The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1921-09-29
ROAD BILLPENDING
Oregon Voter)

D
oregon cannot take too much interest
be the federal highway bill now pend
ing ia Congress. All previous proposed
legislation that has been found accept
able 10 either house has been consoli-
dated into one bill. S. 1912. The bill in
/ It's present form looks little like the
| original measure passed last May by
| the Senate, and likewise lacks many OF
| the conspicuous features Of the other
| important highway bills which finally
have been consolidated with 1t. But II
is the main bill, as 1t carries the ap-
propriations and states new conditions
under which the money is to be ex-
pended, In the amount Of these appro-
priations and the conditions attached.
Oregon has an exceedingly direct and
vital interest
At present, S. 1912 is in conference
between the two houses. This means
that both houses have passed it, but in
different form. To get the two houses
into agreement so the bill can be
amended into form that it will pass
both houses and become a law is the
problem Of the conference committee
and of all road boosters.
f. J. Adams, former state highway
commissioner Of Oregon and at present
Senator Robert N. Stanfelds private
secretary. is on the job in great shape
in Washington, to help get the bill
through in the best possible form as to
conditions and the largest possible
amount as to appropriations. Next to
principal proponent of good roads leg.
slation in the senate, ex-Commission-
er Adams has been the main figure in
developing the present good roads sn
uatiOn in Washington. a fact upon
which oregon and other public land
states may be congratulated Many
more millions will come into Oregon for
highways as direct result Of Mr.. Ad-
ans work than otherwise would have
been possible
Senator Stanield's selection OF Mr..
Adams as his secretary was for the
purpose Of helping get recognition for
the special claims Of Oregon and the
other public land states to road appro-
priations commensurate with the loss
Of taxes due to so great a part of the
areas Of these states being untaxed
federal reserves or federal lands. The
success so far attained by Mr.. Adams
in gaining recognition for the principle
at stake by both the national party
conventions and by both houses OF
Congress has more than justified the
people Of Oregon in their selection OF
Robert ~ Stanfield as United States
Senator Recognition OF this principle. |
which having passed both houses ia
certain to be a part Of the law when II |
shall have been finally enacted. constl |
tutes one of the greatest constructive
ever consummated for Or
egon. AS stated. II means many mil |
lions more Of federal money expended
for roads in Oregon than otherwise
would be obtainable, and makes II nos
sible for Oregon to match federal road
money on a basis OF approximately 40l
cents to 60 cents instead OF $3.50 as
heretofore. a condition which effects
saving of millions for Oregon.
Another great saving for Oregon and
public land states included in the hill
Of the law under which the Secretary OF
Agriculture required 5O-5o cooperation
Of the states in all road work done un
der the forest road appropriations The
Secretary under S. 1912 may accept CO.
but may not require II as a condition
save huge sums to Oregon.
Total federal road funds available
for Oregon out of S, 1912 when it passes
will be as follows:
From SIS, 600, 600 appropriation
Oregons share to be match
ed approximately 40 cents Of
state money to 60 cents fed
eral s1Ie1Isol