Research

Administrative History

The records are the result of work undertaken upon passage of Chapter 220 of the Laws of 1913, which granted appropriations for making several surveys to improve and extend the state's canals. It particularly stated that the State Engineer and Surveyor should cause a survey to be made for "reconstruction of the Chemung Canal"; and that he should report to the Legislature of 1914 on his investigations, together with estimates of the cost for which the work might be done.

The proposed improvement amounted to a continuation of the Barge Canal, which extended south from Seneca Lake to the terminus at Montour Falls. Interest in accessing the waterways and coal resources in Pennsylvania and in providing for more cost effective and competitive measures against the railroads prompted the investigation of expanding the canal system toward the border. The records also deal with a proposed feeder that would insure the canal an adequate water supply. This was essential in a geographic area that was noted for both torrential flooding and heavy runoffs of available water.