Arizona republican., 1921-02-12

Roads and bridges constructed dur
in the administration of Gov. Thomas
e. Campbell have been greater in
number than the total previously con-
structed since the creation of terri
toria1 or state highway department, &C
cording to the fourth psennial report
of the state engineer, which was filed
with the governor yesterday.
Engineer Maddock's report covers
the period from July 1, 1918, to, De-
cember 81, 1920, and gives an idea or
the magnitude of the department which
he heads and which he has developed.
The report, after being filed with
the governor. was transmitted to the
legislature.
In his introduction the state engi-
neer calls attention to the fact that
the Arizona highway department is
the largest employer of engineers in
Arizona.
1T is conducting the largest truck
transportation operations in the state.
explosives. 1t purchases more supplies
for its various camps than are bought
by the state purchasing agent for all
the state institutions. In addition to
handling the engineering on many con-
tracts, state forces under the direct
supervision of this department con-
stitute the largest contracting force in
the state.
"The funds paid through this depart
ment and equipment received last year
by us amount to greater value than
that expended by every state, county,
city, school or road district combined
in this state in 1914.
This department last year handled
more funds and employed more men
and women than all the other state
departments combined"
Recommendations have place in the
report, Mr. Maddox touching upon
federal aid, the budget and advocating
engineers for engineering" He says:
"The best information which we can
secure on the authority Of our repre-
sentatives In congress indicates that
the government will appropriate addi-
tional funds for the continuation Of
federal aid, during the present session
of congress.
"State funds should be appropriated
to permit the matching Of Arizona's
portion of such federal aid. 1t has
been only with great difficulty that
the sums previously allotted Arizona
were matched in such manner thai
various sections OF the state. The coun-
ty bond issues and even the state funds
which will be available under the pres
emit law on July /, 1921, are necessary
to meet the present federal aid al
Iotted this state, IL we continue the
practice of applying Tor federal aid
only on direct routes or general ben
eft.
II would respectfully suggest that
the highway department should be con-
suited before special appropriations
for III ma or
by the legislature. The appropriation
for the Williams Clarksdale road, the
Superior Miami and the Arrowhead
Trail were all insufficient to more than
start this work.
I'm case the legislature sees fit tc
change the organization of the present
highway department, I sincerely hope
that they will include a provision in
any new law which will require thai
those placed in authority possess ar
engineering knowledge of construction
work. I have not had a great deal OF
experience in handling road affairs
with boards of supervisors, highwa.
commissions and city councils. While
appreciating the enthusiasm, integrit,
and good intention of the average lay.
man office holder, I believe the Eos
session Of engineering knowledge TO b,
a decided advantage in the economi'
handling Of funds and in addition tina
engineering training is the most lilkel.
to produce men with the least bia
in calculating the economical result
to be secured by the most people TO
| the least expenditure.
"The question Of politics has N
place in state report. However, a
critics of the present state highwa,
department and advocates of change
assume that this department is polit
ical. we desire to assure you that 1t j
not is a statement made by the en-
| gineer
/ "None of the employees of this de
partment have been assessed any pan
OF their salary, directly or indirectl.