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Amazon Channel History Revised: 11-28-95 <br /> WP: amazon.his <br /> The Amazon Creek originated as a natural drainage course long before any development of <br /> Eugene as a city. Water flowing in the creek is storm runoff from the watershed as far south as <br /> the east slope of Spencer Butte. Development through the years initiated side entrance of storm <br /> water via storm sewers to drain paved street surfaces. <br /> The Amazon Channel history, based on available records is as follows: <br /> 1912: The city first recorded engineering records of evaluations, cross sections and <br /> flows. <br /> 1913: Bank overflows resulted in flooding. The city authorized ditching with teams of <br /> horses pulling earth pan scrapers. <br /> 1914-1922: The city recorded locations, elevations, and high water overflows. <br /> 1923: High water overflow caused flooding in streets and backed up new storm sewers. <br /> 1924: City prepared plans for the first Amazon Channel improvement. <br /> 1925: City awarded Stein Bros. the first contract to widen and deepen the channel from <br /> 15th and Jefferson to 17th and Pearl Street. <br /> 1926-1927: Minor channel cleaning was performed by city crews. <br /> 1928: City awarded L.P. Harmon a contract to widen and deepen the channel from <br /> Chambers Street to Conger property (Conger Street). <br /> 1929-1936: No recorded work on the channel. <br /> 1947-1950: Channel cleaning and widening by city crews due to flooding complaints. <br /> 1951: Major channel improvement from Fern Ridge Dam to Chambers Street. Channel <br /> design and construction by Corps of Engineers. City of Eugene obtained right of <br /> way and easements, and agreed to permanently maintain at city expense. <br /> 1952: Construction completed on above channel section and released to city. <br /> 1953-1954: Gauging stations established. City repaired bank cave-in between Willamette and <br /> Olive. <br /> 1955: Minor cleaning by city crews. <br />