Chronology - Cayuga (Montezuma) Marshes.

CHRONOLOGICAL RÉSUMÉ OF IMPORTANT LAWS AND EVENTS.

CAYUGA (MONTEZUMA) MARSHES.

1809	January 20, – James Geddes speaks of the "immense tract of alluvial soil" to be gained by draining Cayuga marshes.
1821	February 16, – Assembly resolution that canal commissioners cause a survey to be made of Seneca river with a view of lowering Jack’s reef.
1824	Chapter 168 – Commissioners to survey Seneca river from Jack’s reef to Cayuga lake.
1825	January 29, – Report of survey by David Thomas under chapter 168-1824, estimating cost of draining Cayuga marshes at $125,000. Chapter 208 – $80,000 appropriated for draining marshes, and three commissioners appointed to supervise work. June 22, – Work of draining marshes let at 24 cents per cubic yard.
1826	Chapter 257 – Amending chapter 208-1825, defines powers of commissioners and appoints David Thomas, engineer. February 2, – Contracts for draining marshes relet at 35 cents per cubic yard.
1828	Chapter 292 – $20,000 additional appropriated for draining marshes. March 14, – Report of commissioners for draining of marshes.
1829	Chapter 322 – Authorizes survey to be made for the draining of marshes. Channel around Jack’s reef completed, 264 rods long, 40 feet wide and averaging 24 feet deep, lowering water between 4 and 5 feet at Cross lake and 1 ½ feet at Montezuma.
1830	February 10, – Petitions of inhabitants of Mentz, Cayuga county, relating to expenditures of drainage commissioners; referred to Comptroller. February 17, – Comptroller reports concerning petitions relating to the accounts of drainage commissioners. March 17, – Drainage commissioners report progress and request further appropriations. Chapter 326 – Comptroller to investigate accounts of drainage commissioners.
1831	Chapter 422 – Seneca river below Cayuga lake, down to Jack’s reef, to be surveyed and estimates made of benefit to lands reclaimed through drainage of marshes. January 27, – Comptroller reports under chapter 326-1830, concerning accounts of drainage commissioners. March 3, – Drainage commissioners render further report of progress and urge necessity for additional appropriation. March 7, – Select committee of Assembly recommends additional appropriation of $25,000 for draining marshes. April 12, – Report of select committee of the Assembly upon Comptroller’s report under chapter 326-1830, advises that matter be referred to Attorney-General. April 13, – Concurrent resolution requires Attorney-General to proceed against drainage commissioners, to recover any sums for which they may be accountable.
1832	Chapter 282 – Continues in force for one year provisions of chapter 322-1831, relative to drainage of marshes. January 7, – Attorney-General reports under concurrent resolution of April 13, 1831, in re the drainage commissioners. June 25, – Canal commissioners report under chapters 332-1831 and 282-1832. December 30, – Report of James Geddes concerning the drainage of Cayuga marshes.
1840	Committee on claims report in favor of paying claim of Noah Briggs for damages caused by draining marshes. Chapter 149 – Appropriation for payment of claim to Noah Briggs.
1851	Chapter 503 – Commissioners appointed to examine Cayuga marshes and Seneca river for purpose of drainage. December 31, – Report of George Geddes on draining Cayuga marshes, giving distances and descents.
1852	February 12, – Commissioners report, pursuant to chapter 503-1851, and advise drainage of Cayuga marshes.
1853	Chapter 178 – Cayuga marshes to be drained, $100,000 appropriated. February 17, – Exhaustive report of Senate committee, relative to drainage of Cayuga marshes.
1855	Chapter 539 – Appropriates unexpended balance for draining marshes. December 26, – George Geddes, engineer in charge, reports that $60,000 will be needed to complete drainage of marshes.
1856	Chapter 185 – Canal commissioners to pass on claim of contractor for increased compensation for draining marshes. Erie canal aqueduct completed across the Cayuga marshes.
1857	Chapter 541 – $55,000 appropriated for draining Cayuga marshes. Chapter 95 – $25,000 additional appropriation for draining marshes. Jack’s reef cut through, lowering Cross lake four feet; cost $169,000.
1858	Chapter 179 – Commissioners to remove obstructions in outlet of Cayuga lake and channel of Seneca river, also to dredge above and below aqueduct across river.
1859	Chapter 500 – Appropriates $13,380.53, unexpended balance for draining marshes.
1860	Chapter 412 – $30,000 appropriated to complete drainage of marshes. March 3, – Report of State Engineer, concerning drainage of Cayuga marshes, in answer to legislative inquiry.
1861	Chapter 266 – Reappropriates $5,623, unexpended balance for draining marshes, pursuant to chapter 178-1853.
1862	Engineer reports that $227,727 has been spent on drainage of marshes and that about $300,000 would be required to complete work.
1865	Chapter 621 – $3,000 appropriated for rebuilding bridge over State ditch at Jack’s reef.
1867	Chapter 844 – Iron bridge to be built over State ditch, Jack’s reef.
1868	Chapter 520 – Canal appraisers to determine certain claims for damages said to have been caused by draining Cayuga marshes.
1869	Chapter 761 – Canal appraisers to determine certain claims for damages caused by Jack’s reef improvement.

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