Page:California Highways and Public Works Journal Vols 8-9.djvu/23



'''No Loafing For Gasoline Cash.'''

The speed with which the administration program is progressing to give employment to labor and to give roads to communities is revealed by the balances in state highway funds.

On November 30th cash balances in these funds were at their lowest point since April, 1927. which was before the one-cent gasoline tax became effective through the signature of Governor Young. The balances in the various highway funds on that date totaled $3,656,917.52.

On the same date there were construction and improvement work orders outstanding amounting to $10,668,427.15, practically all of which were contracts, and which exceeds the cash available by $7,011,509.63. Total work order obligations including maintenance and preliminary surveys and plans, right of way and construction engineering totaled $16,716,166.30. or $13,059,248.78 in excess of cash available.

Therefore, even after the apportionment of gas tax revenue early in December amounting to $11,710,898. there were work orders outstanding in excess of cash by $1,348,350.78.

This policy of putting every dollar at work on the roads as fast as its receipt is assured will be continued.

Detour Maintenance Wins Praise.

The following letter speaks for itself:

Tracey, California. December 11, 1929. California Highway Commission,

Sacramento, California.

Dear Sirs:

Re: The highway between Tracy and Mossdale. I think that the Highway Commission and also the contractor. Clyde W. Wood should be commended for the speed with which this project has been completed and for the fine job that has been done.

The detour which was in use during construction was kept in the best condition of any detour over which I have ever traveled.

I am just sending this little word of praise because I know that probably words of criticism are more often received, and that you might enjoy some show of appreciation. Very truly yours. J. F. Doughty, M.D.

'''Sounds Incredible But It's True.'''

Attached is a menu of one of the highway convict camps which has consistently kept its costs from 25 to 27 cents per meal: