284 State Papers and Addresses

During 1939 there were 70 contracts let, which totaled $2, 076, 417. 00. During
1940 there were the same number of contracts let, namely 70, but these were
for much larger contracts than during 1939, and the total value of the work
entering into these 70 contracts was $5, 739, 451. 00.

The Susquehanna River Bridge was constructed from funds received by a
45% grant from the Public Works Administration and by the sale of bonds to
the public for the remaining 55% of the funds. This bridge is a four-lane
structure, 7, 613 feet between abutments.

The Potomac River Bridge also was constructed from funds furnished by
the Public Works Administration and by the sale of bonds to the public. This
is a two-lane bridge, totaling 11, 446 feet in length.

The Hancock Bridge was conmpleted and opened to traffic on October 7th,
1939, at a cost of $803, 214. 70.

The Shepherdstown Bridge was completed and opened to traffic July 15th,
1939. The cost of this bridge was $254, 458. 05.

The contract for the Sinepuxent Bay Bridge at Ocean City has been let
and the bridge is now under construction. It will be a four-lane structure with
a drawbridge. The contract price for this bridge is $855, 000. 00. Fourteen
other important bridges have either been completed or are under construction.

The Commission has done much to improve many miles of the State High-
way System through the use of prison labor. During the past two years 108. 93
miles of highway have been widened, or are under construction, with stabilized
shoulders. Projects to be constructed with the assistance of prison labor are
selected from the many projects of road widening now found to be necessary
and are located generally in those sections of the State where this source of
labor is economically available.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

We assured the people of Maryland that our school system would be safe-
guarded at all costs and that every possible attention would be given to its
continued improvement. It is therefore gratifying to report that our Public
School System is regarded as one of the best in the entire Country. Notable
contributions to the cause of public education have been made and in many
educational procedures and activities Maryland is now regarded as the standard.

Of major significance for the future of our people, too, is the fact that
larger numbers of children are taking advantage of high school education.
Alert to changing conditions, our county high schools, in their efforts to meet
more effectively the changing needs of youth, have expanded the program not
only of the academic subjects but of guidance, home economics, industrial work,
agriculture, physical education, art, and music, and the use of the library.
Transportation at public expense has been made available to more pupils. In
the last two years, there has been an increase in high school enrollment of 4, 561
students. This increase has necessitated the employment of approximately one
hundred additional high school teachers.

PROGRAM FOR VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

A program of educational and vocational guidance was inaugurated for
the county high schools through the appointment of a State Supervisor. The
work has been financed jointly from State and Federal Vocational Funds. The