Page images
PDF
EPUB

May, 1891, and is marked N on the accompanying map. It was built with as little expense as possible, so that if the object had in view were not accomplished, it could be readily taken up and the timber disposed of by sale. Map No. 3 in my last report shows the condition of this part of the river at the time the dike was constructed, and the present map shows the condition of the cross-over channel as it existed in the latter part of December, 1891. I have been unable to make a survey this spring from lack of funds, but the master of the steamboat running from New York to Red Bank states that the cross-over is in excellent condition. A farther extension of the dike is therefore probably unnecessary at present, and the necessity of having a permanent dike in this location can be determined fully before the present temporary one becomes useless.

The total amount expended upon this improvement to June 30, 1891, was $218,498.10, with which numerous dikes had been constructed and channels dredged in various parts of both the North and South Branches. The dike at the mouth has been of material benefit in maintaining the channel depth over the bar, and, as it had fallen into an unstable condition from loss of stone filling, it was repaired during October, 1891, by depositing 450 cubic yards of dock stone along a portion of the face of the dike at the rate of 1 to 12 cubic yards per linear foot.

Besides this, the work accomplished during the fiscal year just closed consisted in dredging in the South Branch, under contract with P. Sanford Ross, dated March 20, 1891, for the removal of about 11,000 cubic yards of material, at 35 cents per cubic yard. Work began May 13, 1891, and was in progress at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, but was completed the next day, July 1, 11,390 cubic yards hav ing been removed and deposited behind the dike along the channel. Under this contract the channel in the South Branch between Sedge Island and Seabright was redredged to a depth of 6 feet at mean low water, with a width of 100 feet, for a distance of 900 feet.

The authority of the Chief of Engineers was obtained August 4, 1891, for the removal of a shoal in the channel of the North Branch above Upper Rocky Point, upon which the steamers of the Merchants Transportation Line were reported to ground at certain stages of the tide, the work to be done by hiring a dredge in open market at a rate not to exceed $6 per hour, as the method most economical and advantageous to the Government, the total cost of removal not to exceed $650. This work was begun August 1, and finished August 9, 1891, and the shoal removed to a depth of 6 feet to 7 feet at mean low water, and width of more than 100 feet, the total amount of material removed being 1,956 cubic yards, at a total cost of $564. The shifting sand of the river-bed during the past winter again partially destroyed this channel, and funds having become exhausted, the steamboat company was forced to dredge away this obstruction at its own expense. On the 10th and 11th of August, 1891, a small shoal in the cross-over channel was removed by the Merchants Transportation Line, also at their own expense, to a depth of 6 feet mean low water and width of 60 feet for a distance of 90 feet, the amount of material removed being 445 cubic yards and cost $144.

It is thought that an appropriation of $15,000 could be utilized in dredging and restoring the dikes, which are in many places greatly in need of repair, and an additional amount of $8,000 is recommended in order to strengthen the shore line of Sandy Hook at a point between Life-saving Stations 2 and 3, where the hook becomes very narrow and liable to be washed out and breached by heavy storms, thus filling up

the Shrewsbury River with sand. This portion has heretofore been kept in repair by the New Jersey Central Railroad Company, but since their abandonment of the route, by War Department order, in October, 1891, the narrow portion mentioned should be cared for by the Gov

ernment.

In addition to the steamers which regularly use the river a large number of small sailing vessels are engaged in the shipment of coal, sand, fish, and oysters.

The estimated cost of the existing project is $254,562, of which $218,498.10 had been expended June 30, 1891.

The expenditures during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, amount to $5,961.58, as follows:

[blocks in formation]

This river is in the collection district of Perth Amboy, which is the nearest port of entry; nearest light-house, Navesink Light; nearest fort, fort at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Amount of revenue collected at the port of Perth Amboy during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, is $19,072.

[blocks in formation]

$20,062.00

Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.
Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1894 20,062.00
Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and
harbor acts of 1866 and 1867.

COMMERCIAL STATISTICS.

The following statistics relative to the commerce of the Shrewsbury River, New Jersey, during the year ending December 31, 1891, were kindly furnished by Capt. James S. Throckmorton, of Red Bank, New Jersey:

[blocks in formation]

The above table shows an increase in the commerce of 66,500 tons over that reported for the year ending December 31, 1890.

F 15.

IMPROVEMENT OF MANASQUAN (SQUAN) RIVER, NEW JERSEY.

In its original condition this stream had a depth of from 4 to 6 feet at mean low water for several miles above its mouth, and was obstructed at its outlet into the ocean by a sand spit, which had deflected the stream into a channel parallel with the beach, communicating with the ocean across shifting sand bars, on which the best depth did not exceed 13 feet at mean low water; mean range of tide, 2.4 feet. In severe storms this channel was sometimes entirely closed by the sand.

The project for its improvement was adopted in 1879, and contemplated dredging the lower river and obtaining by means of jetties a permanent outlet nearly at right angles to the beach, with a depth of 6 feet at mean low water, at an estimated cost of $52,120. This was increased to $72,000 in 1882, the increase being due to advanced prices and to a proposed increase in the length of the jetties.

The amount expended under this project to June 30, 1887, was $39,000, with which two jetties had been constructed, but neither to its full length, appropriations having ceased in 1882. No permanent improvement had been effected.

A detailed account of this work was given in my last report, page 1010, et seq.

There were no expenditures on account of this work during the fiscal year.

This work is in the collection district of Perth Amboy, N. J., which is the nearest port of entry. Nearest light-house, Great Beds Light, in Raritan Bay; nearest fort, fort at Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Amount of revenue collected at the port of Perth Amboy during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, $19,072.

ENG 92- -57

[blocks in formation]

Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..... Submitted in compliance with requirements of sectious 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867.

$12,000

20.000

7,000

2,000

41,000

39,000

$2,000.00

2,000.00

31,000.00

APPENDIX G.

IMPROVEMENT OF DELAWARE RIVER, PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY, SCHUYLKILL RIVER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND RIVERS IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY; HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS IN DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY; CONSTRUCTION OF PIER AT LEWES, DELAWARE; DELAWARE BREAKWATER, DELAWARE.

REPORT OF MAJ. C. W. RAYMOND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OFFICER IN CHARGE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1892, WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WORKS.

IMPROVEMENTS.

1. Delaware River, Pennsylvania and
New Jersey.

2. Harbor between Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, and Camden, New Jersey.
3. Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania.
4. Ice harbor at Marcus Hook, Pennsyl-
vania.

5. Ice harbor at head of Delaware Bay,
Delaware.

6. Construction of iron pier at Delaware Bay, near Lewes, Delaware.

7. Delaware Breakwater, Delaware. 8. Rancocas River, New Jersey. 9. Alloway Creek, New Jersey. 10. Maurice River, New Jersey. 11. Removing sunken vessels or craft obstructing or endangering navigation.

EXAMINATION.

12. Location and plan for harbor of refuge for deep-draft vessels near mouth of Delaware Bay.

UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE,
Philadelphia, Pa., July 9, 1892.

GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith the annual reports for the works of river and harbor improvement in my charge for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892.

C. W. RAYMOND, Major, Corps of Engineers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »