The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-07-28
Total .... $o4l,250

This money is to be used under
cooperative arrangements with the
state highway department
"In addition to this congress also
appropriated $l0,OO0,0OO to be expend-
ed for roads and trails within or ad-
jacent to the national forests on a
basis of million dollars annually for
ten years. On account of a large
portion of Idaho being situated with
in the national forests, her proportion
of this fund will be an item of great
importance to the state. This act
of congress appropriating $85 900, 600
for road construction in conjunction
with the state is an advance step in
federal road legislation and gives a
definite plan to road construction not
only to the state but also based upon
comprehensive national system.
Approximate Cost
"E. NJ Booth, state highway engi-
neer, gives approximate estimates of
the cost of this highway which
amounts to $24O,41O from New Mead
ows to Grangeville plus five per cent
for engineering and ten per cent for
contingencies. OF course a portion
of this cost would be borne by the
counties through which the highway
passes The undeveloped and sparse
ly settled region along the Salmon
river would require state aid in the
construction of this road. With the
federal aid available for fifty per cent
of the construction there is no reason
why this north and south highway
should not have sufficient state aid
to complete at an early date.
THE importance of this highway
cannot be overestimated. 1t is mat
ter of interest not only to the north
ern and southwestern parts of Idaho,
but also to the entire state. 1t would
open up the now inaccessible and un-
developed region along the Salmon
river and Idaho and Adams counties
would aord direct transportation north
and south. At the present time the
only transportation north and south
is by circuitous route through Wash
ington and Oregon. which makes
north and south Idaho as remote
from each other as Idaho is from
Colorado.
I'm my opinion there would be a
tremendous traffic over this highway
once completed, and in addition to
the commercial benefits it would bring
north and south Idaho into more in,
innate and closer relations This high
way also would afford the opportunity
for east bound auto tourists from tht
coast through Spokane to come soutl
through north Idaho and over thi.
north and south highway, theme,
eastward through south Idaho and vic'
versa, and thereby travel the entire
distance north and south and cas-
and west through Idaho,
There are no more attractive ant
delightful spots for summer resorts
than in Idaho. This highway woulC
also make accessible the beautiful
summer resorts OF north and soutl
Idaho. making it possible for Idaho
people to enjoy the delights of it
own beautiful lakes and mountains
instead of seeking comfort and res
in much less attractive points on tn
coast.
mo better investment can be mad
in any community than in good, per
manent highways. Every produce
and citizen becomes a beneficiary, an
in my opinion there is no highway O
so much importance and benefit I
the entire state as this proposed high
way directly connecting the north an
SOUTH"
Mr.. Crum has some very decide