New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-06
CANAL NEEDS MORE CASH
Barge Waterway Demands Ex-
ira Millions, Says Bensel.
BUILDING EXPENSE GROWS
Work on Troy Dam, Key to the
Enterprise, Should Be Rushed,
Asserts State Engineer.

Albany, jan 5-The barge canal cannot
be completed within the original appro-
priation Of SOL, 10000: more than 90 per
cent of the construction work, costing
more than S54OO00Oo, is finished: the
Champlain division will be completed dur
ing the present year; the entire canal
system will be ready fer navigation by
1915. These are interesting statements in
the annual report OF the State Engineer,
John A. Bensel, which will be presented
TO the Legislature tomorrow. The report.
however, does not specify how many more
millions will be required TO finish the
work
The State Engineer points out that the
principal increase in the cost of the
canal is in connection with the appro-
priation of lands and structures, together
with damage to waterpowers and riparian
rights, as the original estimates have been
found greatly deficient. Mr. Bense also
emphasizes that since the appropriation
was made the cost of labor and material
have increased.
1t is shown that approximately $500, 800
has been added TO the original estimates
by increasing the width of locks from
twenty-eight to forty-fve feet, by lower
ing the grade between Tonawanda and
Lookport and by widening the rock cut
at Lockport. In addition. the Legislature
has required that certain fixed charges,
such as bonds and liability insurance,
must be paid from the appropriation.
While detailing the causes making nee
essary additional appropriations by thu
Legislature, Mr. Bensel says tho cost OF
the actual construction as contemplated
in 1903 and the cost of engineering In ths
preparation OF plans and Specifications
will be performed within tho estimates
made for such items.
But the whole project will need more
financiering upon the part OF the stats."i
he adds.
The report shows that during Mr.. Ben>
sells term OF office construction work val.
ued at 38,0O.O0O has been completed. 81
compared with work valued at SIG, 900. 900
completed during the preceding six years.
In reference to the Troy dam situation
State Engineer Bensel says ''the federal
government should rush work on this
key to the barge canal" He continues:
TnlS dam being WITHIN the BOUNDS or
New York State. II would appear justl
and proper that any revenue derived
therefrom should properly be paid into
the treasury Of the State OF New York.
and Furthermore that the state should
have control over the structures at tho
, entrance to the barge canal system.
recommend that necessary steps be taken
in an endeavor to return TO the control
Of the state the construction of and juris-
diction over the Troy dam. together with
the disposal OF power available at the
site of the structure.
Mr.. Bensel recommends that the Legis-
lature carefully consider the many ap-
plications for terminals along the Hudson
River between Albany and New York, 49,
additional appropriations will be required
| to provide for them
| The State Engineer favors the sale Of
surplus waters and waterpower. the
revenue thus derived TO be placed in the
| canal Improvement fund and applied
! toward the cancellation and retirement OF
the canal bonds and the payment OF in
| terest on them.