Arizona republican., 1922-02-12
MAR|COPA LEADS
ALL COUN TIES
IN PAVED ROADS

The following article in the Chi
cago Tribune of December 25, shows
Maricopa county as the leader
among the counties Of the United
states in the mileage of pavement
laid in 1921. The article follows
BY j. L. Jenkins
Top o. the morning, motorists
Now that you have contemplated
the cheerful sheen of the new Christ
mas sedan and the delightful COM
forts Of the Yuletide electric; now
that the bright assortment Of moto-
meters, windshield wings, cigar
lighters, oil gauges, tires, safety sig
nails, robes, listers gloves, and all OF
the little extras that make driving
major sport have come from their
holly decked packages under the tree,
let's see what jolly st. Nick has bur-
led at the bottom of the automotive
stocking.
Yep, Here II is. the real founda-
ton Of good cheer for the world wide
fraternity of trail folks6,000 miles
of new, snow white, and permanently
smooth concrete pavement that winds
over the hills and into the valleys OF
health and contentment. It's all out
there waiting for you and for the
tireless thousands of trucks and
transport trains that are rolling fast-
er and faster these days to add TO
the efficiency and economy in the
distribution of everything we cat,
wear, and use.
In addition to this record breaking
concrete mileage completed on state
and county road systems OF the
country during 1921, it is estimated
that at least twice that mileage mas
been opened on newly graded roads
and on those built Of gravel macao
am, brick. and other paving types.
And-clutch out a minute. Here's
another substantial something by the
Merriest Christmas fireside. IT falr-
lv radiates hope and permanent good
cheer. 1t is a great, big, all -Ameri-
can promise of better times. and It's
first chapter is signed by President
Harding, ordering the appropriation
of SIS, 100000 to be apportloned 10 the
states for improvement of their por-
tions of connected national highways.
Uncle Sam is thoroughly sold on
highway Improvement following the
greatest road construction year IN
history. and intends to push 1t to the
limit as chief among the economic
forces which will bring normal busl-
ness and living standards TO the
country.
In reviewing the merriest Christ
mas gift to motorists, some or the
individual states deserve recognitlon'
PENNSYLVANIA went out ahead In the
Years report Of roads actually con-
structed and opened. 1t built 640
miles of concrete road, established
splendid systems of maintenance ana
repair, used a huge yardage OF otner
paving materials, and generally leo
the campaign. New York was secoho
with $40 miles built,
Illinois actually laid 450 miles OF
pavement. the greater part of 1t be-
| ina- built under 1920 contracts, and
contracted for a total of 69S miles
It is hoped that the state can build
| 600 miles of roads in 1922 with the
| bond issues voted more than three
wears ago for the Improvement.
Iowa opened about 100 miles OF
having and contracted for about ~
miles more as it's contribution, anu
/ Minnesota completed 100 miles. Kan :
sas swept the detour signs from 80
miles of pavement, and Oklahoma
built 73 miles.
on the Pacific side OF the race
California led as usual with 3Ss miles
Of paving built and S65 miles placed
under contract. oregon complete9
80 miles, and Washington aIoeu 11a.,t
more than 200 miles to its excellent
road system. ,,
Among the counties, Cook stili
maintained it's lead in the miles OF
paved road in service, but Maricopa
county, Arizona, working night ana
day. presented 107 miles OF com
Melted roads to the motorists as
record for the year, and Waukesha
county. wisconsin, built 46 miles Of
new road, leading its state.