The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1923-03-23
'CUT REPAIR COSTS;
GET INF ROVEMENTs
MAIN PURPOSE OF HIGHWAY
BOND PROPOSALS SUMMED
UP IN FOUR WORDS.

Grade the highways, then put on
gravel where it will stand UP and
pave the heavier traffic sections.
Save money now going for too
costly upkeep. The savings will
more than cover the interest on
the money for the lasting improve
ments. No money will be wasted
on patchwork on unsatisfactory
roads. The public will gain the use
of the good roads while paying for
them. The cost will be less, be-
cause there will be more good
roads for the same money.
That is the state highway bond
plan as boiled down in the highway
bulletin this week. Road and auto
taxes will be no higher when bonds
are issued-they would be no lower
if there are no bond issues, it adds,
and
The bond plan will mean that
more than a thousand miles of
light-traveled roads will be graded,
drained and graveled and some
this year and next. These lasting
improvements will make big savings
on maintenance-more than enough
to pay the interest on the bonds.
The public will get the use of the
better roads five years sooner than
without the bonds. There will be
more good roads every year and
every highway dollar will bring
more value under the bond plan.
Is Economical Plan.
"The highway department is urg-
ing this way of saving money be-
cause it is the common sense thing
to do" said Charles M. Babcock,
state highway commissioner. min
nesota cannot afford to go on using
good money year after year patch
ing up roads which never are sat
'isfactory when the same money
will provide good roads But the
lasting Improvements must come
first to cut down the maintenance
expense and make the savings to
pay for the permanent work Every
body is in favor of good roadside
bond plan offers them now at pres
ent tax rates. Without bonds the
same improvements only after long
waits.
"Under the bond plan nearly ST.
100000 a year on an average can
be saved on maintenance. Deduct
ing an interest charge of $850,00o
a year-the bonds can be sold at
less than a "a per cent interest
there is net saving of S340, 600
a year and at the same time the
public is getting the use of ade-
quate highways instead of patched
up roads. These figures are con-
sentative"
Scores of Endorsements from
county commissioners, farm bureau
and commercial clubs and various
public and semi-public organizations
in all parts of the state are being
addressed to members of the legis-
1ature, according to copies forward
ed also to the highway department,
Mr.. Babcock said.
Erstwhile Foes Now Favorable.
"But the most encouraging sign"
he added, sis that some of the min
ority organizations that went on
record as opposing the highway bond
plan have gathered the facts, passed
new resolutions approving the pro-
posals and now are lending support
to keep Minnesota among good
roads states.
"The average member of the leg
islature has little trouble In seeing
the merit in the bond plan but the
greatest obstacle to overcome is
fear that the proposals are not un-
derstood and therefore unpopular
"back home. A number have an
nounced that they will brave criti-
ciSm if necessary to vote for the
plan. they are convinced, will bene-
fl every section of the state, with
ont adding a cent to taxation.
Put there are those still waiting for
encouragement from their constitu-
ents and the many favorable resolu-
lions now arriving are gaining
strength for the bond proposals"
The commissioner referred to OBJ
jections made by few represent
atives on the introduction of the
bond bill in the house. That the
bill might stand on its merits and
without the usual sponsorship, he
said, it was presented as commit
tee by request" measure which
would not tie up any member to
it. When the objections to this
fair procedure were made, several
progressive members promptly vol
unteered to go on as authors and
it was so introduced and referred
to the committee on public high
ways. he explained.