But this is not enough. The State of Maryland is growing at a pace
never before equalled in our history. In fact, we have come to accept
growth as an ever-present fact in this State. We have dedicated our-
selves to the principle that this growth should be extended to every
corner of Maryland. It should be enjoyed by every citizen. To insure
our Western Maryland counties their fair share in this growth, we have
embarked on accelerated freeway programs. Today, Interstate Route
70 is being opened from this point into Clear Spring. Construction is
already underway to Route 40 east of Hagerstown. Next year, construc-
tion will begin on the freeway from Hagerstown to Frederick. After
that, the road from Frederick to Baltimore, already dualized, will be
brought up to freeway standards. The upgrading of Interstate 70 S from
Frederick to Washington is already nearing completion.

These projects, moving along in high gear, will be a great boon to our
economy. With the final section of 1-70 in Pennsylvania being opened
today, motorists from the Midwest will find it a pleasure to move
through Maryland, enjoying the many benefits which we have to offer.
But we are also looking westward. The regions of Appalachia must be
developed. And this can only be accomplished through the construction
of high-speed modern highways.

The Appalachian program was born in Maryland. The first confer-
ences which brought the plight of economic underdevelopment to the
attention of the federal government were held under this State's leader-
ship. The Appalachian Bill was introduced into Congress by Mary-
land. Its passage approved the expenditure of over a billion dollars in a
nine-state area. Already, the State Roads Commission has drawn pre-
liminary plans for the construction of a new freeway from Hancock to
the West Virginia line.

Building the Appalachian Freeway has become of prime concern.
When the project is completed to Morgantown, the commerce and
industry of the Ohio River Valley will find Baltimore their closest port.

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