The Republican journal., 1919-08-07
Names Proposed Bond Issue
for Road Improvement.

On the second Monday of September
next the voters of this State are to de-
eide by their ballots whether or not they
will authorize an issue of State Bonds to
the amount of S10 600, 900 for the purpose
of highway improvement. This is a mat
ter of such great Importance that it should
be fully discussed and understood by the
voters. Those who are in favor of the
proposition have just promulgated clear
statement of the argument in its favor,
which is as follows:
In 1916 the federal government provid-
ed an appropriation of S75, 000,O 900 to be
expended over a period of five years. tor
assisting states in the construction OF
their principal thoroughfares. OF this
appropriation Maine was entitled to draw
a total of $723.270 of which $500, 600 was
available prior to July this year. The
Highway Commission has arranged to
take all of this $500, 600 and considerably
over 100000 of the amount has been
drawn. On the first of July, 1919, an
additional S192, 900 was available to the
state from this original appropriation,
and on July 1, 1920, S240 900 more be-
comes available. At the present time we
cannot apply for the $l92, 900 as we have
no funds with which to match the federal
governments apportionment.
In March 1919, the federal government
made an additional 5000, 00U,000 avail
able for federal aid, and for the past
three months the state of Maine has been
entitled to apply for S481, 600 of this
money and on the first day of July, 1919,
For 0ua
to want of funds for state highway con-
struction we have not and cannot apply
against either of these amounts. On the
first day of July 1920, an additional S721,-
847 will be available. Altogether, from
the original federal aid appropriation and
the new appropriation, Maine is entitled
to 81, 648, 1876. SO and we have only applied
for 1920, 161. 90. This leaves practically
s., 400, 900 of federal aid which the state
can have between now and July 1, 1920
provided we are in position to match this
money with state funds. The bond issue
authorized by the last Legislature and to
be voted upon on the second Monday of
September, offers the only opportunity
for accepting the federal government S
very generous offer of aid as outlined
above. Appointments of federal aid
by the state to which the apportionment
is originally made, the money is reappor-
toned to other states. Consequently be-
tween now and July l, 1920, Maine must
be prepared to file applications against all
of this money, excep. about 1902, 900, and
we will have an additional twelve
months on the apportionments made on
July /, 1920,
1t is the intention of the State High
way Commission, provided the bond issue
is passed, to Immediately request the
Secretary of Agriculture, to approve the
entire state highway system as federal
aid road, and the Commission has had
unofficial assurance that this will be
DONE In this case federal aid will be
used in prosecuting the reconstruction OF
all state highways, and it is estimated by
the Commission that four or five years
at the outside will see every mile OF state
highway now laid out completed.
These points should be borne in minc
about the bond issue: 1t is designed to
provide money for the construction o1
state highways, lntra and interstate
bridges. The bonds will be issued only
as they are required.
If this bond issue is authorized it will
make possible the acceptance of furthe
federal aid which undoubtedly will b.
granted by the federal government, a
bills are already il Congress asking 70
further federal aid appropriations to sup
plenent those already provided whicl
will expire in 1921. If the state is oblige
to agitate bond issue every few year
to meet federal aid it means that we sha
lose one whole seasons work of roa
construction each time bond issue
being discussed.
There is one point in connection wit
the federal aid which should be borne
mind: Chief Engineer Paul D. Sarger
of the Highway Department, has bee
tod by no less an authority than w.
Thompson, Master of the State Granf