 00 175,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 90 HH 4. IMPROVEMENT OF ILLINOIS RIVER, ILLINOIS. The project now in course of execution for the improvement of this river contemplates the construction of a lock and dam at each of the sites selected, La Grange and Kampsville, and the dredging of the chan nel from the State lock at Copperas Creek to the mouth of the river. PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR. High water in the river prevented a resumption of work until about the middle of July, at which time the plant was removed to the two lock-sites and work immediately commenced. La Grange Lock.-From the commencement of operations on the 13th of July to the 1st of August the work consisted in reinforcing the coffer-dam, grading and cleaning the land purchased for the lock-sites, and in repairing the pumping and other machinery used in the work. At the latter date the pumps were put in operation and the coffer-dam cleared of water and silt. The construction of the foundation was then resumed and completed ir October, at which time the construction of the lock walls was commenced and continued until November 29, when a rise in the river put an end to operations for the fall season. The dredges belonging to the work were employed during the season in dredging the channel. The following amounts of material were used and work executed during the season: Other necessary work in the way of repairing plant and coffer-dams and constructing ice-breaker was done. A contract was entered into with Messrs. Sanger & Moody, of Joliet, Ill., on August 29, for furnishing stone for La Grange Lock. |