Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-20
GOOD ROADS CON-
MITTEE HAS PRESENT.
ED HIGHWAY BILL

After over a year of investigation
with the idea Of ascertaining the fu-
ture highway requirements Of Maine
as well as the necessary amendments
to the present highway law the State
wide Good Roads Committee Of Maine
representing As different organizations
and working in conjunction with the
Maine State Grange the Maine Au-
tomobile Association and the Maine
State Board of Trade, has presented
to the Legislature the proposed new
mill tax and general highway law
which is to be introduced under the
title of the Grange State wide High
way Committee bill.
The bill as presented embodies the
ideas of majority Of the leading high
way experts of Maine among those
who drafted it being Professor George
I. Files, Hon. John Clark Scates, c. S.
Stetson, former Master Of the State
Grange, Charles F. F1agg. president of
the Maine State Board Of Trade and
others. 1t has the endorsement of the
Maine Automobile Association. the
Maine State Grange, the State
Good Roads Committee Of Maine. the
Maine State Board of Trade, and a
majority of the other leading organ
izations Of the State.
Briefly summarized the bill provides
~ d tax OF one mill on the property
oi tne state for the construction Of
ota'e ana otate-aid highways. This
VIII amount this year to $521,OOO.
Two hundred thousand dollars
tSzoo,oo0) of this amount is to he ad.
ded to the regular State-aid fund of
sdoo'ooo, making a total of $500 ooo
ior the construction of State-aid roads
the fund thereby being increased nv
Two thirds (and the towns are not
required to make a greater appronrt-
alton than formerly in order 10 got
the increased benefits) the balance ~
soZ1,o to be devoted to the cons.ruc-
tion OF State roads. In addition To the
>o2l.ooO for State roads there will no
available this year from the federal
government approximately $4,000
also $4,000, the last Of the s.. 600 600
oond issue. For 1918 there will he re.
celved the same amount from the fed
eral government; for 1919, $3.50 600.
and in 1920, $225,OOO.
Ultimately, with the federal aid
there will be about an even division
Tor State aid and State highways
NO part Of the mill tax fund can no
used for the construction Of roads nm
mat portion Of a street devoted excIu-
sively ito business, or on any stree,
where the houses on each side Of tho
street average less than 20 feet apart
In towns or cities of over $500
PROVISION is made for better co-op-
Grafton between the Governor and
Council and the Highway Commission
Arrangement is provided for better
detours around State-aid highway con-
struction.
Instead of $50 per mile for mainten-
ance on State roads provision is made
for SIPS per mile. to be provided nv
the towns through which the highways
run.
The Highway Commission. with the
approval Of the Governor and Counc;,
is given permission to construct sec-
tions of State roads or trunk lines
without the formality Of advertiser.
for bids. If the same may not be for the
best interests OF the State.
Towns will receive from the State ror
State aid roads one-third more than
formerly. without any increase OF tho
present appropriation from the towns
themselves.