Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-07-17
SUMTER THE ROAD KING-PIN

And the news comes from Atlanta that Sum-
ter county, instead of getting 100000 of federal aid
money today match her first batch of county bonds
to begin the construction of permanent roads in the
raj districts will be lucky to get apportonment of
$4,000.
1t sounds bit like tough luck at first, but it is
really the best news for Sumter and Georgia that could
possibly come, for this reason: 1t means that Sumter
county is part of state that is coming to the front
faster than any other state in the UNIONS doing
something that will attract the most favorable atten
ton from substantial people and interests from
end of the nation to the other-and will reap benefits
of which we now have but the fantest dreams
1t means that, instead of only Sumter and two or
three other counties in Georgia being progressive
enough and foresighted enough to build permanent
roads, the whole state is doing that very thing adding
untold benefits to the local program whiea bad
mapped out here.
1t means multiplying by as many courtIes ) Geor-
gia have permanent highway projects under way The
value of the projects in Sumter county
GEORGIA LED ALL THE STATES IN PERMA-
NENT ROAD PROJECTS PRESENTED 70 THE GOV
EMINENT FOR APPROVAL UP TO APRIL, AND IS
TIED ONLY BY OHIO SINCE THEM gar ia
Many of us didn't know it, but it is an unpleasant
fact nevertheless that the name Of Georgia has been
'ne signal Tor smoker or smile in other parts of the
''Dy LOT many EARS But hereafter the sfuie will be
Va .sreDt kind and Geesga can smile proudly
along with The other fsllow
If Sumter county can get but $4,000 for start
ing her road program now she'll take and use it. i 1t
IS only s1O,OOO-if that is our just share when the
available funds ha been apportoned we'll take that
and use it up For there coming The governme 1t
has found the good roads movement sweeping the cou-
try, and the appropriations already made more than
exhausted in many states. That means there will be
more federal aid, and Sumter county win get what
in the lead now. Don't forget that you to whom the
we're going to stay in the lead.
This scramble for federal aid money is one of the
best signs ever exhibited by Georgia. 1t means some
thing definite, something real determination to &c
something worth while, to get somewhere. And were
in the lead now Don't forget that, you to whom the
name of Georgia has been a source of merrment Ano
we're kong to stay in the lead.
There is one more consideration that is pleasing
thought. To Sumter county goes vast amount OF the
credit for putting over the permanent highway move
ment in Georgia OF course Sumter didn't start it, but
Sumter was of the very first counties to grasp the
dea and the first of the long string of South Georgia
counties to pass a bond issue for a federal aid pro
ect Sumter was the kngp pin Had Sumter failed there
is reason to believe that every other South Georgia
county would have failed to put the bonds over anC
next, the movement in North and Central Georgia
would have been dead, And there would have been No
scramble for funds at the statehouse today.
But the scramble is on for the counties of Georg'
are in earnest about paved rural roads They read!
to meet the government funds dollar for dollar The!
are "rearin' to 60"
It's mighty good sign.