TRANSPORTATION

"Mobility" and "accessibility" are key words in describing
the needs of people and places in the second half of the
Twentieth Century. They were words used by Governor Tawes
to emphasize the importance of transportation to Maryland
and her people in an era of rapid industrialization and
urbanization. The commuter, as well as the manufacturer,
the farmer and the shipper, is directly affected by the nature
of the transportation system available to him. The accessi-
bility of communities determines in large measure their at-
tractiveness to site-seeking industrialists and thereby has a
major impact on future economic development. Recreation
areas prosper as they are made more easily accessible to State
residents and tourists seeking leisure—time activity.

Cognizant of the importance of a modern transportation
network, the Governor moved in the early days of his Admin-
istration to quicken the pace of highway construction. No as-
pect of public works activity is of greater interest to the
people of a state than its highway building program. During
his first term, the Governor ordered the updating of highway
plans and reorganized the State Roads Commission to make
it more responsive to the needs of the various regions of the
State. At the same time, a multi-million dollar program was
launched to renovate the Port of Baltimore and to enhance
Maryland's position as one of the nation's leading maritime
States.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND HIGHWAYS CONTRACTORS
ASSOCIATION

BALTIMORE

February 9, 1959

I am pleased to have this opportunity, in the early days of my Adminis-
tration, to address the annual meeting of the Maryland Highways Con-
tractors Association. I am aware that this is no time for a lengthy
speech. It is a time set aside by your Association for good fellowship, the
breaking of bread together, and the enjoyment of the professional
entertainment which is to follow.

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