Conservation Commission. 29 



From time to time laws have been enacted permitting leases of 

 the surplus waters of the canal system, bnt by reason of limitations 

 surrounding the same, the revenue derived therefrom was nominal 

 and the opportunity for power development was slight. Sub- 

 stantially all these leases have been terminated, and the few re- 

 maining in force should be terminated as early as practicable. 



When the barge canal is completed, the quantity of surplus canal 

 water will be materially increased. It is conservatively estimated 

 that it will then be sufficient to develop at least 50,000 horse power 

 without injury to navigation. 



The surplus water of the canals is unquestionably owned by the 

 State. The State should not permit so valuable a resource to be 

 wasted, or utilized without adequate return. 



The development and distribution of the surplus water of the 

 canals, for power purposes, can be secured at comparatively small 

 expense. Measures providing for such development, and distribu- 

 tion for public purposes along the line of the canals where many 

 municipalities and citizens can derive material benefit therefrom, 

 should be enacted. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



GEORGE E. VAN KENNEN, 

 JAMES W. FLEMING, 

 JOHN D. MOOEE, 



Conservation Commissioners. 



