Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-24
RICHMOND PETERSBURG
HIGHWAY |ND0RsED
Committee Visits Washington and
Receives Assurances Of
Support.
CITY GOVERNMENT WILL AID
Counciimen, Bankers and Business
Men Express Their Approval OF
Plan and Desire for Its Immediate
Execution in Permanent Form.

Gaining momentum all the while, the
movement TO build a frst-class high
way from Petersburg to Richmond is
attracting widespread interest and ad
ditional supporters. This project has
already received the determined sup
poIt of city officials. civic and CONNER
cial organizations and practically all
the representative interests OF Rich
mond, who are united in the purpose of
seeing the plan through TO a finish.
The progenitors of this idea contend
that If this plan is executed. as con-
ceived. it will be one of the most pro-
Er.ssive steps that Richmond has
taken in many day the benefits that
will accrue TO the city being manifold
and self-evident
In the hope of furtherinE this promo
sition committee of six Richmond
men, headed by Wyndham r. Meredith,
and composed of w. r. Dabney. Warren
+. Taylor, Coleman Wortham, Alvin VI.
Smith and j. 6. Corley, appeared yes
terday before the Federal authorities in
Washington in order TO bring to their
attention the real need of concrete or
a nrst-class macadam road between Pc
tersburG and Richmond. They returned
last night reporting gratifying pro-
gress.
PERMANENT ROAD WILL
COST QUARTER OF MILLION
According to estimates made il would
cost between s25o.000 and $500. 600 to
build proper road between these two
important points. If the project would
be accepted imme diately the road could
be completed in a short time From
that the road will run through Man
chester, Bermuda and Matoaca districts
which are the richest in Chesterfield
County. and that they will consequently
bear their proportionate share in the
building of the recognized much-needed
road. 1t was to obtain the co-operation
of the Federal government that the
delegation of six Richmond men went
to Washington yesterday. They hope
to obtain certain amount of money
from the Central Appropriation Funds
Committee for good roads.
However. IL is only logical to ex-
pect that Richmond will be required to
bear the major part OF the EXPENSE.
since 1t is natural that she will enjoy
the greatest benefit. AT present the
road between Petersburg and Richmond
Is one of the worst in this part of
the country between cities of impor-
tance. being almost impossible in win
ter.
Advocates of this plan assert that
with the tremendous projects and an
immense amount of money being spent.
the Petersburg camp alone disbursing
S5000o.000 annually. and Hopev-ell
pay roll of more than $4,000 per day.
Richmond business men will reap a
rich harvest of profit II this plan is
carried through Immediately They
contend that the additional profits OF
the Richmond wholesalers and retail
merchants would be enormous. since
their business with Petersburg and
Hopewell would be greatly enhanced.
MEREDITH MUCH ENCOURAGED
by WASHINGTON RECEPTION
Wyndham r. Meredith, chairman OF
the committee in charge of the Rich
mond end of the plan. said last night
after his return from Washington:
I'VE feel greatly encouraged. We
hope to secure some aid from the CEN
trail appropriations fund for good
roads. but In order to secure tina. fund
and to build the road to meet at once
the necessities Of business traf'c, as
we'll as travel. the County OF Chester
(ContInuel on Second Page)