The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-09-07

Washington, D. C., Sept 7.-The suggested project of an improved highway connecting Seattle, Wash, with Fairbanks, Alaska, distance of 9,250 miles, has advanced a step further with the recent Sub- mission of President Roosevelt of q report by a special federal com mission appointed under m act of congress to investigate the prac- ticnbility of such q highway, ac- cording to the American Automo- biio association.
 After three years of study. in- cluding surveys of the territory to be traversed, the commission has Il feasible project" but also that it can be built at q reasonable cost and Is justified from an economic standpoint.
 The commission Is composed of Herbert II. Rice of Detroit, for many years n leader in the auto. motive industry, chalrman; Er- nest W. Sawyer. former assistant 10 the secretary of the interior, ana Major Malcolm Elliott, corps of engineers, U. S. army, presi- dent, Alaska Road commission.
 Commenting on the findings, Thomas r. Henry of Detroit, presi- dent of the A. A. A. said:
 "The report on the proposed U. Canadian Alaskan highway Is most comprehensive and is a pow erful argument in favor of tho project. Members of the, ,commis- sion arc to be congratulated on the thorough and painstaking man. ner in which the job was done. Since the greater part of the h. 1S3 miles of new construction necessary Is In Canada, much de- ponds upon the attitude of Dom. inion officials. Tho report to President Roosevelt offers n con crete basis for further negotiations between the two countries.
 Aside from the rccroational advantages that always come with the opening of now areas and new scenic attractions to our motoring millions, there arc economic fac tors to be considered. In this con- noction, the commissions report wisely says: Since the annual cost of operating federal agencies in Alaska Is about $7,000,000 in eX- cess of revenues, the expenditure of an additional $3,000, 0,000-sprcad over several years-for the pur- pose of development of the terri tory to more nearly self-supprt- Ing basis Is not unreasonable.
 The A. A. A. statement cntinucs:
 '"The estimated cost for building highway connecting with the U. s. system at Seattle. Wash. and the Canadian system at Hazelton, Bri. tish Columbia and ending at Fair banks, Alaska, Is around $2,000,000 for the Alaskan section and SIP. 000.000 for the Canadian section.
 There are two general routes suggested for the northern end of the highway. either of which would serve to open new Alaskan terri tory and contribute to the general development One possesses the advantage of more comprehensive service to the Yukon territory. The other would involve less new road construction in Alaska and also serve important mining areas. Both routes are declared to he accept able from the American viewpoint. Benefits to be gained from such q highway are clearly set forth in the report of the special commis- sion, as follows:
 Development or Alaska through making the territory accessible by highway, resulting in an increase of population and consequent in crease in revenue from taxes, tend ing to decrease the present neces- sity for federal appropriations for 1 the support of the territory. The road would be 9 great contribution to welfare of Amer ican citizenss now living in Alaska under adverse conditions. by pro- viding a physical connection with the vast continental road system.
 Opening of new country that is now practically inaccessiblfeg giv- ing opportunity for settlement. in- vestment of capital and employ ment.
 ''The new road would make accessible to the continental high way system the existing road net in central Alaska comprising about 300 miles. providing a new and valuable area for exploration, for recreation, or for business pur- poses.
 "'The highway would foster air commerce with Alaska by furnish ing A guiding landmark and pro- yiding service to ayiators along STATE of c0NNEcTIcuT DIS, VaF A n . n T n aR