642 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



The total estimated cost, as per the preceding, of 12,000,000 is 

 based on present labor conditions, etc. in the State of New York. 

 So far as the writer can determine with the data at hand, 

 12,000,000 will construct the compensating reservoirs proposed in 

 the foregoing. 



Inasmuch as four of these reservoirs are located in Sacandaga 

 river catchment, which stream is tributary to the Hudson river 

 below proposed Hadley regulating reservoir, that reservoir is not 

 included in present series. 



The following shows the difference in cost between paying 

 water-power damages and providing a system of compensating 

 reservoirs : 



Water-power damages |4,761,180 



Cost of compensating reservoirs 2,000,000 



Difference $2,761,180 



With the system of compensating reservoirs the total estimated 

 cost of reservoir system for supply of 775 cubic feet per second 

 becomes $4,000,000. But if waterpower damages were to be paid 

 in money, as per the foregoing, the approximate figure becomes 

 $7,761,180. For even figures, we may take the latter at $8,000,000. 



If, however, we assume that, owing to legal difficulties, not only 

 the principle of compensation in kind can not be applied, but that 

 a partial taking of the properties is impracticable, it follows 

 that the amount to be paid on account of the proposed diversion 

 of 775 cubic feet per second — supplied from a single large reser- 

 voir substantially controlling the entire How of Schroon river — 

 becomes considerably greater. The data are not at hand for 

 accurately estimating the full value of the several properties 

 affected, but from casual examination the provisional figure of 

 from $12,000,000 to $1.5,000,000 may be assumed. Tu any case, 

 if the entire properties were acquired by the City of New York, 

 apparently the rational procedure would be to make such reserva- 

 tions as might seem necessary in order to secure the city's right 

 to 775 cubic feet per second, or any other quantity fixed upon, 

 and to then sell the properties subject to such reservation. By 

 proceeding on this line the City of New York ought to be able to 



