Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-01-03
ROAD BUILDING PROBLEMS,

Those who a few days ago read Commissioner
Poupore's letter on road building and federal aid
will be interested in the reply which comes from
State Engineer Robinson in which several of the
problems involved are treated from a different angle.
Where these two authorities are not in agree
ment on questions of fact it, will probably be found
that the disagreement is more apparent than real,
being due to the inclusion of one writer of certain
attendant facts in his estimates which are not in
|cluded by the other. Reconciliation of such appar-
ent conflict is quite possible when the same basis Of
computation is used by both persons.
There are several things in Mr.. .Robnson's let
ter with which we are sure Mr.. Poupore will agree
heartily, as, for instance, the statements with refer
Ience to the importance of a well-considered system
i'll the development Of Our roads; of competent ex-
pert aid in planning and supervision Of road work
OF the usefulness OF a central body for the collection
and distribution of accurate information of costs
and methods; and Of the desirability of careful per-
sonal inspection by members of the community in
order that intelligent understanding of road prob
lens may be as widespread as possible. There is
scarcely room for argument on any of these topics.
There are certain points, however, on which it
appears that Mr.. Pupore's position has been not
quite understood. AS we understand it, among his
chief objections to the conditions of federal aid are
that the requirements are not made sufficiently elias
tic to make them fit the varying needs and possibili.
ties OF communities having widely different condi-
tons that the tendency is to emphasize too strongly
the reflnements of construction, involving too high
cost for finishing touches which, while desirable,
are not essential; that the tax-paying resources of
North Dakota are not yet such as to bear the bur
den Of following these requirements without serious
embarrassment; and that in the concentration of at
%tention on trunk roads and their ideal construction,
there is too great a tendency to overlook the local
roads without which the trunk lines are of little real
service to the local community.
In his mention of the importance Of mainten-
ance Mr.. Robinson touches on a subject of superla-
tive importance. No road, except one with a per1na-
nent paved surface, can be left for long without
maintenance of work without going to pieces. Es-
pecially is this true in this territory, where summer
rains are frequent and where frost penetrates deep
ly. A little intelligent attention given to ruts as
they show signs Of forming will keep a road smooth
where, neglected, it would soon become almost i'm
%passabie. This applies to both the dirt road and the
gravel one. r
In the matter Of construction, unless there is to
be disaster, that method must be followed which is
most in accord with the particular district which is
to be served, and upon which the major burden OF
cost must fall. Paved roads are fine, but except in
exceptional cases ct a mile or two each, North Dako-
ia cannot afford the luxury Of paved roads. The
time for that will doubtless come, but this genera
ton will not see il.
There il no single subject Of greater importance
to this state than that of roads. 1t is to be hoped
that the letters from Mr.. Poupore and Mr.. Robinson
will stimulate interest in the subject and prompt in
quiry and investigation, to the end that those fneth4
DDS may be followed which will give the. best posi-
BILE results for Our people.
President Harding shook hands with $500
Ipeople Monday. After that who in thunder thinks