New York State Department of Public Works Index to Barge Canal Releases

Entries are chronological within each letter of this alphabetical index volume.

This single volume series is an alphabetical index to releases, or agreements in which private individuals or businesses relinquished the right to file claims against the State of New York for property damage associated with surveying or constructing the Barge Canal. Some of the earliest releases were executed as a means of settling property damage claims outside of court. In such cases, the Superintendent of Public Works with the approval of the Canal Board agreed to pay the claimant a portion of the compensation being sought in exchange for the claimant's agreement to release the State from any additional liability for the property damage caused.

Most of the releases indexed in this volume were executed by the Superintendent of Public Works in order to obtain access to property on which to deposit spoil, or earth and rock excavated or dredged in constructing the Barge Canal. In such cases, the owner of the property agreed, under certain negotiated conditions, to release the State from any and all liability for damage caused by the deposit of spoil on the property.

Each entry in the volume lists release number, name of person or company that granted release to the State, town and county where property was located, and date release was filed.

The location of the actual releases indexed by this volume is unknown.

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