Page:Needs of the Highway Systems, 1955–84.pdf/3

 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Hon. ,
 * Speaker of the House,
 * House of Representatives,
 * Washington 25, D. C.


 * I transmit herewith a report on the cost of construction needed to modernize the Nation’s highways, prepared by the Commissioner of Public Roads in cooperation with the several State highway departments, and a statement on highway financing.

The report has been prepared pursuant to a direction of the Congress contained in section 13 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1954, approved May 6, 1954, quoted as follows:

. 13. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized and directed to make a comprehensive study of all phases of highway financing, including a study of the costs of completing the several systems of highways in the several States and of the progress and feasibility of toll roads with particular attention to the possible effects of such toll roads upon the Federal-aid highway programs, and coordination thereof, and to make a report of his findings, including recommendations with respect to Federal participation in toll roads, to be submitted to the Congress not later than February 1, 1955: Provided, That not to exceed $100,000 from funds available for administrative expenses shall be expended for the purposes of this section.

A further report discussing toll roads and containing recommendations with respect to Federal participation in such roads is practically complete and will be submitted shortly.

The accompanying report shows in detail the very large expenditures required to make the Nation’s highways adequate. It is impressive that only through greatly enlarged financial provision can urgent needs for highway transportation be met.

Sincerely yours,

III