New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-12-29
MUCH MONEY FOR ROADS
Millions To Be Expended in
Bettering Conditions.
NEW YORK STATE IN LEAD
Federal Aid Convention One of
Most Important Highway
Features of 1912.

The year coming to close has been a
notable one from the point Of view OF
good roads enthusiasts in many drec-
tons. Ii would be noteworthy II there
were nothing else to record than the ac-
tion OF many states I'm making liberal
roads appropriations. New York tops the
list with the 100000 bond issue, added
to it's previous appropriation OF an equal
amount. Pennsylvania follows with a
proposed 100000 appropriation. which
there is assurance will be favorably
acted upon by its state Legislature
In California an Sls,0OO,OOp bond Issue
is now being expended, in Maine a 5000
900 bond issue has been authorized, to
be met by the automobile fees. while
smaller appropriations i'm other states all
point 10 Il vast betterment IN road con-
ditions In the next few years The defeat
Of the $50 1900 bond issue in Ohio is the
only discouraging feature OF the year.
and even this, say Ohio good roads advo-
Gates. Is certain to be reconsidered in the
near future.
OF the many conventions held during
the year two are especially noteworthy.
Ht INOdh iOuSItSS, ut Alldtl-
tic City. brought together road builders
and road users in enthusiastic co-opera-
ton. Most important. however. was the
first Federal Aid Good Roads Convention
called by the American Automobile Asso-
citation and held in Washington in Janu-
AIRY. and out Of which have already come
results farrcachng and which give prom
ise of greater things at no distant day.
The Federal Aid Convention formulated
the proposal for the appointment OF u
Congressional committee to investigate
AID report upon the whole subject Of
federal participation In highway construc-
ton. The resolution providing for such
commission was adopted by Congress, the
commission was appointed and is now at
work
The federal aid sentiment, already
strong In Congress. found further ex-
preston IN the appropriation OF $4,000 for
the improvement OF rural post roads ana
the good roads enthusiasm stimulated ana
crystallized by the y. \. \, with the
agricultural, business and highway asso-
cations cooperating, has spread through
out the United states, SO that the begin
ming OF 1918 finds the federal aid ques-
ton 20 be not one OF whether tho govern
ment should spend national funds upon
roads. but az to the form which such APP
populations should take.
on this point another noteworthy event
OF the year was the action Of the A. \. a
at its annual meeting in placing itself
squarcly on record rs favOring the con-
structon OF a system Of national roads
and opposed TO the scattering and piece
meal distribution OF government funds
for purely local highways. when WORE
properly devolves on the states, WIN
county and township cooperation ,
Even though there is little likelihood OF
tho present Congress taking any I'M,
portant action on the subject OF federdi
aid. the Joint committee IS buSlly engaged
I'm collecting data and information upon
which To base It's report. All but one OF
the members of the committee have eltner
been reelected TO the House or tntlr
continuance I'm the Senate is assured. Inc
governors OF all the states have Deeh
called upon for detailed Information az
10 highway conditions in their respective
states, and Information H. also being gain
cred from highway departments ana other
sources.