The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-03-14

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History of the road development il
question dates back to a meeting o
the Sioux City Real Estate Associa
ton in April, 1914. The session ha(
concluded it's regular business wher
the president asked for suggestions
for the betterment of the community
or the organiza ton.
There followed a brief address by
one of the business men present, or
the need of better roads for Sioux
City and vicinity. Backed up by faV
>raole public sentiment, this proved
he nucleous for a state Legislative
program that authorized road building
cost $3338,0O0.
The speaker called attention to the
act that the subject Of good roads
especially in agricultural sections
vas receiving considerable attention
from the federal government; that
though the city had built 20 miles Of
concrete thoroughfares, it was still
far behind it's neighbor cities.
Automobile transportation was the
serious pro Diem for the community to
solve, it was pointed out. Location
Of the city among a score Of hills
meant mud at one time and dust at
another. The automobile highway was
essential tothe life of Sioux City. Up
on such roads depended the city's
holding trade in home territory.
There were five roads leading into
the city from as many directions and
these roads should be paved.
These ideas were approved but in
the discussion that followed, it devei
oped the city had not funds with
which to undertake the project. Be-
fore the meeting adjourned commit
tee was appointed to find a solution of
the problem.
The plan finally suggested was to
get authority to establish zones along
the proposed route in accordance with
which abutting and neighboring pro-
perty would pay it's share of expense
proportionate to benefits derived.
The committee called a conference
at which both the county and citizens
at large had representatives. The con-
ference approved the zone plan which
also provided that not to exceed so
per cent of the costs of the highway
in a given district might be raised by
general tax levy on the city. City
council approved the plan with the
result that an attorney was retained
q draw I'D a bill for presentation to
the legislature.
The bill carried without any lobby
ing. Even the smaller communities
lined up for it, and though the mea
sure was originally drawn so as tc
effect only cities OF more than $4,000
inhabitants, it was changed to include
all towns having a population of more
han 1000
Before paving of the five highways
was begun in the spring of 1915, the
roads were often impossible for heavy
loads. Farmers dreaded to travel
them and much of their trade conse
luently went to other smaller towns
The last of the five improvements was
completed in October, 1916. Today
he old conditions are reversed. The
Dads ere passable in all kinds OF
weather for every sort OF vehicle, and
rattle Over them has increased sever
al fold.
Sioux City business me have fell
the influx of new trade and outlying
property values have increased. With
in a few weeks after the last section
of pavement was laid the mayor o.
the city refused an offer of 40 pei
cent more than he could have obtain
ed for certain tract of land before
the road was improved