Currently, the State Roads Commission maintenance budget is under-
funded. Money has to be taken each year from construction monies to
carry out normal maintenance operations.

What's going to happen when the 354-mile interstate system of ex-
pressways is completed in this State? It has been estimated that to keep
an expressway in tip top shape costs in the neighborhood of $20, 000 a
mile per year. This cost, of course, does not occur when the road is
brand new. But, to keep it properly surfaced, clear of snow, mowed, land-
scaped, patrolled and serviced in other manners, a figure of $20, 000 per
mile per year is not out of line.

This is going to be a tremendous burden for the states to bear. True,
the federal government is contributing the lion's share of money for con-
struction of the interstate system—about 90 per cent. Under present
plans the federal government says, here are expressways, you take care
of them.

After 1965, the State of Maryland will have run out of its highway
money in bulk. The highway construction bond issue will have expired.
State Roads Commission fiscal experts tell me, Maryland then will have
enough to match federal interstate apportionments. Where is the money
for this increased maintenance on the interstate going to come from?

I believe that it is time to begin earnest examination into the problem
of upkeep of the interstate highway system. If these were normal roads,
if the motoring public did not demand around the clock, around the
calendar service on them, perhaps the burden could be borne by the
states alone. But, with the demands for such things as immediate snow
removal, adequate mowing, well-kept and attractive roadsides, hour-by-
hour patrolling and other services facing the states, it is, I believe, time
to estimate the cost and see if the states can meet it alone. Let's find the
answer now so we can assure ourselves that this great highway system
we are building will continue to carry America forward.

REMARKS AT OPENING OF FINAL LEG OF
JOHN HANSON HIGHWAY

CHEVERLY

November 21, 1961

Today we forge the final link in Maryland's Golden Triangle. By
opening this four-mile stretch of modern highway, two capitals are
joined, Annapolis,, the capital of Maryland, and Washington, the cap-
ital of our country.

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