ordination and focus for the various programs which are dealing with
the problems of the Appalachian area. It will be the task of this
Conference here today to determine just how such an approach can
be made effective.

I would like to suggest that it would be most helpful in this
second meeting if we could tackle one specific problem which lends
itself particularly well to a regional approach. Thinking along these
lines I was pleased to note that the Interim Committee has been con-
sidering the possibility of a regional study of highway and transporta-
tion problems common to us all. I have explored this thought in a
preliminary fashion with Maryland's State Roads Commission Chair-
man, John Funk. Mr. Funk's chief engineer, David Fisher, is repre-
senting him here today, and Mr. Funk has told me that in his esti-
mation the idea merits consideration. In my mind, one advantage
of considering the highway problems first is that this is a question
which, obviously cuts across state lines. At the same time it would
follow the line of thinking and action already under way in the sev-
eral states. The Federal Bureau of Public Roads appears to look with
favor on this type of regional highway study, and one such investi-
gation is already under way as a cooperative project between New
Jersey and Pennsylvania. I feel that the Bureau of Public Roads' in-
terest stems from the fact that this approach offers the first opportunity
to build on what each state already has, in terms of its own economy.
Also it looks toward action of a positive nature to break the land-
lock referred to by Mr. Davlin.... Certainly, we in Maryland are very
conscious of our own dependence on good communications within
and across the Appalachian Ridge, and I am sure that each of the
states represented here today is equally conscious of the manner in
which its economy and prosperity depends on vital highway linkages
which run through neighboring states to connect it with primary
market tenters of the nation.

To my mind an interstate association of this nature could prove
a valuable aid to all of us, individually and to the region as a whole.
Of course it goes without saying, that any such area-wide program
will continue to rely heavily on the support and assistance of the
S. R. E. B. and the Council of State Governments. This, however, is
only a. suggestion. It is up to this meeting to decide whether or not
it wishes to move in this or in some other direction. I only venture
to suggest it at this time, because a prior commitment will prevent me
from being with you tomorrow. However, my two able fellow Mary-
landers, George Hubley and Harry Boswell, will be speaking to-
morrow in my behalf.

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