realize there are two ways they are regarded. As a motorist, perhaps we
take the highway for granted. We regard the traffic it carries as just a
great number of cars and trucks, some of which, during rush hours
particularly, delay our trip. As a public official, however, and particu-
larly as Governor, you begin to look at highways differently. You
realize—at least I do—the vast responsibility government has in order
to satisfy the desire, the great need of people and goods to move from
one place to another.
The contracting industry also has a double image. To the motorist,
the roadbuilder is a man in a hard hat operating earth movers, bull-
dozers, and other large machines. To the public officials however, the
highway contractor is the man to whom government passes on the
responsibility of providing adequate surfaces on which the traffic of the
nation can move safely and efficiently. It is not a small responsibility
and perhaps I can mention a few reasons why. A road is more than a
ribbon of pavement through the countryside. It is more than a street,
boulevard or expressway which traverses urban or rural regions of the
State. It is a lifeline. Through the years, government has been given
more and more responsibility in the transportation field. The movement
of people, in particular, has become almost entirely a governmental
function since the railroads have virtually abandoned this type of trans-
portation. By safe and efficient movement of people and goods, the
modern highway stimulates the economic growth of the State and the
nation. The state which is traversed by a modern highway system enjoys
the opportunity to attract more tourist dollars. The modern highway
system opens up new markets and creates a climate for expansion of
industry and commerce. This means more jobs for our growing
population.
Safety is another feature of the modern highway system. While we
hear a lot about the number of accidents occurring on our streets and
highways and while we want to eliminate all accidents, if possible, I
don't think we can lose sight of the fact that the rate of accidents is
reduced almost in direct ratio to the number of miles of modern high-
ways added to our system. This is part of the responsibility which has
been thrust upon government and a part of the responsibility we pass
on to you.
I think Maryland is facing up to its responsibilities of the highway
field. In the past three and one-half years, for example, we have con-
structed, modernized or otherwise improved approximately 640 miles of
road in every section of the State. Perhaps the public is aware prin-
cipally of the expressway construction we have achieved, big roads like
580
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