The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1940-05-07

lcca ton for the highway along Route
A.
A. The construction of approx
mately 1873 to 275 miles of new high
way in Alaska and about 1000 miles
of new highway in Canada will pro-
vide an overland connection with
Alaska and the Territory along the
route with vast system of roads In
the United States, Canada and Al
aska
S. The Representation process
IS favored in carrying forward the
project The first minimum STAN
dards should require a roadway OF
about "a feet in width with a good
gravel surface, reasonable gradients
and curves. The standards could be
raised as traffic warrants and funds
may become available, the same as
has been done in the constructing of
the present system in the United
States and Canada.
g. The Commissioners negotia-
lions with the Canadian Commission
have not as yet reached final stage
rela tive to the financing of the pro-
ect. 1t is reasonable, however, to
assume from the type and nature of
the negotiations, hereinafter dis
cussed, that an equitable financial
formula can be worked out satisfac-
tory to both nations commensurate
to the benefit involved and to be de-
rived. The value of the contemplated
highway to the United States and
Canada, individually and collective
~, IS inestimable No sound argu-
ment can be presented denying that
he benefit to both countries would
far exceed the total cost.
recommendations
/. That further investigation, stud
les and revised estimates of the cost
Of constructing the highway be made
Of the routes mentioned in this re-
port.
2. That the life of this Commits
sion be extended so that it may con-
tinue its investigations and make
arrangements with the Canadian.
Government leading to the compile
ton of this highway project.
3. That an office for the Commits
sion be established as early as pos
sible at place to be chosen by the
Commission.
That the Commission be authoriz-
ed to appoint necessary personnel
for this office from within or with
out the Commission in order that
complete data concerning the high
way NAV be assembled and analyzed
Under the aneecnt llethod of carry
ing forward the work of the Commits
sion, each Commissioner necessarily
handles much correspondence ad-
dressed to him concerning the high
way, which in the very nature OF
things does not tend for united ac-
ton in matters of policy relating to
the project. The Canadian Commits
sion has in its files many data OF
factual character concerning the
portion of the project in Canada
such as maps, plans, estimates, re-
connaisance and aerial photogra-
phic surveys, which it will undoubt-
edly present to the United States
Commission for consideration. The
appointment of the necessary per-
sonnet would place the Commission
In position to fully analyze reports
relating to studies for the survey
location, specifications, estimates
and plans for the financing of the
construction and maintenance of the
highway.
4. That surveys of the two alter
nate routes in Alaska should be made
as soon as possible, leading to the
early construction of those portions
of the highway in Alaska which will
be an immediate benefit to Local
communities. Provision should be
made for stationing weather observ-
ers for at least one winter season
to report on weather conditions, par
ticularly in connection with gales
snowfall and drifts on the passes.
S. An appropriation of $4,000 is
recommended. This shall be made
Immediately available for the use OF
the Commission during the fiscal