Arizona republican., 1920-10-18
The Apaeha Trail

The Republican has repeatedly called attention to the dssirabiity from the standpoint of best development of this state of putting the Apache Trail into first shape a portion of the state high way system. of which it was at one time part.
 Unless something is done promptly this wonder ful road built a cost of over half million dollars to the Water Users association of the Salt River valley. win be impossible. and every that the work needed make this first class highway is delayed the expense of rehabilitation will be greatly increased.
 The remarkable scenic advantages of this moun- tain highway we'll known to the people of this state and it has been traversed admired by sands of tourists. There is probably mountain drive in the whole western country more famous. or that offers a greater combination natural beauty grandeur It affords also wonderful opportunity inspect the engineering and irrigation works for which Arizona Is already we'll known.
 It Is not from this standpoint that are going discuss this this time but from the stand point of the practical advantage to be gained fin bringing into closer the people Coconino Navajo Apache Greenlee. Graham. Gila and Maricopa counties These seven counties whose 1920 val- uations aggregate over sssOOOOOOO or more than 4s per of the valuation of the state win receive almost incaculabie benefit through the early reconstruction of this great midst route. while every portion of the state will receive indirect benefit
 Gna county and Nraricopa county have thus far borne practically the entire burden of the this road construction from Phoenix Globe and the plan under consideration by the board of supervisors of Maricopa county to directly contribute a of not less than ssOOOOo the reconstruction of this great state artery gives the that Mareopa county is prepared to do even than it's share and that there will be little delay construction. The Water Users association of Maricopa county is prepared contribute s5OOOO toward this road building project.
 Maricopa county has already bonded herself for good road purposes for s4OO0.OOO or practically so per of the entire good road bonded indebtedness of all the counties in the state. but despite this she Is ready to back tho Apache trail to the limit with full knowledge that to bond herself stn fur ther to complete her county highway system which when finished. win be second none in the entire nation
 IT the State Highway Commission bill is adopted by the people tho November election there will be available each year in Arizona for the construction of through state highways sf75O0OO It would seem entirely reasonable that of this fund for tho di- rect benefit of the seven counties mentioned state funds should be appropriated equaling the sSOOO00 of direct aid to be given by Maricopa county. and we would then have fund of s65OOO0 from state and county which, 1T t bo matched with s650Q0O of federal aid funds, would make available the sum of si30OOOO-a sufficient amount. properly expended to make the Apache trail from Phoenix to Globe and thence Clifton of the most wonderful roads in the entire southwestern country.
 1T there time in the history of Ari- zona when the people of all parts of the state should pull together to bring about such constructive de- velopment the Apache trail. 1t is today. and the meeting today at Globe of the representatives of Maricopa county and Gila Graham and Greenlee ties should result in developing a plan which at an early date will the definite reconstruction ci this great highway.
 We have talked this for years. The time has now come for action.