Charles River Basin Commission (Record Group EN4.09)

The Charles River Basin Commission, consisting of three members appointed by the governor with federal authorization, was established pursuant to St 1903, c 465 to make examinations and plans for and to carry out the construction of a dam across the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. This included removal of the Craigie Bridge, construction of a lock and drawbridge and wasteways, dredging, reinforcing canal walls, and construction of marginal conduits for sewage overflow; also construction of an embankment and public park by the City of Boston. St 1906, c 402 transferred the last responsibilities to the commission; other related construction including that of boathouses and landings was authorized by St 1905, c 65; St 1907, c 404; and St 1908, c 445 and c 663. At the completion of all these projects in 1910 the commission was disbanded and control over the Charles River Dam was transferred to the Metropolitan Park Commission, pursuant to St 1909, c 524. Minutes record commission meetings, including an account of its activities and expenditures.