Evening star., 1939-07-12
Survey |sAsked
In Move For
D. {. Subways

D'AIesondro Proposal
includes Street
Cars and Autos
Describing trafdc conditions in
Washington as acute" Representa-
tive D'Alesandro, Democrat, Of
Maryland today introduced a resolu-
tion directing the Public Utilities
Commission to make a survey to
determine the feasibility of the con-
struction of series of subways for
both street cars and motor vehicles.
Mr.. D'Alesandro, who succeeded
Representative Palmisano, former
chairman of the House District Com
mittee, said he had been making
close observations of traffic condi-
tions in Washington since coming
to Congress in January and believed
subways might be the only solution
to the present and future traffic
problems.
The Utilities Commission under
the resolution would be required to
complete the investigation and SUBJ
NIT its report to Congress not later
than February Is.
The commission also would be au-
thorized to call on any Federal
agency for assistance.
Immediate Action Urged.
Traffic conditions in Washington
are so acute that steps should be
taken Immediately looking toward
development of comprehensive
program that would relieve the pres
ent situation and provide for fu-
ture traffic needs" said a statement
issued by Mr.. D'Alesandro.
In my opinion, the solution ap-
pears to be construction of series
Of subways that would put the prin-
cipal streetcar lines underground
and provide subterranean channels
for the free movement for vehicu-
lar traffic.
"Subways for streetcars would
make possible rapid transit system
for Washington-a system that has
long been vitally needed for the
transportation of the mass of Gov
ernment workers to and from the
Federal departments since their
concentration in the Mall area. Traf-
fic lights and traffic itself serve to
impede the movement of streetcars.
The great volume of vehicular
traffic in the business section, espe-
cially during the morning and after
noon rush hours, likewise shows the
need of below-surface high-speed
boulevards to carry these vehicles
through this area to the less con-
gested outlying areas.
Thorough Study Asked.
my resolution merely directs the
Public Utilities Commission with the
assistance of any Federal agency
that can be of service to make
thorough study of the traffic prob
lens while Congress is in adjourn
ment and report back not later than
next February the feasibility of con-
structing subways for both rail and
vehicular traffic, the suggested loca-
ton for such subways if they are
decided to be feasible and the prob
able construction cost per mile
This survey should not cost the
taxpayers of the District cent,
since it would be carried on by con-
stituted agencies of the Federal and
District governments.
The resolution was referred to the
District Committee, where it prob
ably will be considered at the next
meeting Monday.
Utilities Commissioners Riley E..
Elgen and Richmond B Keech could
not be reached at once for comment,
but in the past, in formal actions,
while not closing the door to the
possibility of subway construction.
they have held that other expedients
should be given full trial first
because of the recognized high cost
OF subway construction.
In their formal order on street
car and bus rerouting several years
ago, the Utilities Commission held
that subway plans should be held
in allegiance until it became ap-
parent that surface transportation
had become impracticable in serving
the needs. They said when it was
found other measures were necessary
there should be full survey of the
financial and engineering aspects
of subway projects, to be made by
the commission in cooperation with
other interested government agents.
Another solution of the traffic sit.
uation was suggested yesterday by
John M. Carmody, administrator Of
the new Federal Works Agency.
He suggested that the Government
lend money to municipalities for the
building of public garages to get the
cars off the streets.
There are many enterprises that
must have local origin, administra-
ton and management" Mr.. Car
mody said, in a discussion of prob
lens affecting the new agency Of
which he is head-an agency that
commands Public Works Admins
tration, Works Projects Administra-
ton, United. States Housing Author
1Uy, lIlG bulcdu VI Z uDllC ltOdOS dllu
Public Buildings.
Will Rogers Quoted.
Il don't believe it is in the prov
ince of the Federal Government to
build a municipal street car line, but
the Government could very well
lend money for the building of pub
lie garages-and private garages. too
mainly to get the money out.
Look at what it costs the cities to
use their streets as parking places.
That is waste. Especially since the
banks are full of money. My friend,
the late Will Rogers, had it right.
In his homely philosophy he or.cs
said, What this country needs is a
place to park your car Let's quote
Will Rogers again on that"
In advocating the use Of public
funds for the construction of mu-
nicipal garages in all big cities, the
Federal works administrator, who
WAS sworn IN, 1rIlv I let II ha 1Irodor