The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1935-04-10
Sound Consideration Needed

Sound Consideration Needed
Whatever the outcome or the political con-
siderations involved in the current embroglio
over North Dakota's state highway depart
ment, those in authority should be careful not
to neglect the interests of the people nor to
underestimate the power and Importance of the
federal government in arriving at solution.
FOR ALL OF THE MONEY SPENT IN
ROAD CONSTRUCTION DURING THE LAST
THREE YEARS HAS BEEN FEDERAL
MONEY. IF THE BODYBUILDING PRO-
GRAM is TO CONTINUE, THE WORK MUST
BE DONE WITH FUNDS FROM THE FED
ERAL TREASURY.
In view of this fact we are in no position to
take too independent stand in dealing with
the government or its agencies.
A glance at the federal law under which
road grants are received by the state, coupled
with examination of our highway history,
proves the point.
In the first place. federal money is NOT turned over
to the state for spending 1t fit Strict rules and
ROTATIONS must be adhered to the money Is to keen
coming.
what has happened within the last year to one
North Dakota contractor illustrates the point The fed
eal to the conclusion that he was not
living up to its rules As result. 1t REFUSED TO CON-
CUR in the award Of contracts to him. His machinery
sets idle He has received new contracts In North
Dakota and none ELSEWHERE IN THE NATION. In
this specific the principal charge that he
not dealing fairly with his employees. The penalty for
him, is The state even II it wished to do
80. could not help him in the least.
The history Of our highway operations last septem-
Der also gives striking evidence Of what can happen
the government becomes incensed.
At that time 1t will be recalled there consider
able difficulty the question Of who should be high
way commissioner Just as there is The government
withdrew its recognition Of Frank A. Vogel who had
been serving In that office. but vogel persisted in hts
contention that he should continue in the post.
The result that for three weeks North Dakota was
without highway department. in far the govern
men was concerned-AND FEDERAL ROAD MONEY
STOPPED COMING INTO THIS STATE
No new contracts let and many road crews
were idle because Of that fact.
One result Of this situation that the average Of
100000 . month which had been spent on road con-
tracts in the three months preceding September was
not again approached during the year. It sumped to
about $50000 during September and never reached the
former high figure the coming Of winter hating opera
lions under contracts let after the battle was over.
glance at what CAN happen II the government
the fedefal road law, passed in 1921
In addition to prescribing the duties and privileges
Of the and the states in relation to federal
grants It also enumerates penalties which may be ap-
piled In the event state fails to meet its part Of tho
contract.
One law Is that the state must maintain its roads
in sstsfactoy condition, thus protecting the
ments investment.
It fails to do the government can, after notice
to the state government. TAKE OVER THE JOB OF
MAINTAINING THEM, CHARGING THE COST TO
THE STATE AND DEDUCTING IT FROM ANY FUR
THEIR GRANTS GIVEN THE STATE
In addition, and here is the important clause. the
secretary Of agriculture may issue orders that NO MORE
MONEY FOR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BE ALLo-
GATED TO THE STATE UNTIL THE MATTER Is
SATISFACTORILY ADJUSTED
He can take similar action IT, IN HIS JUDGMENT,
the state highway department. which Is spending the
governments money. Is NOT PROPERLY ORGANIZED.
The importance Of this Is obvious when We remen.
Der that more persons employed in road construction
work than IN other single occupation in this state
with the exception Of farming.
Ths situation i further complicated BY the fact
that NO ONE NO MATTER WHO HE u, CAN MAIN
TAIN OUR ROADS IN SATISFACTORY CONDITION
WITH THE MONEY NOW AVAILABLE.
No matter who y IN office. the federal government
= eong 70 have ample reason to withdraw is monetary
sppot. from North Dakotas highways It cares to
er6orco The law.
Ins los q sravel nom roads. h normal years. y
about half cubic yard pr annual mile n dry pears
IL lo0 = GREATER due 70 wind erosion and failure Of
~ gravel . pack properly. II would take MILLION
DoGkARD ysar 70 kesp our GOO miles q highway
uspssu sapsltsd With uavsl. AND VI HAVEN'T GOT
TIL MONEY.
- Matt1 Who = hiGhway comniaaones. - 81
~ = hnSe trpuhle - oetting ~. Ihat lact Deserves
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