The Nome nugget., 1920-12-18
CHIEF oF ENGINEERS, WAR DEPARTMENT. GIVES o X
 TO COMMISSIONS PLAN

The expenditure of $1.OOo.Ooo yearly for a period of ten years is contem- plated by the Alaska Road Comdnis- sion in a comprehensive road con- struction program for which estimates have been submitted to the War De- partment. These estimates have been approved by the Chief of Engineers. according to advices received here hy Col. James Gordon Steese. Presiden. of the Commission.
 An outline of the program. together with summary of the work done during the season just closing and plans for next years work. has just been issued by Col. Steese with a graphical illustration showing the present Alaska road system, and tha. contemplated under the new estimates
 Village to be increased
 When this program shall have been completed. the Alaska Road Commits sion will have built in Alaska a total of 6.265 miles of wagon roads. winter trails and sled trails. Out of this to- tai milage there will be 1865 miles If automobile or wagon roads, 1.100 miles of sled roads, $500 miles or trails
 Through Routes Planned
 The plans of the Commission IS announced by Col. Steese provide for four main automobiles or wagon roads from 97 to 573 miles in length. one of which will connect the coast of Alaska With the Yukon River and another the Aiask railroad with the rich gold pro ducing sections of the Kuskokwim district and extend on to the lower Yukon
 Two of these routes will be almos, entirely of new construction. thir1 will be formed by linking up lorn projects already under way. while t',e fourth is even now more than hall completed.
 Valdez To Circle
 The longest continuous stretch o l wagon or automobile road included r the ten year program connects ny Valdez with Circle. Its length is | SIS miles. From Valdez to Fairba nks a distance of s67 miles, an automobil. | road Is already constructed. but 1 ! is not completed. some grading am l considerable gravel work being under | way. On the Circle end. considerable l work has also been done. but betwoer Chantanika and Eagle Creek. it vii all he a new work. although there Is 2 winter sled road now in use.
 Second Big Project
 The second big project contained ir the program. connecting the Al,sk; Railroad to the Kuskokwim countr, ] and thence to Long Creek and Ruby has an estimated length of 46s miles The first link of this route is iron ! the railroad to Cache Creek. active ] constructive work having been lau'ich | ed on it this season and will be lpushet | next season. On the Interior end G
 the route Ruby and Long Creek ar, conneeted: that portion between Opinl 1 and Taco.na has also been practical, completed.
 Commission Summary The complete resume of the Com I the coming season and summary n
 it's ten year building program follows
 "The Alaska Road Commission ha, been completely reorganized the pas
 year and is now composed of thre' officers of the Corps of Engineers O the Regular Army. Col. Gotwals. tn. Engineer Officer. arrived in flask:
 early last April; Col. Steese, thu
 President. arrived early in July: ant Capt. Ward. the Secretary and n'-
 bursting Officer arrived about the cn, of August. The Army appropriation
 bill did not pass Congress until Jan,
 18th. so that plans for the season
 work were seriously delayed. | "A late spring. however. helped tn, situation somewhat and it is expecte, I that work in some localities may h, continued until November. The to.a
 resources of the Commission from al