The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-05-19
COM. ELSBERG
TALKS ROADS
Highway Commissioner Talks
on New Route Prospects on
Economy Plan.

program which will effect all activities
of the State Highway department was
made Saturday by NJ w. Elsberg, high
way commissioner, in statement dis
cussing prospects of the states taking
over the $500 miles of new trunk high
way routes added by the Legislature.
Tentative budgets prepared by all
divisions of the Highway department
Notwithstanding severe cuts in their
estimates, show a balance of only
$135, 900 above fixed expenses, without
any allowance for maintenance of the
additional routes, either in the cities
or the country, Mr.. Elsberg said.
However, Commissioner Elsberg Is not
yet satisfied that these budget estimates
are final. They will be studied item
by item to. determine If further reduc-
tions cannot be made. Until this study
has been completed, and until the
question of Federal aid for highways
Is settled, it will be impossible to say
definitely just how the $500 miles OF
new trunk routes, including $50 miles
in cities of the first class, will fare, he
explained. He is hopeful that some
aid can be given the new routes, but will
not plan such help unless funds are
definitely in sight.
"One thing Is certain" Commits
sioner Elsberg said, land that Is that we
will not authorize expenditure OF any
money in 1888 for new construction
unless Federal aid is received. The
contracts let In 1882 must be carried
out, but no additional work can be
permitted because of the lack Of funds
resulting from reductions in motor We
hicle license fees.
Our great problem this year Is
maintenance. Minnesota has invested
more than 200 million dollars in its
existing state trunk highway system
Last year about $500 900 was required
for maintenance Of these 6,770 miles
of roads.
Funds for maintaining the additional
$500 miles added by the Legislature
must come largely from the mainten-
ance money, unless we receive Federal
assistance. We have definitely cut
$500, 900 off of last years maintenance
allotment, and this may be reduced
still further. The problem is to deter
mine just how far the department can
go in eliminating maintenance on exist
ing routes without doing them grave
injury
Among economy measures already
decided upon, besides substantial re-
duction in number Of employees, and
elimination of new construction, are
adjustment of any regraveling or other
heavy improvements on detours; prob
able abandonment of the annual traffic
census; severe cuts in right-of-way sur
veys and purchases and a general cut
ting down of nearly all phases Of work
Mr. Elsberg's tentative budget for
1888, shows current income for the year
of only about $12, 000, 900 compiled with
more than $31 900 900 spent by the de-
partment in 1892.
Income from license fees is estimated
at slightly more than Sc, 160, 900 against
SIC, 1000 900 in 1882; income from gas
tax this year, eliminating December
collections not available until 1884,
about S., goo, 900 compared with $6,750,-
600 last year. The department has
So 800 900 remaining from 1882 funds,
including Federal aid but this Is nearly
pledged against 1892 uncompleted con-
tracts.
Total liabilities connected with 1882
contracts amount to more than ST.
5000. Maintenance costs on the
existing system are tentatively esti-
mated at $500 900 to $4,000, 900; bond
charges at $3,225 900; refund to general
fund of state, 100000; payment to
motor vehicle license department,
s372, 900. Equipment purchases, adj
ministration and other miscellaneous
charges viii take about $250,000.
These figures show total liabilities for
1888 of more than s15,7O0,00O against
total funds of about SIS 300, 600.