San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-03-25

partment, is imperative, IL we are &c
continue TO receive federal aid in the
construction of our highways. Under
the requirements of the federal high
way act of November, 1921, exclusive
authority in the construction and
maintenance of state highway sys
tenn of highways must be vested in the
state IL it is to continue to share in
the apportionment of federal funds.
State Is Handicapped.
Under our present plan this author.
ity is vested in the various counties
We have until November, 1926. to
comply with this particular provision
of the federal aid act. We do not have
that length of time in which to COM
ply with a second requirement of thai
act in regard TO the maintenance of
roads already constructed by federal
aid and county funds under county
supervision. Unless the roads are
maintained federal aid will be with
drawn. Under our present plan of
operation. the state is not provided
with funds that can be used for the
upkeep of these state highways. There
fore, the negligence and failure of one
county to maintain its federal aid
highways would penalize and unjustly
punish other counties that had planned
and financed a system of roads.
This provision of the federal act is
operative at the present time. 1t de-
mands consideration. Should one of
our numerous counties which had con-
structed federal aid roads, fail to prop
erly maintain them the entire state
would be cut off from federal aid. In
order TO meet the requirements of the
federal government and retain federal
aid for our highways, it is necessary to
have some amendments made to our
present laws. The Capitalization of
authority in the state highway depart
ment for the construction. financing.
operation and maintenance Of our state
designated highways is prerequisite to
the continuance Of federal financial
assistance.
Federal Aid Needed.
Would it be wise for Texas to ex-
clude herself from the use of these mil
lions of dollars in the form OF federal
highwaJ aid? Federal aid has been
great incentive to road building upon
a more scientific basis. Federal aid
is recognized as an established prin-
ciple of our national government. Tex
as sends to Washington her quota of
taxes. She must continue to do so
whether or not she elects to take ad-
vantage of the federal aid offered. The
road policy of our national govern
ment, distributing federal aid in pro-
portion to the area of the state. oper-
ates to return to Texas more than
proportionate share of the national
revenue allotted for the building OF
highways. Under this method of al
lotment, approximately four out of
every five dollars of federal taxes
spent in road construction in Texas
are paid by other states.
The comple''on of the $4,000 miles
OF designated state highways. while
representing only 10 per cent OF our
public roadways, will not only link
together every section of Texas, but
will connect us with the great CONT
mental highways of the nation. The
improvement and construction OF the
remaining 30 per cent of our secondary
public roads will be left to the direct
supervision of the commissioners
courts of the various counties in Tex
as. which counties will then be en-
titled to spend all their road and
bridge funds in constructing and main
tanning their side or cross roads.
Financing the Highways.
Whether Texas elects to comply
with the requirements which will en-
title her to continue to receive federal
aid or whether she chooses to con-
struct her highways unaidcd. the
source of revenue for the building of
our highways is a question of prime
importance. The problem of financing
the building of highways may be