Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-09-28
COURT issues
TOPOGRAPHIC
SURVEY ORDER
Federal Government to
Aid County on $3.50
Basis in Survey For
Contour Map

A conditional contract for a topo-
graphical survey of Cameron county,
in which the county and federal gov
m will participate upon a $3.50
basis, was entered into BY the Cam
error county commissioners court
Thursday. The cost Of the survey
will be between $4,000 and $4,000,
Of which the county will pay one
half, financing the work from the
flood control fund.
The contract will be forwarded to
the department of agriculture, and If
acceptable TO the government agen-
cies, the work will be started at once
The contract specifies that the sur
vey be made on one-foot contours.
The Valley engineers, state reclama-
tion department and water and drain
z districts have endorsed the
proposition, pointing out that the
survey would prove Of immense value
to the districts as we'll as to the
county in irrigation, drainage, flood
control and highway work.
The government has made topo-
graphical surveys in a number Of
Texas counties, but none have been
upon d one-foot contour basis, most
OF the surveys showing contours in
excess Of four feet. In conferences
with government engineers it was
pointed out that due 10 the level
terrain of Cameron county any sur
vey not showing the one-foot con-
tours would be Of little value. The
government engineers stated that
while this was a departure from the
regular policy Of the department IN
connection with topographic surveys,
they believed, that in view Of the ex-
IRENE uniformity Of the Cameron
county terrain the department would
undertake the survey on this basis.
Valley engineers In discussing the
proposal pointed out that hundreds
Of thousands OF dollars have been ex-
pended by the Valley counties and
districts in making surveys which are
not co-ordinated, each designed 20
serve a certain district or section.
Many Of the drainage systems have
proyed inadequate as q result OF the
lack 81 a co-ordinated survey which
could not be undertaken by the indi-
vidual districts. Highway construc-
tion has also been hampered and
large sums expended to assure drain
age, and the lack Of an accurate topo-
graphic survey has proved a decided
handicap in connection with irrlga-
tion development.
According to plans Of the commits
sioners court, in the event the con-
tract Is acceptable TO the federal gov
eminent, the survey will start IN the
la Feria section, where extensive
drainage plans are contemplated, and
will then be extended along the Ar
royo Colorado. At least a year viii
be required 70 complete the survey
Of the entire county, engineers state.
The topographic survey VIII pc
available as fast as the work proceeds,
according to government engineers,
who suggested that those sections q
the county planning extensive drain
z or irrigation operations be n
first surveyed.
When the entire survey is finished,
maps Of the county showing one-toot
contours will be available for anyone
desiring them, and engineers state
they will provide an absolutely &C.
curate guide IN connection with prac-
tically all development or construc-
ton projects, either by the county,
districts or individuals.