Evening star., 1952-02-06
Unit's Approval
Seen for Study
On New Bridge
Proposal Backed
By Spokesman Of
D. c. and Virginia

y. -. on0 virginia
Authorization for an engineer
ing and economic study to solve
=. the controversy over location Of
the next Potomac River bridge in
this area is expected to be ap-
proved soon by Senate subcom-
mittee.
House-passed legislation for the
purpose was indorsed by spokes-
men from both the District and
Virginia at hearings yesterday
before the Senate District Fiscal
Subcommittee.
The measure was strongly sup
ported by Representative Smith.
Democrat, of Virginia, author Of
the bill, and Brig. Gen. Bernard
L. Robinson, District Engineer
Commissioner.
Senator Hunt, Democrat, of
wyoming subcommittee chairman.
said he favorS the legislation and
will bring it before his unit mem
berS for approval shortly. There
was no testimony against the
measure. It probably will go to the
full District Committee for action.
d. C. Funds Available.
Gen. Robinson said that only
such a scientific study could de-
termine the location of the cross
ing, its priority and the ALLEGATION
Of its costs to the satisfaction Of
ali jurisdictions concerned. He
said the District already has avail
able funds to be used as the city's
share in the cost of the survey
itself. No appropriation would be
authorized by the pending bill, he
explained.
Representative Smith said he
favors q bridge from Alexandria
to Shepherds Landing in the Dis
trict, for which he has introduced
legislation. During hearings on
that measure he told the subcom-
mittee, Gen. Robinson and others
had asked for further study. So
the legislator said he agreed to
defer consideration on the Alex
andria bridge project and intro
duced other legislation for the
Joint survey, which has passed the
House.
The Virginian said he was sur
prised to learn that the Regional
Highway Planning Committee, in
its long-range program for this
area, recently proposed a Potomac
River Bridge over Theodore
Roosevelt Island. He favored in
stead the bridge at Alexandria, to
help heavy north-and-south traf-
&c to bypass the congested Wash
ington section. Also this crossing
would be built strong enough to
carry a railroad. he explained.
No Specific Approval.
z. Gen. Robinson pointed out that
the Roosevelt Island bridge at E
street was recommended as a re-
suit Of an origin and destination
survey. But, he emphasized, he
has not Endorsed this location for
priority, nor has he approved any
single project in the big program.
He did approve the program as
whole to relieve traffic congestion
in the city, he said.
"I never opposed the Alexandria
bridge location" he countered,
"but have raised the question as
to whether it should be given
priority" He urged approval OF
the pending bill for the study by
experts to be selected by the Dis
trict Commissioners.
The measure would call for a
report on priority Of the next
bridge, its approximate cost and
"what would constitute fair and
reasonable basis for distributing
such costs as between the District
of Columbia, Virginia and the
Federal Government"
The Commissioners would be
authorized to work out arrange
nents for the survey with the
Bureau Of Public Roads, the Vir-
ginia Department Of Highways
the National Park Service, the
National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission and any suodi-
vision of Virginia where the
bridge would be located.
Inspection Funds Asked.
i. During consideration of other
Legislation, the Hunt subcommit-
tee heard testimony from DR.. W.
T. Birthright, president Of the
Board of Dental Examiners, that
more funds are needed for periodic
inspection of dentists Offices. Ewo
of which have been reported in
''unhealthy and insanitary con-
.dition."
Branding such situation as
deplorable, he told the subcom'
mittee, "I could take you to some
places that would make your hail
turn"
~ Indorsed by Others.
DR.. Millard r. Dean Of the
Robert T. Freeman Dental Society
an organization Of colorec
dentists, and DR.. William Collins
Endorsed the proposed examina'
ton of dentists offices.
8 But DR.. Dean charged his so.
kiety was ignored in preparation
;of the legislation and asked tht
subcommittee to deny the pro-
posed increase in the annual reg.
istration fees for dentists anc
dental hygienists.
The Hunt unit also heard testi'
mony approving other bills thai
would authorize the District Com
'missioners to give police authority
to Federal agency guards, wher
requested, and to increase the fet
for re-examination Of applicant.
las certified public accountant
tsfrom $40 to $40.