The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-07-24
Highway Boosters Working on
Tentative Drafts Now.
Permit Counties to Operate
Under Federal Act.
PART OF GOVERNORS MESSAGE
Definite Suggestions for Con-
sideratiOn of Legislature.
Automobile Has Created a De-
mand To Be Recognized.

Good roads legislation will be one OF
the big questions before the state leg
islature next winter. according to a
prediction today by Governor Capper.
It is probable that the demand for
better highways will result in the crea-
ton of a state highway commission.
Recent passage of the federal aid law
will mean a change in the Kansas
statutes to permit counties of this state
to participate under the act and will
result in a new road building cem-
paign.
Kansas highway boosters are now
working on tentative drafts of a dozen
new bills which will be presented to
the state law makers in January. 1t is
probable that the action of highway
associations will result in a demand
for a complete revision of existing
road laws and a number of vital
amendments to the present Hodges
road law. Governor Capper will him
self urge drastic road legislation.
While he has made no statement re
garding his plans, it is regarded as
certain that his next message to the
legislature will offer a number of def
mite suggestions for state legislation.
Highway legislation will be one of
the most vital questions before the
state legislature next winter" pre-
dicted Governor Capper. 1.-The de-
mand for better highways is not con-
fined to any county or community:
The automobile has created a demand
that must be recognized and rum
Der of laws that met conditions few
years ago, must now be amended or
entirely rewritten.
Demand for Commission.
Il believe the legislature will face
the question of a state highway com.
Hl1nr fC a CrT f10Tf n
for this commission. Whether, though,
the legislature will create a salaried
commission or make present stale Of
ficials eX-officio members with the
state highway engineer the chief ad
wiser, is a matter for the legislators to
determine. There is argument both
for the salaried and the non-salaried
commission"
Governor Capper anticipates a num-
Der of amendments to the Hodges road
Law. These amendments will be made
tC meet conditions which have arisen
since Kansas purchased more than
100000 automobiles
"One important matter which must
receive legislative attention is a statu-
tory provision permitting Kansas
counties to participate under the fed
eral appropriation for road building"
said the governor. kansas counties
may secure federal aid in road build
ing through their own motion, backed
by a slight change in the present state
laws. 1t will not be necessary to Sc
cure an amendment to the state con-
stitution for counties of this state to
receive federal aid. An amendment
by Senator Curtis provides relief
through a slight amendment to the
tate law"
As soon as general provisions of the
new federal aid law are explained to
Kansas county commissioners it is
proba BILE that extensive road building
campaigns will be launched 1t will
not be possible to start the work this
year. The counties must await an act
Of the legislature and not until next
spring can Kansas counties begin per-
r1anent road building with federal aid.