LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Delta Dam

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Delta Dam; and
WHEREAS, During a day of events held on Sunday, August, 26, 2012, the
City of Rome and the Towns of Western and Lee celebrated one hundred
years of lakeside living and the creation of a very important structure,
the Delta Dam, which helped to regulate the waters of the Mohawk River;
and
WHEREAS, Delta Dam's construction began in 1908 to impound the waters
of the Mohawk River to create a reservoir for the New York State Erie
Canal System; it was completed in 1912; and
WHEREAS, At that time, the Erie Canal had low water levels in the
summer and canal boats would sometimes be stranded waiting for the rain
to come; in order to improve the water levels the locks were enlarged
and an aqueduct was built; and
WHEREAS, The new reservoir was named Delta Lake in remembrance of the
former Village of Delta; and
WHEREAS, The dam flooded the community of Delta, which was located on
the west bank of the river; most of the structures of the village were
torn down and moved to new locations before the inundation; and
WHEREAS, Delta Dam flooded some 3,000 acres; the project required the
removal of 295 buildings, including seventy homes and the relocation of
two cemeteries; and
WHEREAS, Three locks were constructed next to the new dam, with a lift
of 63 feet; there was also a 205-foot long cement aqueduct built at the
foot of the new dam to carry the Black River Canal over the Mohawk
River; another lock was also constructed at the north end just past the
aqueduct; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Delta Dam was re-enforced with steel rods to ensure
its endurance for many more years to come; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Delta Dam's rich history and enduring
contribution to the heritage of the State of New York, it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to join in the celebration of its centennial
anniversary so that present and future generations may come to appreci-
ate the unique significance history plays in the progression of our
State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Delta Dam.