not of an expressway nature. Some of it is dual, of course, and some
of it is merely the first lane of an ultimate dual with pull lanes on
the hills. I believe the Western Maryland region needs an expressway
facility, a highway that can cut driving time and cut driving costs,
a highway which will lift the region out of the classification of
"depressed area. "

The national administration has given much thought and already
has taken steps to relieve the plight of our "depressed areas. " Could
not construction of an interstate expressway in the region be an
additional step in this direction? Is not the economic potential of
the region sufficient to warrant construction of an interstate express-
way from Hancock west to Keysers' Ridge and thence into Pennsyl-
vania? Present Interstate Expressway 70, as you know, curves north
at a point just east of Hancock and connects with the Pennsylvania
Turnpike. It is my feeling that the Appalachian Region, and this
includes the Appalachian Region of other states as well as that of
Maryland, would be better served if Interstate 70 pierced Maryland
and went north into Pennsylvania in the vicinity of Keysers' Ridge.
Besides being a sound location for such a road, it must be remem-
bered that the Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels are only single lane
and not up to interstate standards. No such problem would be en-
countered on a Maryland route.

At an early moment, I intend to make my views on this matter
known to the national administration. I will communicate with
President Kennedy and ask if I can present our views to him or any
division of the Administration he may designate. I am convinced
that extension of the interstate into Allegany and Garrett counties
would not only serve the motorists well, but also would give a
valuable boost to the economy of the Appalachian Regions.

The human body is only as strong as its circulatory system. The
same is true of a city, a state or a nation. The circulatory system
of the Appalachian Region is weak. It needs attention fast. Let us
do everything we can to see that the region gets the attention it
needs. And let's do it now.

ADDRESS, APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE
CUMBERLAND

August 14, 1962

I am most happy to be here today. This meeting has as its function
the task of reporting on the progress of the Conference of Appala-

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