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<br />
<br />THE GUNNISON RIVER DIVERSION PROJECT
<br />
<br />267
<br />
<br />Meanwhile, Whitman Cross of the U. S. Geological Survey,
<br />on October 17 and 18, made an examination of the geology of
<br />the region to determine the rock formations through which
<br />the proposed tunnel would pass in its course from the Gunnison
<br />River to the Uncompahgre Valley "by the shortest possible
<br />line.'"
<br />
<br />Thomas R. Hannihan was selected as state superintendent
<br />for the tunnel construction, and the initial excavation was
<br />started from the Uncompahgre Valley side in late fall of 1901.
<br />The rock formation here was shale; consequently, it was nec-
<br />essary to timber the tunnel as work progressed to prevent
<br />cave-ins, with the anticipation that eventually the wooden
<br />shoring would be replaced by a lining of concrete or brick."
<br />By one estimate the cost of the tunnel would run about $20
<br />per foot, with a total of $880,000 for the completed, lined bore.'
<br />In addition, there would be the expenditure of $200,000 for a
<br />dam, "controlling works, engineering and contingencies." The
<br />total cost, including the distribution system, would run to
<br />about $1,500,000.8
<br />
<br />The tunnel, as originally proposed, would be about three
<br />miles long, emptying water into a twelve-mile ditch which in
<br />turn would carry the water to the mouth of the Montrose
<br />CanaL More than 100,000 acres of land would be reclaimed,
<br />enough for 1,200 families, with an increase in value of 5 million
<br />dollars."
<br />
<br />It was hoped that convict labor, provided by the state, could
<br />be used in construction work. With respect to this, the Mont-
<br />rose Enterprise had commented, "The question of convict labor
<br />to aid in the work is one of vast importance, as it not only
<br />makes toward the building of the tunnel, but it solves another
<br />problem that of what to do with the idle convicts. Keep push-
<br />ing this matter."'O About sixteen convicts would be involved,
<br />
<br />Ii U. S. Geological Survey, First Annual Rcport~ loco cit.
<br />e Colorado State Engineer, loco cit.
<br />'I' U. S. Geological Survey, First Annual R6port~ op. cit., 139.
<br />sIbid.,147.
<br />"Ibid. The Delta Laborer observed that "While the enterprise is gigantic,
<br />and will cost an immense sum yet the aggregate cost will not be over $3 per
<br />acre for the land to be watered-advancing it from worthless class to the value
<br />of at least $20 per acre, and under improvement to from $50 to $100. It also
<br />means additional room for at least 10,000 people in the next ten years."-The
<br />Gunnison People's Cham.pion, December 6, 1900.
<br />10.Montrose EnterlJriseJ August 4, 1900. The "State Canal No.3" bill author-
<br />ized the use of able-bodied convicts in the construction work.-Session Laws
<br />of Colorado, 13th Session (1901), 370-371. A Denver reporter commented on
<br />the employment of penitentiary inmates: "I believe It best for us to make
<br />provisions for the employment of the convicts, and that the funds .be drawn from
<br />the penitentiary fund, as that is a preferred fund, and further because any bill
<br />drawn from the general fund would be an empty affair. Also your people should
<br />consider what disposition the state should make of the water when the tunnel
<br />shall be completed. I think it best for the state tb sell the ,vater at reasonable
<br />rates to preferred purchasers, and that the bill provide for an issue of script
<br />payable in water, which would assist the state materially, and enough of thIs
<br />script could be placed to. feed and clothe the convicts. I would advise that the
<br />cantonment be made a part of the penitentiary and the operations be under the
<br />penitentiary board. . . ."-The Gunnison People's Champion, December 6, 1900.
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