Canalization Project

Canalization Project (February 23, 1938 – February 15, 1943). This project was to facilitate the United States Government in complying with the provisions of the Treaty with Mexico concluded May 21, 1906 (Baker 1943). This project also included American Dam and Canal. Preliminary investigations began from Caballo Dam to El Paso, Tx on April 13, 1935, and completed on December 15, 1935. From January 1938 work was completed on the ground and into WWII where manpower was limited for completion. Final work was completed on February 15, 1943. Since this time the channel has remained the same but most of the bridges, culverts and levees have been replaced or upgraded over time.

“During the five years since January 1938, project construction forces have cleared and grubbed 3,446,42 acres of land, moved 13,241,059 cubic yards of earthwork, installed 73.37 mile of fence revetment in the river channel, constructed 136 bridges, culverts and other small structures, leveled 3,296.28 acres of land on the floodways and built 125.92 miles of levees. This work was all performed by Government crews with Government owned equipment at unit prices comparable to large contract jobs. The cost of the Canalization Project as of January 31, 1943, was $3,890,744.12, including American Dam and Canal, but Canalization was $2,996,052.11.” (Baker 1943:4)

Final Report on The Construction of the Canalization Feature of the Rio Grande Canalization Project