Research

Administrative History

Chapter 190 of the laws of 1911 directed the State Engineer to make a survey and prepare plans and estimates for improving the Black River for navigation. A topographic survey was also suggested in order to improve and create new lines of the already existing Black River Canal.

This chapter also called for measuring the volume of water discharged throughout the year by each of the streams under consideration. Rainfall and run-off data was gathered and reservoir sites were located regarding the reservoir's capacity and adaptability for feeding the canal. In order to do this, the value of the land to be flooded was assessed and the costs of necessary structures were computed. These volumes were part of this preliminary study.