Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1933-05-11
STATE ROAD FUND
WILL BE SMALL
Commissioner ElSberg Discusses New
Route Prospects and Supery1scs Pre-
paratiOn OF Economy Budget.

In discussing the prospects of the
states taking over the $500 miles OF
new trunk routes added by the legis-
lature, Commissioner N. w. Elsberg an
nounces a rigid economy program
which will effect all activities of the
State Highway department.
Tentative budgets prepared by all
divisions of the Highway department,
Notwithstanding severe cuts in their
estimates, show a balance of only
S135, 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 wilf be
studied item by item to determine if
further reductions cannot be made.
Until this study has been completed,
and until the question of Federal aid
for highways is settled, it will be i'm
possible to say definitely just how the
$500 miles of new trunk routes, in
Guiding $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 1898 for new cOnstruc-
ton 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 vehicle license fees.
Maintenance A Problem.
"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 $4,500,0O0 was re-
quired for maintenance of these $40
miles of roads.
| Funds for maintaining the addi-
tional $500 miles added by the Legis-
lature must come largely from the
m maintenance money, unless we receive
| federal assistance. We have definitely
cut 100000 off. of last years main
tenance allotment. and this may be
reduced still further. The problem is
to determine just how far the depart
ment can go in eliminating mainte-
nance on existing routes without doing
them grave injury.
Among economy measures already
decided upon, besides a substantial
reduction in number of employees, and
| elimination of new construction, are
adjustment of any regraveling or
other heavy improvements on de-
tours; probable abandonment of the
| annual traffic census; severe cuts in
right-of way surveys and purchases
and a general cutting down of nearly
all phases of work.
Mr.. Elsberg's tentative budget for
1888, shows current income for the
year of only about $12,OOO,OOO com
pared with more than S31 100000
spent by the department in 1892.
Income from license fees is esti-
mated at slightly more than $780,
600 against S1O,000,0O0 in 1882; in
come from gas tax this year, elimi-
mating December collections not avail
able until 1884, about $5,9O0,0O0 com
pared with S6,750.OO0 last year. The
department has $3,SO0,00O remaining
from 1892 funds, including federal
aid but this is nearly all pledged
against 1882 uncompleted contracts
Total liabilities connected with 1885,
contracts amount to more than ST.,
50O,O0 Maintenance costs on the
existing system are tentatively esti
mated at $3,5OO,OOO to 81 .OOO,OOO; bono
charges at $3,225,0OO; refund to gen
eral fund of state, 100000; paymen
to motor vehicle license department
$4,000. Equipment purchases, ad
ministration and other miscellaneOu:
} charges will take about $250,000.
These figures show total liabilitie:
for 1888 of more than S15,70O,OOt
against total funds of about $15,S00,
900.