The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE reports
of Colonel John Biddle corps of engi-
neers, in charge of river and harbor
work in the Pacific division has been
received by the war department. A
summary of the statements and recon-
mendations made for the various prof.
ects follows:
OAKLAND HARBOR
The work is in progress under the
continuing contract system. The bal
ance of the contract authorization or
1907 remaining to be appropriated is
$4,000; of that of 1905, $4,000.
On June 80. 1908, at low tide level,
deep has been made for a. length OF
$4,000 feet easterly from deep water
in San Francisco bay; also a channel
400 feet wide and 20 feet deep from
said bay to Chestnut street. 300 feet
wide and IL feet deep to the tidal ba-
SIN, and 300 feet wide and feet deep
on the south side of the tidal basin,
and 300 feet wide and 8 feet deep on
the north side of the tidal basin. The
above depths could be carried at low
water on June 80, 1908, except that
shoaling had taken place since the
dredging at the mouth, reducing the
available depth to about FL feet. I'm
der the terms of the existing contract
this will be removed about September /,
1908. The tidal range is from As to
5.5 feet. The navigable portion of the
channel is about 10000 feet in length.
Shallow draft low vessels can go a
mile farther. The amount spent on
existing project is s427, 1859. The
project is about third completed.
The money thus far spent has been
practically all for extensions in chan
mel widths and depths for the benefit
of commerce. There has been spent
for the maintenance of bridges
s3,962.29.
1t is difficult to estimate what in
crease of commerce is likely to result
frnfr ar1 i. rx-f1 J., Of
channel in Oakland harbor. At present
about y per cent of the total tonnage
of Oakland harbor is overland freight
transferred across the bay on ferry
boats, which, when loaded with cars,
draw only about feet of water. If
Improvement be continued it will per-
NIT the deeper draft vessels carrying
TO the city of Oakland coal, wood, coke,
oil, hay, grain, flour, lumber. building
material and sundries which in 1907
amounted to 4.210,125 tons. valued at
$161.337,372, and also should induce a
large increase in manufacturing indus
tries on the shores of this harbor.
1t Is believed that the Improvement
has had no effect on freight rates.
1t is proposed to spend the funds es
timated to carry out contracts for
dredging already authorized and to
continue dredging in accordance with
project directed by congress. This will
be for the extension of benefits.
1t is proposed TO spend the funds
available for dredging in accordance
with contract, for extension of benefits.
The amount asked for as maintenance
bridges and for dredging small shoals
that may develop, particularly at the
mouth of the channel. The original
project did not provide for mainte-
nance. 1t has developed that the
bridges have to be maintained and that
shoals develop and must be dredged.
This is in part due to the fact that
while the tidal prism remains the same
as in the project of 1874. the size of
the channel is largely increased in the
present project
SAN LEANDRO BAY
In connection with this improvement
a tidal canal connecting San Leandro
bay with Oakland channel was exca-
waited by the United States. This canal
was intended for flushing purposes only
and no provision was made for oper-
alton of bridges oyer it which are
owned by the United States and are
provided with draws. A demand ap-
pears to have arisen for the opening
of the canal to navigation, as explained
in the dictrict officers report, but the
bridges form an impediment to such
use, and he recommends that they be
turned over 10 the local authorities
who have signified their Willingness to
accept and operate them.
July L. 1907. balance uneXpended. SIS. $50. IS
Amount appropriated by sundry civil
act approved May %, 1908. ....... $780, 900. 90
Total Observation-Disclosures. s34s, o5o. IS
June 80. 1905 amount expended dur
ing fiscal year:
For works of improvement. $50 ,G33.72
For maintenance of inn
proyement ..-..-........ 1882 % 63, 696. OF
-
July !, 1908, balance unexpended. -. S2s4, 454 81
July l, 1908, outstanding liabilities. 81 427. co
July l. 1905, balance available =. $3.50, OPS. II
July 1, 1905. amount covered by I'M
completed contracts. .............. S35s, 7o6. 10
Amount (estimated) required for
completion of existing propect.... 100. 000. 90
Amount that can be probably ex-
pended in fiscal year ending June
30, 1910, for works OF improvement
and for maintenance in addition to
the balance unexpended July 1,
Submitted in compliance with requirements of
sundry civil act of June 4, 1897, and of section
Of the river and harbor act of 1899.
SAN PABLO BAY
The amount expended on this project
to June 80, 1908, is 1892, 0SS.94.
On June a joint army and navy
board appointed to consider the ap-
proach from San Francisco bay to Mare
island navy yard submitted to the sec
rotary of war a project for a channel
through San Pablo bay 80 feet deep
and 600 feet wide The estimate wa G