New York State Engineer and Surveyor Summary of Estimates for Extraordinary Canal Repairs on the Western Division of the Erie…

Chapter 79 of the Laws of 1895 proposed enlargement and improvement of the Erie canal. Work was to be done by contract and in accordance with plans, specifications, and estimates prepared and approved by the State Engineer and Surveyor that stated the extent of each piece of work and the materials to be used in doing it. Succeeding legislation in 1896 (Chapters 794 and 950) amended that law, regulating the making of contracts for work on the canal, reapportioning unexpended balances, and appropriating funds for carrying on canal improvements.

This series consists of estimates in a tabular format for extraordinary repairs on the Western Division of the Erie Canal. These estimates were most likely for the "Nine Million Dollar Improvement" of the Erie Canal which was initiated in 1895.

Each page consists of a header that lists the name of the canal; the type of work; location; the chapter and law; and the name of contractor. The types of work documented in the series include building and repairing bridges, culverts, and waste weirs; deepening and improving feeder creeks; reconstruction of roadways; improving canal sections; rebuilding walls; constructing embankments; and other similar work.

The table underneath the header lists the date; amount of money appropriated by the legislature; engineer's preliminary estimate for work; contractor's prices; date approved by canal board for work; date approved by the canal board for engineering; date completed; partial payments; total value of work done; total percentage retained; and total payment.

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