Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-05-21
AUTO ASSN.
Continued from Page One)

Mr.. Granville did not think the
stated situation was correct. for ne
understood that the Governor and
Council had already authorized about
| 81, 900, 900 worth of highway work,
approximately 100000. There would
be available in all $4.70o,000. and de-
Quoting the 100000. about $780,
600 would be left for next year and
| the future.
| The proposition presented to the
| ways and bridges committee was Sc
rious. Maintenance of roads must be
provided for and but about SO per
cent of the required amount was
available. The committees first
thought was To raise it by direct tax
alton. but opposition developed and
NIT the use of highway bond money
for second class roads seemed the
reasonable and proper method. The
highway commission had admitted
that it would not be wise to continue
highway construction without provid-
| ing for maintenance. But about 60 to
i 20 per cent. had been maintained in
1920.
The constitutional amendment would
| not be a blow or AN obstruction to
, trunk line work. If not adopted the
remainder of the $4,000, 900 would only
last about six months for second class
| road work, and the next Legislature
will be brought face to face with
the bond issue proposition. Mantle
nance of our roads must be provided
for. The ways and bridges commit
tee felt that it would be remiss in
its duty If it did not provision for
that. The second class roads are
nearest to the hearts of the people:
they need them most. The available
money Will soon be exhausted and then
they will come to the State and be told
no money is available. The commit
tee thinks the bond amendment the
right way to meet the situation
Money is just as we'll spent on second
class roads as on trunk lines. They
will be beneficial in the juture, lust
as the first class.
Governor Baxter asked Chairman
Scates if any definite action by the
Council was desired and received the
reply mo, only seeking information"
Governor Baxter said that his fig
ures from the highway commission
SAID $2,4S5,500 was left, which will
about clean up the previous bond is
sue. This amount will be available in
the next two years work The amount
coming if the amendment is adopted
cannot be used until after the adon-
ton. The sum of S1,921, 900 has been
authorized by the Governor and Coun-
Gil for work on 61.37 miles OF high
way.
Mr.. Marshall understood that the
$2'ooo'O0O left can only be used for
State-aid roads, not trunk lines.
Councillor Clason said the old con-
tracts would use up the bond issues
OF TWO years ago, but we will have
available about $4,000 of which
the Governor and Council has auth
orlzed expenditure so far of but for
Two years work, leaving about
%-,oOO,OOO balance and the federal
ana coming. This will carry along
the State aid work into two or three
years, as it can only be used as the
towns appropriated what they are
called upon foras their share. The
bond issue amendment therefore is
the best solution.
Governor Baxter said the author
lied $4,000 900 for roads and 500. 600
for bridges would take care of the
work for two years, with Sill 900
coming as Federal aid.
Mr.. Simpson said he surely under
stood the Highway commission that
the State highway program would
stop if the amendment went
through
Governor Baxter said that must
be a misunderstanding. A two-years'
construction had already been pre-
pared, costing about $2,500,000 for
second class work and the mainten-
ance is also provided for. The slate