Transcript:
NEXT STEP IS BEING TAKEN IN DRAINAGE DISTRICT WORK
COMMISSIONERS ARE ASSESSING BENEFITS
SIX WEEKS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THIS WORK BEFORE FINAL REPORT CAN BE SUBMITTED.
Another step is now being taken in the completion of the Lake Ashby drainage district in the work of the three commissioners, who are now at work assessing the benefits and damages which the ditching and drainage will be to the various tracts of land within the district.
These three commissioners were appointed by Judge Perkins of the circuit court as the next step in following out the provisions of the law governing the formation of such districts and their instructions are to personally inspect every tract of land within the district.
The three commissioners appointed by the circuit judge are L. Latrobe Bateman of St. Augustine, Robert Ranson of St. Augustine and Ernest H. [Every] of St. Augustine, all men who have had much experience in examining and handling Florida land.
The work of appraising was started by the commissioners recently and it is estimated that it will take six weeks to complete the investigation. As soon as this work is finished bids on the actual construction work will be asked and the contract let. The cost of the work will then be apportioned according to the benefits and damages assessed by the commissioners.
The engineering firm of Coenraets and Keller of Jacksonville has been engaged to supervise the construction work, and J. B. Keller of this firm is working with the commissioners who are now examining the lands. The law provides that the commissioners shall have the services of an engineer in their work.
The completion of this drainage district will be one of the biggest things for this section of the country yet undertaken. It will involve the expenditure of a quarter of a million dollars and all land within the prescribed district will be thoroughly drained. It is estimated the construction work will require one and a half to two years time, and when the contract for this work is let by the drainage supervisors efforts will be made to have it provide for completion in 18 months.
The systematic draining of this section, which lies directly west of the city, will mean its rapid development and settlement, which will mean additional business for New Smyrna.