An estimate of $50,000 is submitted for the next fiscal year to be applied to extending the piers, and excavating the channel and basin. Amount available July 1, 1871..... Amount appropriated by act of June 10, 1872 Amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1872. Amount available July 1, 1872 Amount required for fiscal year ending June 30, 1874.. $20,542 70 15, 000 00 18,978 69 16,564 01 50,000 00 A 13. IMPROVEMENT OF MILWAUKEE HARBOR, WISCONSIN. The operations of the year are given in the following report of Assistant W. H. Hearding, in immediate charge of the improvement. OFFICE OF UNITED STATES ENGINEERS, Milwaukee, June 30, 1872. SIR: The following report upon the work which has been done at the harbor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the past fiscal year, is respectfully submitted. Under the contract of Messrs. Hasbrouck & Conro, of this city, dated September 21, 1870, eight cribs, of dimensions 50 by 26 feet, were sunk and filled with stone ballast, the cribs being built to height of 1 foot above mean lake-level, four of which, equal to an extension of 200 feet, were placed on the north side, and the remaining four were placed on the south side of the harbor-channel. This work was effected by the contractors before the 1st of December, 1871, according to the terms of agreement, and closing the contract. The quantity of materials used and labor paid for in the construction of these eight cribs was as follows, viz: 45,733 linear feet of pine timber, at 164 cents 1,341.75 cords of stone ballast, at $8.25 65,862.19 pounds of iron drift-bolts, at 34 cents 75 pounds of iron screw-bolts, at 64 cents 45,733 linear feet of framing, at 8 cents.. Total cost of eight cribs to 1 foot above water-surface.. $7,545 94 11,069 43 2,469 83 4 87 3,772 97 24,863 04 On the 17th day of June, 1871, a contract was entered into by Henry Starke, of the city of Milwaukee, to construct a further extension of 150 running feet to each of the piers, to consist of two cribs, each 50 by 26 feet, and one crib, of dimensions 50 feet in length by 30 feet in width, on each side of the channel, and to build superstructure over the whole fourteen cribs embodied in the two contracts. These last six cribs specified in Starke's contract were built to a height of 1 foot above mean lake-level; the last of them being sunk in position and filled with ballast on the 25th day of November, 1871. The quantity of materials used and labor paid for in the building and sinking of the six cribs was as follows, viz: Lin. ft. Lin. ft. Lin. ft. Ft. (B. M.) Lin. ft. Mr. Starke commenced building the superstructure over the seven cribs forming the north pier-extension early in May of this year. He has nearly completed the same to a mean height of 5 feet above mean lake-level; the outer crib, 50 feet by 30 inches, bolts. Spikes. Stone. Labor paid for Framing. Piles driven. Amount paid. being 7 feet above that datum. The whole of the work, as far as completed, is well done and ballasted with stone. The quantity of materials used and labor performed in building this superstructure to date is as follows: 10,310 linear feet of pine timber at 19.3 cents.. 46 linear feet of oak timber, at 30 cents 234 linear feet of oak piles, at 16 cents... 12,746 pounds of iron drift-bolts, at 4 cents. 49 pounds of iron spikes, at 7 cents 171 pounds of iron screw-bolts, at 10 cents. 504.9 cords of stone ballast, at $8 10,3564 linear feet of framing, at 10 cents. Driving 9 piles, at $5.. Total $1,989 83 13.95 37 44 525 80 3 43 17 10 4,039 20 1,035 65 45 00 7,707 40 The third crib from the outer end of the north pier was struck by some unknown vessel and damaged to a serious extent, soon after the crib was placed in position. The fracture was repaired and the superstructure carried by means of piles. It is expected that two cribs of the south pier, which have been damaged by collis. ion, will be repaired, and the whole of the superstructure built over the seven cribs forming the south pier-extension, during the present working season; also, that protection will be given to the ends of the piers by driving clumps of piles, five to each clump, to be sprung together and banded with chains; also, that repairs will be made to a portion of the inner (or old) cribs. As the stage of water in the lakes is low during the present season, one or two vessels which have been deeply laden have experienced some little difficulty upon entering, but by keeping in the deepest part of the channel, vessels drawing 14 feet of water can effect a ready entrance by changing their course but once for the entire length of the cut. To make a uniform depth of water of 14 feet, along the whole length of the cut at the present stage of water, which is 1 foot 4 inches below mean lake-level, and a width of 220 feet, the amount of dredging necessary to effect the same would be about 14.000 cubic yards. The number of arrivals of steamers and sailing-vessels during the past fiscal year has been 7,042, with a tonnage-capacity of 2,607,850 tons. Of departures, 7,042 with tonnage-capacity of 2,611,384 tons. Amount of duties collected during the fiscal year, $134,264.73 in gold. Receipts from tonnage-duties, inspection of steamers, licenses, enrollments, and marine hospitals, $13,714.30. The nearest light-house is situated at the north point of Milwaukee Bay, which is three miles distant from the harbor-channel, being provided with a fourth order of lens. Its height above the level of the lake is 102 feet. There is also a beacon-light on the north pier, at a distance of 680 feet from the extreme end. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Major D. C. HOUSTON, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. No appropriation was made for this harbor at the last session of Congress, nor was any asked for, as the amount of the original estimate had been reached, and it was estimated that the funds available would extend the piers out as far as was necessary. The piers have already been extended out to a depth of 17 feet at the ordinary stage of water, and the funds on hand will complete the superstructure and repair the old work as far as it is deemed necessary at present. No further extension of the piers will be required for some time to come. In order to put this harbor in good condition the channel between the piers should be excavated to a depth of 14 feet at all stages of water, and I estimate that the sum of $10,000 will suffice to do this thoroughly. If it be the intention of the Government to do all that is necessary to complete and maintain this harbor, without reference to local aid, this sun will be required. Amount available July 1, 1871.. Amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, including $75, 121 79 $2,470.9 retained from payments to contractors.. Amount available July 1, 1872. Amount required for fiscal year ending June 30, 1874. 53, 291 03 21,830 76 10,000 00 A 14. IMPROVEMENT OF RACINE HARBOR, WISCONSIN. The operations of this harbor are reported as follows by Assistant W. H. Hearding, who has had immediate charge: OFFICE UNITED STATES ENGINEERS, SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report upon the harbor of Racine, Wisconsin. On the 30th day of September, 1870, a contract was made by the United States Government with Mr. F. M. Knapp, of Racine, under which he was to construct 256 running feet of crib-pier work to the water-surface, of 20 feet in width, in extension of the south pier. As the working season was far advanced at the time of effecting the contract, work was not commenced upon the piers until May, 1871. At the date of the annual report, June 30, 1871, the contractor had built 128 running feet of crib-work to the water-surface. The remaining 128 feet were built and finished to a height of 1 foot above mean lake-level in July, 1871. Repairs were made to a portion of the old work, at the west end of the north pier, for a length of 206 running feet, by taking out the old timber, and replacing it with new. This new superstructure was built 12 feet in width, and filled with slabs covered with stone ballast. The cribs built in extension of the south pier settled very unevenly, tilting out of their proper alignment. The quantity of materials used and labor performed in the construction of the south pier-extension to water-surface, and making repairs to north pier, were as follows: Of pine timber 24,246 linear feet; pine plank, 78 feet, board measure; iron drift-bolts, 30,623 pounds; iron screw-bolts, 50 pounds; iron spikes, 100 pounds; oak piles, 144 linear feet; stone ballast, 655.54 cords; slabs, 70.12 cords; framing, 24,262 linear feet; old timber taken out and replaced, 1,111 linear feet; piles driven, (number) 8. The contractor has been engaged during the past month in building superstructure over the south pier-extension, and it is expected that he will have completed the same before the 1st day of August. At this, as at other harbors on the west shore of Lake Michigan which are southward of Milwaukee, it would seem to be essential to carry out the north pier to such a distance beyond the extremity of the south pier as to protect it from seas produced by northeast storms. The general impression at this particular point is that the extension which has been made to the south pier has been prejudicial to the maintenance of as deep a channel between the piers as would have been maintained provided an extension of equal length had been given to the north pier, and from personal observation I am inclined to the belief that the north pier at this harbor should be extended 150 feet further into the lake than it is at the present time. It now projects 75 feet beyond the extremity of the south pier. To effect this would require the building of three cribs, each of dimensions 50 by 30 by 264 feet, placed upon foundations of stone. An estimate of the cost of building and completing these three cribs, protecting the end of pier, and filling intervals between cribs, is respectfully submitted as follows, viz : Add 10 per cent. for contingencies. Total cost of one crib, interval, and footwalk... Total cost of three cribs, interval and footwalk, ($6,853.51×3)....... Total....... $623 04 6,853 51 20,560 53 473 75 21,034 28 The number of arrivals and departures of steamers and sailing-vessels during the past year is as follows: Steamers... Sail-vessels...... Total...... Arrivals. Departures. The principal imports have been: Of lumber, 23,003,198 feet, board-measure; lath, 2,545,000; shingles, 10,459,000; coal, 16,304 tons; bark, 2,417 cords; cedar posts (number,) 27,270; salt, 2,000 barrels ; railroad-ties, (number,) 56,947; wood, 5,076 cords; packages of merchandise, 13,954. Exports.-Corn, 154,405 bushels; flour, 786 barrels; oats, 11,965 bushels; hay, 1,760 tons. The value of agricultural implements, and other articles of manufacture which have been exported during the past year, is estimated at two and three-fourth millions of dollars, seven-eighths of which were shipped to the interior by rail. The domestic and foreign imports and exports have fallen from seven and one-half million dollars in 1868, to $2,380,000 in 1872. This falling off is attributed to the sale of the Western Union Railroad to the Milwaukee and Saint Paul Company. Racine is situated in the collection-district of Milwaukee, which is the nearest port of entry. The nearest light-house is at the pier on the north side of the harbor-channel, displaying a fixed white light, provided with a lens of the fifth order, and is 47 feet above lake-level. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, Brevet Colonel D. C. HOUSTON, Major of Engineers, United States Army. W. H. HEARDING. The views of Assistant Hearding are concurred in as to the necessity of extending the north pier. The original plan contemplated that both piers should be extended out equally. Later investigations have shown that in this portion of the lake the north pier should be longer than the south. The direction of the piers being east and west, and the prevailing storms being northeast, the south pier, when extended out as far as the north pier, catches the material driven in by storms, and causes it to be deposited in the harbor. To prevent this the south pier should never be extended in such cases beyond a northeast and southwest line passing through the end of the north pier. For these reasons the sum of $20,000 is estimated for this improvement. Amount available July 1, 1872 Amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, including $546.25 retained from payments to contractors Amount available July 1, 1872 ..... Amount required for fiscal year ending June 30, 1874. A 15. IMPROVEMENT OF KENOSHA HARBOR, WISCONSIN. $17,285 65 13,120 88 4, 164 77 20,000 00 Assistant W. H. Hearding, assistant in charge, reports as follows: OFFICE UNITED STATES ENGINEERS, Milwaukee, June 30, 1872. SI: The following report upon the harbor of Kenosha, Wisconsin, for the fiscal year endang the 30th of June, 1872, is respectfully submitted. On the 15th of June, 1871, a contract was entered into by R. A. Conolly, of Chicago, Illinois, with the Government, under which he was to drive piles in juxtaposition around the displaced, broken crib, build superstructure over the same, and fill the interior space with stone ballast; also, to build and place a crib, 50 feet in length by 30 feet in width, upon an alignment with the south face of the north pier, outside, or to the eastward of the piling around the displaced crib, and connected with it by a continuous superstructure. With the exception of making repairs to the south pier, the work has been accomplished. It will be necessary, however, to place more ballast in the superstructure, as the piers at this point are exposed to very heavy seas from northeast storms. About 25 cords of stone have been put into the older portion of the work, on the north pier, outside, or to the eastward of the pier-beacon. This was necessary to insure its safety. The materials used and labor performed in the accomplishment of this work, with the cost of the same, are stated in the following table: Lbs. 11, 253 919 During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1873, it is proposed to extend the north pier by the construction and sinking of a crib, 50 feet in length by 30 feet in width, making repairs to the south pier, and protect the extremities of the piers by driving piles, in clumps of five to each clump, and banding the same with chains. As there is but little or no current from the river emptying into the harbor-basin, or from the extensive bayou trending along the shore, inside the point of land from the northward, there is no scouring force applied to free the channel from sedimentary deposits, except such as is produced by tidal influences, due to changes in the direction of the wind. The length of the channel between the piers is about 1, 200 feet; its width, 150 feet; the average depth is about 94 feet mean lake-level. It is important to the commercial interests of the place that the channel be deepened. To give a channel of 14 feet in depth, at mean lake-level, for the length of the piers, would require the removal of 30,000 cubic yards of material by dredging, estimated in place; or, by scow-measurement, about 40,000 cubic yards. This could probably be done at a cost of 28 cents per cubic yard, or $11, 200. The citizens of the place are very desirous that this be done. The number of arrivals of sailing-vessels at this harbor during the fiscal year was 259; of departures during the fiscal year was 257. Two or three light-draught propellers also came in within the same period, but not carrying a coasting license did not report at the custom-house. The commerce of the place is said to be improving. Kenosha is situated in the collection-district of Milwaukee, which place is also the nearest port of entry. The nearest light-house is situated near the harbor-channel, on the north side. The light is fixed, varied by flashes at intervals of one and one-half minutes. Its height is 76 feet above the level of Lake Michigan. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Brevet Colonel D. C. HOUSTON, Major of Engineers, United States Army. For the reasons stated in the report on Racine Harbor the available funds will be applied to the extension of the north pier 50 feet, and to repairs of the south pier. The sum of $15,000 is estimated for the year ending June 30, 1874, to be applied to dredging a channel between the piers. Amount available July 1, 1871 Amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, including Amount appropriated by act of June 10, 1872.. $447.28 retained from payments to contractors Amount available July 1, 1872 Amount required for fiscal year ending June 30, 1874.. |