1434                       JOINT RESOLUTIONS.

from an engineering and economic point of view, was never-
theless unable to finance it because of the condition of the
money or bond market which then existed, and has continued
to exist.

Thereupon the State administration undertook to consider
the proposition as a possible State enterprise, but there was no
State appropriation legally available to make the expert engi-
neering surveys, soundings and other investigations which are
essential before its practicability as a State undertaking can
be determined.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Company, however, has made
all these investigations, and has cost data and traffic estimates
as well, and the company very generously and with fine public
spirit has submitted all of this information to your committee.

The building by the State of a bridge or tunnel across the
Chesapeake Bay involves considerations vital to the economic
interests and to the taxpayers of the State, considerations of
location, present traffic and traffic to be created, cost of con-
struction and the best method of financing it, future highway
development, the effect on existing ferries and what fairness
to them requires, and other matters. Naturally, therefore,
your committee feels that the question can only be determined
after the State, through its own responsible agencies, has
thoroughly checked the data and estimates which the bridge
company has submitted and has made such further investiga-
tions as it may deem necessary. If the result of this study
shows that such a bridge or tunnel to be an economically sound
and practicable proposition for the State to undertake, then
we believe the State should proceed with the work upon such
financial plan as, after careful study, may be the most ex-
pedient in the interest of the people.

We recommend that the State Roads Commission, supple-
mented by such other assistance, if any, as the Governor may
deem advisable, shall make such further check-up and study
of the engineering, traffic and financial problems as may be
required, and shall give careful consideration to the several
locations which have been suggested. Your committee has no
sufficient data upon which to base a recommendation as to the
proper location of the proposed structure.

We furthermore recommend that the Governor provide in
the budget an adequate appropriation for this investigation
from the gasoline receipts.