New York State Department of Public Works facts for kids

The Superintendent of Public Works was a very important job in New York State. This role was created in 1876 to help manage and take care of the state's canals, like the famous Erie Canal. The person in this job led the Department of Public Works, which was in charge of keeping the canals running smoothly and safely for boats.

What Was the Superintendent of Public Works?

The job of Superintendent of Public Works started because of a change to the New York State Constitution in 1876. Before this, a group called the "canal commissioners" managed the canals. But the new rule got rid of them. Instead, it created the Department of Public Works. This department was responsible for making sure all laws about canal upkeep and boat travel were followed.

However, another important person, the New York State Engineer and Surveyor, still had a job. They continued to draw up maps, plans, and cost estimates for building new canals or making old ones better.

The Canal Board's Role

There was also a group called the Canal Board. This board used to handle hiring people and other staff matters. After the 1876 change, the Superintendent of Public Works, the State Engineer and Surveyor, and the Commissioners of the Canal Fund became part of this board.

In 1903, a new law called the Barge Canal Law was passed. This law told the Canal Board to oversee a huge project: making the Erie Canal, the Champlain Canal, and the Oswego Canal much bigger and better. This was a massive upgrade to New York's water transportation system.

End of the Department

The Department of Public Works continued its important work for many years. But in 1967, it was combined with other departments. This created a brand new agency called the New York State Department of Transportation. This new department took over many of the responsibilities that the Department of Public Works once had, including managing the canals.

Who Were the Superintendents?

Many different people held the job of Superintendent of Public Works over the years. They were nominated by the Governor and then had to be approved by the State Senate. Sometimes, the Senate would reject a nominee, meaning they couldn't take the job.

The first person to be confirmed as Superintendent was Benjamin S. W. Clark in 1878. The last person to hold the title of Superintendent of Public Works was John Burch McMorran. He served until 1967, when the department merged into the new Department of Transportation. He then became the first head of that new department.