I ask you to remember these projects as you ride the freeway we are
opening today. They are not merely a hopeful dream. They are being
planned and constructed. Maryland has built this road for your safety
and comfort. Use it well. It is your reminder of the bright future which
has been planned for you.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND HIGHWAYS

CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

BALTIMORE

February 14, 1966

Mr. Luppino, other officers, directors and members of the Maryland
Highways Contractors Association, distinguished guests, ladies and
gentlemen:

I am honored indeed to be present again as the Maryland Highway
Contractors Association holds another annual industry meeting. I
recall that it was seven years ago that I spoke to this organization for the
first time as Governor of the State. At that time I discussed with you in
broad terms the hope I had of creating a road system in Maryland
second to none in the country. Now that more than seven years have
passed, and I am in the final months of my second and last term as
Governor, the record of the highway building of this Administration is
pretty well written. I think it is a record of which all of us who have had
a part in its establishment can be proud. As I told the members of the
General Assembly as they convened in Annapolis for the commence-
ment of the current session, the year 1965 saw this Administration break
through the half-billion dollar mark in converting dollars into roads—
no mean accomplishment by any standard of measurement.

I know that most of you here today are as conversant with road-
building statistics as I am. But since this, in all probability is my final
message to you as Governor, and since our discussion has come around
to the accomplishments of this Administration, I should like to offer you
a few figures which indicate the significant advancements we have made
in the construction of highways in the State. Payments to contractors

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