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~. ~? :2. /
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT--1968
(90-30)
HEARINGS
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ROADS
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NINETIETH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
ON
H.R. 17134 and related bills
TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS
1970 AND 1971 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN HIGH-
WAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 23 OF THE UNITED
STATES CODE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
FEBRUARY 20, 21; MAY 23, 28; TUNE 4, 5, 11, AND 12, 1968
Printed for the use of the Committee on Public Works
CL/5
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
96-030 WASHINGTON: 1968
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JOHN A. BLATNIK. Minnesota
ROBERT E. JONES, Alabama
JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI, Illinois
JIM WRIGHT, Texas
KENNETH J. GRAY, Illinois
FRANK M. CLARK, Pennsylvania
ED EDMONDSON, Oklahoma
HAROLD T. JOHNSON, California
WM. JENNINGS BRYAN DORN,
South Carolina
DAVID N. HENDERSON, North Carolina
ARNOLD OLSEN, Montana
RAY ROBERTS, Texas
ROBERT A. EVERETT, Tennessee
RICHARD D. McCARTHY, New York
JAMES ~E, West Virginia
JAMES J. HOWARD, New Jersey
EDWIN W. EDWARDS, Louisiana
JEROME R. WALDIE, California
JOHN A. BLATNIK, Minnesota
ROBERT E. JONES, Alabama
FRANK M. CLARK, Pennsylvania
ED EDMONDSON, Oklahoma
ARNOLD OLSEN, Montana
JIM WRIGHT, Texas
ROBERT A. EVERETT, Tennessee
RICHARD D. McCARTHY, New York
JAMES J. HOWARD, New Jersey
RAY ROBERTS, Texas
WM. JENNINGS BRYAN DORN,
South Carolina
WILLIAM C. CRAMER, Florida
WILLIAM H. HARSHA, Ohio
JAMES It. GROVER, New York
JAMES C. CLEVELAND, New Hampshire
DON H. CLAUSEN, California
ROBERT C. McEWEN, New York
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Tennessee
FRED SCHWENGEL, Iowa
HENRY C. SCHADEBERG, Wisconsin
M. G. (GENE) SNYDER, Kentucky
ROBERT V. PENNEY, Nebraska
ROGER H. ZION, Indiana
JACKH. McDONALD, Michigan
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT, Arkansas
CLARENCE B. MILLER, Ohio
WILLIAM C. CRAMER, Florida
WILLIAM H. HARSHA, Ohio
JAMES C. CLEVELAND, New Hampshire
DON H. CLAUSEN, California
ROBERT C. McEWEN, New York
FRED SCHWENGEL, Iowa
ROBERT V. DENNEY, Nebraska
ROGER H. ZION, Indiana
JACK H. McDONALD, Michigan
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
GEORGE H. FALLON, Maryland, Chairman
COMMITTEE STAFF
RICHARD J. SULLIVAN, Chief Counsel
LESTER EDELMAN, Counsel
CLIFTON W. ENFIELD, Minority Counsel
SHELDON S. GILBERT, Associate Minority Counsel
Smr~ AssIsTANTS
DOROTHY BEAM, IJ~recutivc Staff Assistant
MERIAM BUCKLEY BELA S. YOUMANS
ANNE KENNEDY STELLA SPAULDING
STEaLTH B. CARROLL
SuBco~i~nTTEH ON ROADS
JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI, Illinois, Chairman
AUDREY G. WARREN, Professional Staff
(U)
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CONTENTS
Page
Appendix - 795
I. TEXT OF BILLS
H.R. 16994, H.R. 17134, to authorize appropriations for the fiscal years
1970 and 1971 for the construction of certain highways in accordance
with title 23 of the United States Code, and for otherpurposes 100
II. TESTIMONY
Airis, Thomas F., Director, District of Columbia Department of High- 485
ways and Traffic
Armstrong, B. B., president, the Associated General Contractors of
America, Roswell, N. Mex.; accompanied by James M. Sprouse, assist-
ant executive director, contractor services 10
Bingham, Hon. Jonathan B., a Representative in Congress from the
State of New York 383
Blackburn, Hon. Benjamin B., a Representative in Congress from the
State of Georgia 583
Borges, Ronald R., director, National Joint Heavy and Highway Con-
struction Committee; accompanied by D. D. Danielson, secretary and
director of research 574
Boyd, Hon. Alan S., Secretary of Transportation; accompanied by Hon.
Lowell K. Bridwell, Federal Highway Administrator, Department of
Transportation; Francis C. Turner, Director of Bureau of Public Roads;
Dr. William Haddon, Jr., Director, National Highway Safety Bureau;
and Dr. Robert Brenner, Deputy Director, National Highway Safety
Bureau 131, 234
Braman, Hon. J. D., mayor of Seattle, Wash., accompanied by Milton
Pikarsky, commissioner of public works, city of Chicago, appearing for
the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors - - - 495
Bresnahan, William A., managing director, American Trucking Associa-
tions, Inc.; accompanied by Edward V. Kiley, research counsel; Lewis
C. Kibbee, director, engineering department; Richard A. Lill, chief
highway engineer; and Goley D. Sontheimer 625, 777
Buchanan, John F., manager, Douglas Studs, Inc., South Fork, Colo - 569
Cabell, Hon. Earl, a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas,
accompanied by Mayor Erik Jonsson, of Dallas, Tex.; and Vincent
Ponte and Warren Travers of Ponte & Travers, planning architects and
engineers 665
Clausen, Hon. Don C., A Representative in Congress from the State of
California 396
Coupal, J. R., Jr., director of highways, State of Iowa 440
Craig, George, Western Lumber Manufacturers, Inc., San Francisco,
Calif 558
Dingwall, J. C., State highway engineer, Texas 436
Fascell, Hon. Dante, a Representative in Congress from the State of
Florida
Gilvin, L. P., vice president, Associated General Contractors of America,
Amarillo, Tex., accompanied by Nello L. Teer, chairman, highway
contractors division, and James M. Sprouse, assistant executive direc-
tor, the Associated General Contractors of America 310
Gray, Hon. Kenneth J., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Illinois 401
Greenslit, Vance, president, Greyhound Bus Co., accompanied by Charles
A. Webb, National Association of Motor Bus Owners 723
Hagenstein, W. D., executive vice president, Industrial Forestry Associa-
tion, Portland Oreg 345
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IV
Page
Hall, John, National Forest Products Association, and Knox Marshall,
California district forester, Western Wood Products Association 683
Healy, Patrick, executive director, the National League of Cities 2~
Hillenbrand, Bernard F., executive director, National Association of
Counties 26
Hopkins, Charles, State Highway Department, Florida 467
Johnson, Hon. Harold T., a Representative in Congress from the State
of California 659
Xachlein, George F., Jr., executive vice president, the American Auto-
mobile Association, accompanied by Charles Brady, director of High-
way Department, the American Automobile Association 749
Xee, Hon. James, a Representative in Congress from the State of West
Virginia; accompanied by Page Woolridge, general counsel, Pocahontas
Land Co 615
Lamb, Arch, chairman, Transportation Committee, National Association
of Counties, accompanied by Bernard F. Hillenbrand, executive director,
National Association of Counties; and Ralph Tabor, assistant director,
National Association of Counties 518
Lindsay, Mrs. Harvey L., Norfolk, Va., vice president, Associated Clubs
of Virginia for Roadside Development 554
Lorenz, Francis S., director, Department of Public Works and Buildings,
State of Illinois; accompanied by Mr. Johnson 478
Lyon, John W., president, National Parking Association 483
Mahon, Hon. George H., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Texas
Marsh, Burton W., executive director, the Institute of Traffic Engineer& -
Matsunaga, Hon. Spark M., a Representative in Congress from the State
of Hawaii 662
Miller, Burton F., executive vice president, American Road Builders Asso-
ciation; accompanied by Robert S. Holmes, president, American Road
Builders Association, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Sam P. Turnbull, engineer direc-
tor, Florida Road Builders Association, Tallahassee, Fla.; and Karl L.
Rothermund, Jr., executive director, Ohio Contractors Associati on~. - - 67, 300
Morton, John 0., president (New Hampshire), American Association of
State Highway Officials; accompanied by A. E. Johnson, executive direc-
tor; and Ross G. Stapp, chairman, AASHO Committee on Transport - 251
Moyer, George H., Jr., president, Nebraska U.S. Hiway 81 Association~. 548
Nelsen, Hon. Ancher, a Representative in Congress from the State of
Minnesota 392
Nelson, M. 1v1., Deputy Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture;
accompanied by Richard F. Droege, Associate Deputy Chief, Forest
Service 222
Pickle, Hon. J. J., a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas 358
Pyle, Howard, president, the National Safety Council; accompanied by
William G. Johnson, general manager; and Harry N. Rosenfield, gen-
eral counsel
Rhyner, Emerson, deputy chief counsel, California Division of Highways,
accompanied by Mr. Sam Helwer, California deputy State highway
engineer 336
Seacrest, Joe R., managing editor, Lincoln Journal, Lincoln, Nebr., repro-
senting 1-35W Association 421
Seitz, Paul W., president, May Stone & Sand Co., Fort Wayne, md.;
accompanied by George A. Zeigler, chairman, National Limestone
Institute
Spooner, Paul L., Roadside Business Association; accompanied by Don-
ald S. Barbour, member, executive committee 592, 677
Stafseth, Henrik E., director, Michigan Department of State Highways~ 473
Stapp, Ross G., chief administrative officer, Wyoming Highway Depart-
ment, Cheyenne, Wyo., first vice president, American Association of
State Highway Officials; accompanied by Alfred E. Johnson, executive
secretary, AASHO 51
Volpe, Hon. John A., Governor of Massachusetts, chairman, National
Governors' Conference; presented by John Jackson, office of the Gov-
ernor of Massachusetts 7
Waggonner, Hon. Joe D., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Louisiana 513
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V
Page
Walker, Hon. E. S. Johnny, a Representative in Congress from the State
of New Mexico 9
Won Pat, Antonio, government of Guam 564
Wright, Hon. Jim, a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas 419
III. WRITTEN STATEMENTS
American Paper Institute, Inc., and American Pulpwood Association 693
American Road Builders Association 81
American Transit Association 248, 690
Association of American Railroads 708
Beck, C. W. ("Red"), State representative, 23d district, State of Wash-
ington 833
Boyd, Hon. Alan, Secretary of Transportation 207
Corman, Hon. James C., a Representative in Congress from the State of
California 690
Culver, Hon. John, a Representative in Congress from the State of Iowa 406
Dc Lorenzi, John, managing director, public and government relations,
American Automobile Association 773
Dickinson, Hon. W. L., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Alabama 852
Drake, Frederick B., director of purchasing and real estate for Air Products
and Chemicals, Inc 835
Dunn, Hon. Thomas G., mayor of Elizabeth, N.J 828
Farbstein, Hon. Leonard, a Representative in Congress from the State of
New York 408
I?erguson, Joseph V., II, attorney, New Orleans, La., on behalf of Air
Products & Chemicals, Inc., New Orleans East, Inc., International Auto
Sales & Service, Inc., Oklahoma Cement Co., Dundee Cement Co.,
Louisiana Materials, Inc., Gertler Hebert Co., Pratt Farnsworth, Inc.,
Dixie Mill Supply 838
Florida Road Builders' Association, Inc 84
Gallagher, Hon. Cornelius E., a Representative in Congress from the
State of New Jersey 409
Gibbons, Hon. Sam, a Representative in Congress from the State of
Florida 406
Goodman, Ward, director of highways, Arkansas Highway Department,
chairman, AASHO Committee on Bridges and Structures, statement re
5. 2658 286
Greenslit, H. Vance, on behalf of Greyhound Lines, Inc 728
Harrison, Hon. William Henry, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Wyoming 689
Helland, Henry C. director of highways, Utah State Department of
Highways 704
Holmes, Robert S., president, American Road Builders Association 68
Johnson, Hon. Harold T. (Bizz), a Representative in Congress from the
State of California 404
Kachlein, George F., Jr., executive vice president, American Automobile
Association 750
Kleppe, Hon. Thomas, a Representative in Congress from the State of
North Dakota 408
Marsh, Hon. John 0., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Virginia 408
Miller, Burton F. executive vice president, American Road Builders
Association 301
Mitchell, Thomas F., executive representative, Georgia-Pacific Corp.,
Washington, D.C 716
Murphy, Hon. John M., a Representative in Congress from the State of
New York 415
National Association of Counties, Bernard F. Hillenbrand, executive
director 42
National Joint Heavy and Highway Construction Committee:
A B C Highway System 48
Supplemental rebutting the position of Associated General Contrac-
tors of America on Davis-Bacon coverage for A B C highway
program
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VI
Page
Nelson, M. M., Deputy Chief, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, additional comments, as requested by Chairman Kluczynski_ - - 232
New Orleans Port Commissioners 836
Pickle, Hon. J. J., a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas,
statement and additional materials 358
Price, Hon. Bob, a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas___ 413
Roadside Business Association, Donald S. Barbour, member, executive
committee 593
Schweagel, Hon. Fred, a Representative in COngress from the State of
Iowa 791
Webb, Charles A., president, National Association of Motor Bus Owners - 724
Western Lumber Manufacturers, Inc 561
Whitten, Hon. Jamie L., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Mississippi 403
Won Pat, Antonio, Representing the government of Guam 567
IV. MATERiAL RECEIVED FOR THE RECORD
Airis, Thomas F., Director, District of Columbia Department of Highways,
letter to Charles E. Hall, Division Engineer, Bureau of Public Roads,
concerning "Highway Relocation Assistance Study" 486
American Farm Bureau Federation, John C. Lynn, legislative director,
letter to Mr. Klucvznski 703
American Association of State Highway Officials:
Number of single axle load applications to bring pavement to un-
satisfactory condition (table) 256
Percentage of bridge decks designed for loadings (table) 258
American Automobile Association, George F. Kachlein, Jr., executive
vice president, letter to Congressman McEwen concerning increase
in truck widths 769
American National Cattlemen's Association, Denver, Cob., C. W. Mc-
Milan, letter to Mr. Kluczynski 708
American Road Builders Association:
Resolution relating to the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity
program adopted at their 66th annual convention at Las Vegas,
Nev., February 14, 1968 81
Resolution relating to urban transportation facilities adopted at
their 66th annual convention in Las Vegas, Nev., February 14,
1968 70
American Transit Association:
re section 14 of H.R. 17134 248
re H.R. 14474, S. 2658 690
Summary of maximum widths of transit motorbuses permitted
under State laws 691
American Trucking Association:
Additional information re proposed increases in allowable sizes and
weights of motor vehicles using the National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways 631, 645
Reply to questions submitted by Mr. Schwengel re weight, length
and widht in the trucking industry 782
Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida, Inc., John C. Dickerson,
executive director, telegram to Hon. William C. Cramer 4
Associated General Contractors of America:
Replies received from State organizations (Feb. 1968) re how many
highway contractors in their areas have gone out of business,
voluntarily or involuntarily in the past 2 years:
Alaska 12
Arizona 12
California 12
Connecticut 12
Delaware 12
Florida 11
Idaho 11
Illinois 11
Kentucky 13
Louisiana 13
Maine 13
Michigan 13
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VII
Associated General Contractors of America-Continued
Replies received from State organizations-Continued Page
Minnesota 13
Mississippi 14
Missouri 14
New Mexico 14
New York 14
North Carolina 14
North Dakota 15
Rhode Island 16
South Dakota 16
Texas 15.
Utah 15
Washington 16
West Virginia 15
Wisconsin 15
~\Tyoming 15
Tabulation 20
Telegrams received from State organizations re extension of Davis-
Bacon rates to ABC system:
South Dakota 323
Kansas 323
Texas 323
Kentucky 324
Louisiana 324
Minnesota 324
Florida 324
Iowa 324
Automobile Club of Southern Calif., Joseph E. H~tvenner, executive vice
president, letter to Hon. Chet Holifield 693
Boise Cascade Transportation Department, Boise, Idaho, F. L. Sigloh,
director of transportation and distribution, letter to Chairman Fallon - 702
Boyd, Hon. Alan S., secretary of Transportation, responses to questions
submitted by Congressman Cramer 162
Burton, Hon. Lawrence J., a representative in Congress from the State of
Utah, letter forwarding comments of director of Utah State Department
of Highways 831
Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Don A. Goodall, general
manager, legislative action, letter to Chairman Klucyznski re H.R.
17134 841
City of Chicago, Ill., resolution opposing S. 2658 764
Clausen, Hon. Don H., a representative in Congress from the State of
California, address to the second plenary session, Dec. 9, 1967 398
Department of Transportation:
Cases where States were overruled on location recommendations
(in favor of city recommendations) 154
Memorandum subject: 1968 cost estimate, adjusted apportionment
factors with table 239
Outdoor advertising control-status of negotiations 192, 193
States that have enacted some form of legislation for the control of
outdoor advertising 191
States with outdoor advertising agreements 189
Duke City Lumber Co., Inc., Albuquerque, N. Mex., Gale Weinstein,
letter to congressman Thomas G. Morris 849
Federal-aid highway fund obligations for calendar years 1967 and 1968,
assuming new 1968 fund obligations to be same as one-half 1968 appor-
tionment and one-half 1969 apportionment 78
Future highway needs of States-replies to May 15, 1968, telegram from
Chairman Kluczynski to State highway departments:
Alabama 795
Arizona 796
California 796
Connecticut 798
Colorado 798
Delaware 799
Florida 800
Georgia 800
Idaho 800
Indiana 801
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VIII
Future highway needs of States-Continued Page
Iowa - 801
Kansas - 802
Kentucky 802
Louisiana 803
Massachusetts 803
Maine 805
Michigan 805
Minnesota 806
Mississippi 806
Missouri 808
Montana 808
Nebraska 808
Nevada 809
New Hampshire 809
New Jersey 811
New Mexico 811
New York 813
North Carolina 813
North Dakota 815
Ohio 815
Oklahoma 818
Oregon 820
Pennsylvania. 821
Rhone Island 821
South Carolina 822
South Dakota 823
Tennessee 824
Texas 825
Utah 825
Vermont 826
Virginia 826
Washington 826
West Virginia 826
Wisconsin 827
Wyoming 828
Hiway 81 Association (Nebraska) 548
H.R. 14953 589
H.R. 961 588
Hughes, Philip S., Deputy Director, Executive Office of the President,
Bureau of the Budget, Statement before the Subcommittee on Inter-
governmental Relations of the Senate Committee on Government
Operations on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act and Related
Measures 135
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Nils A. Lofgren, acting president,
letter 842
Iowa Good Roads Association, Inc., R. G. Hileman, chairman, Joint Roads
Committee for Action, letter to Mr. Kluczynski 703
Iowa Mississippi River Resource-A preliminary planning report 446
Lane, W.W., Mayor, Center, Tex., letter 831
Latham, K. Kemper, president, Shelby County (Texas) Sportsman Club,
letter 830
Masheter, P.E., director of highways, State of Ohio, letter to Chairman,
Fallon 58
Montana State Highway Commission, Lewis M. Chittim, State highway
engineer, lettertoMr. Kluczynski 721
Motley, Jack, president, Center, Tex., Development Foundation Center,
letter 831
National Apple Institute, Fred P. Corey, executive vice president, letter to
Mr. ~uczyiishi 707
National Association of Motor Bus Owners, Stanley Hamilton, letter to
Congressman McCarthy presenting information relating to the pro-
portionate numbers of interstate buses relative to total motor vehicle
population in the United States and comparable accident experience in
terms of fatalities 737
National Highway 50 Federation, John Gianotti, president, letter, reso-
lution 843
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Ix
National League of Cities and National Association of Counties (supple-
mentary statements): Page
Highway programs 529
Urban-rural balance 532
National Safety Council:
Themotorvehicleaccidentsituatiofl 542
Motor-vehicle deaths and changes, total United States, April and 4
months, 1968
State Motor Vehicle Deaths, Changes, and rates 544
Naval Air Basic Training Command, summaries of safety achievement
records during first calendar quarter 1968 545
The effect of a reduced budget on safety programs fiscal year 1967-68
and 1968-69
Status of highway safety programs, May 1968 545
Cost-benefit implications of National Highway Safety Bureau budget- 546
National Wool Growers Association, Salt Lake City, Utah, Edwin E.
Marsh, executive secretary, letter to Chairman Fallon 703
North West Timber Association, Eugene, Oreg., Arnold D. Ewing, pres-
ident, letter 851
Ohio Contractors Association, Karl L. Rothermund, Jr., letter to U.S.
Department of Labor re objections to proposed Office of Federal Con-
tract Compliance regulations under Executive Order 11246-request to
substituteaprequalificatiOnPlan 88
Ore-Ida Foods, Inc., Ontario, Oreg., Dwaine E. Griffith, general traffic
manager, letter to Chairman Fallon 692
Pan American Highway Association, Inc., Merle M. Miller, president, letter
to Congressman Denney 829
Pate, Hon. V. V., judge, Shelby County, Tex 831
Population of the standard metropolitan areas not on the Interstate System
and distance from nearest interstate highway 529
Radford, Robert, chairman Watershed Fire Council of southern California,
letter 831
Resolution No. 68-1, passed by Houston, Tex. City Council, January 10,
1968, endorsing proposed legislation recommended by the American
Association of State Highway Officials 65
Robbins, Eugene W., managing director, Contractors Division, American
Road Builders Association, letters to Department of Labor re preaward
compliance procedures for federally involved construction contracts of $1
million or more 82, 84
Sisk, Hon. B. F., a Representative in Congress from the State of California,
letter to Chairman Kluczynski 417
State legal maximum dimensions and weights of motor vehicles compared
with AASHO standards (prepared by the American Association of State
Highway Officials, Dec. 31, 1967) 689
Standard Lime & Refractories, Inc., Baltimore, Md., Lewis Rumford, II,
president, letter re H.R. 14474 842
State of California Transportation Agency, Sacramento, Calif 5
State of Connecticut, Howard S. Ives, State highway commissioner, letter
to Hon. Emilio Q. Daddario and Hon. Donald J. Erwin 719
State of Minnesota, Hon. Harold LeVander, Governor, letters to Hon.
Ancher Nelson re highway trust funds 394
Statement of the effect of the official Federal highway cutback and un-
official holdback of Federal highway funds on the A.B.C. system in Min-
nesota. ~From Minnesota Good Roads, Inel 95
U.S. Conference of Mayors, John J. Gunther, executive director, resolution
adopted by 1968 Annual Conference of Mayors 717
Weitzel, Frank H., Assistant Comptroller of the United States, letter to
Mr. Cramer re requirements for acceptable "affirmative action programs"
for compliance with the equal employment opportunity conditions of
Executive Order No. 11246 (September 24, 1965) 243
Western Forestry and Conservation Association, Portland, Oreg., Arthur
M. Roberts, forest counsel, letter 850
Western Governors Conference, 1968 Annual Meeting-Resolution relat-
ing to Federal Highway Trust Fund 340
Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, Mich., William V. Snyder, general
manager, physical distribution, letter to Mr. Kluczynski 704
Williams, Lawrence G., a Representative in Congress from the State of
Pennsylvania, letter to Chairman Kluczynski 851
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x
Page
Proceedings of-
February 20, 1968 1
February 21, 1968 51
May 23, 1968 99
May 28, 1968 251
June 4, 1968 353
June 5, 1968 495
June 11, 1968 615
June 12, 1968 723
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FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT-196S
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1968
HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
SUB00MMIrrEE ON ROADS
OF THE COMMm~EE ON Pmu~c WORKS,
Washington, D.C.
The subcommittee met at 10: 05 a.rn., in room 2167, Rayburn Build-
ing, Hon. John C. Kluczynski, chairman of the subcommittee,
presiding.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The subcommittee will come to order.
Today we begin highway hearings for the year 1968. This is a
most important year insofar as the highway program is concerned.
We have before us a number of reports that were requested by the
Congress from the Department of Transportation on the future of
the highway program, our highway needs, and the overall cost of the
Interstate System. The backbone of this highway program has been
and still is the ABC program.
So today, as we undertake what I anticipate will ultimately be
lengthy hearings on highway matters, it is most appropriate that we
begin with the need for the continuation of our ABC program and
for its future authorization.
I anticipate that before we have concluded hearings on all the high-
way matters pending before this subcommittee we will have covered
in detail the problems facing the highway program, and I hope we
will then be in a position to provide by legislation the solution to most
of these problems.
At this time I recognize the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to have the indulgence of
the committee for just a minute. I would like to outline what I con-
sider to be some of the problem areas that I think these hearings ought
to go into, this being, as I understand it, the beginning of the hearing.
I firmly believe this is a year of decision relating to highway con-
struction in America. The program today is in a state of crisis. The
ups and downs, cutbacks, the yo-yo program, must come to an end.
Frankly I am becoming more and more in favor of legislation mak-
ing the trust fund inviolate, from being used for budgetary manipula-
tion purposes. This last cutback I think best evidences the fact that
executive efforts, or, in effect, misuse of the fund, in my opinion, has
resulted in substantial discrimination between States, and has done
great damage to the program.
I put in the Record yesterday, February 19, my comments relating
to it. They appear starting on page 81136. I cite a couple of examples
of discrimination.
(1)
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2
Obviously, I would cite tue State of Florida, in which the cut
amounts to some 3 percent of what otherwise would be available for
obligation this year. I cite, for instance, the State of Delaware, 73
percent possible cut. I cite the State of Maryland, 84 percent possible
cut, as compared, for instance, to the State of Colorado that gets
a plus 15 percent possibly. The State of Masachusetts gets a plus 27
percent.
And this, of course, as the members of this committee know, results
from the formula used for the cutback supposedly of 5 percent of
last year's construction obligations.
They didn't mention, however, that they are also freezing the $1
million of unobligated obligational releases carried over from cal-
endar year 1967.
So I think this whole aspect of cutback authority must be considered
this year by this Congress, and first by this committee.
Thirdly, I have been sorely concerned about the results of, as it
relates to getting the job done, the Transportation Department Act.
It appears to me that the redt.ape is piling up, that we are more and
more approaching a bureaucratic jungle. There has not been, in my
opinion, adequate delegation of authority to the Bureau of Public
Roads to the field offices.
Prior to this act, applications came to the division and the region
of the Bureau; decisions were made. Now it goes to the division office
in the State and then to a newly created-just recently as I under-
stand it-assistant to the Regional Federal Highway Administrator,
who is superimposed between the division engineer and the Regional
Federa.l Highway Administrator.
Then it goes on to the Regional Federal Highway Administrator,
and eventually it gets to the Bureau; then it goes to the Highway
Administrator, and then to the Secretary.
I think the obvious red tape is evident from that exposition of the
procedure. Of course that does not include the auto safety, separate
division, the beautification, separate division.
Fourthly, I think we should consider whether or not this highway
program can be made an implement for helping to solve our hard-
core unemployment problems. In the Appalachian Regional Develop-
ment Act, it is permitted that 20 percent of the cost be attributed to
solving hard-core unemployment.
Fifthly, I think we should look very carefully into Executive Order
11246, relating to Federal employment practices Commission regula-
tions resulting from title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
And I will say as an aside, Mr. Chairman, that I sat on the Judi-
ciary Committee that heard this matter, supposedly. We didii't actually
hear FEPC. That was Education and Labor Committee hearing. It
was added to the bill, and I am confident that those who voted for
it did not intend that the requirements of fair employment practice
should result in negating existing contract-letting legislation and
competitive bidding.
I think it is wrong to have an element of uncertainty in the bidding.
I think it would result in substantially increased costs in highway con-
PAGENO="0013"
3
struction if the present order is permitted to stand, which requires
precontract negotiation.
No. 6, I think we ought to give serious consideration to what Fed-
eral participation or what type of program should be instituted relat-
ing to urban transportation planning generally, similar to that being
accomplished now by the concept team in the great State of Maryland,
in Baltimore.
Lastly, I think it is essential that we, in this year, consider the after
1972 program, so that *the States will know what the future of the
Interstate System is. I personally think we ought to include legisla-
tion referring to missing links as well as urban connectors, and give
full consideration not only to ABC but to the after 1972 interstate
program.
These are some of the challenges, as I see it, Mr. Chairman, offered
to this committee this year; and that is why I say this is the year of
decision.
Thank you.
Mr. KLuczYNsKr. Thank you, Mr. Cramer. As you know, the coin-
mittee will go over that statement of yours and your program, and I
am sure that this committee will be able to come out with a program
that will satisfy the needs you have outlined.
Mr. CRAMER. May I just say one additional comment?
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. One reason for my real deep concern about this cut-
back is what it has already meant to the State of Florida. And I
just cite two examples.
First example, supplied by Sam Turnbull, who is director of the
American iRoadbuilders for Florida, the construction program in
Florida for 1965 was $120 million; 1966, $200 million; 1967, $100
million; and 1968 promises to be $38 million less than $100 million.
One contractor in the Tampa area had 400 employees 1 year ago,
with a $40,000 per week payroll; today he has 286 employees, with
less than $30,000 per week payroll.
Contractors in Florida generally are working at approximately 35
percent of capacity.
One other example. I would like to place this telegram in the record.
This comes from John C. Dickerson, executive director, Asphalt Con-
tractors Association of Florida, directed to me:
The hot plant mix asphalt industry of Florida represents an equipment invest-
ment of $43,750,000. During our last fiscal year the annual payroll was
$22,500,000; with 4,000 employees. This industry used raw materials that
included 91,250,000 gallons of liquid asphalt and 0,300,000 tons of crushed aggre-
gate. This raw material required considerable payroll. Today our operation has
been cut in half due to lack of highway funds. Any further decrease in available
funds can only cause more damage to this industry, increase unemployment in
Florida, and a failure to supply badly needed highways can only increase traffic
death tolls. This association will appreciate any steps you are able to take that
will prevent any further reduction in the highway funds.
Thank you.
Mr. KLTJCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Cramer.
You heard the telegram read by Mr. Cramer, and it will be made
a part of the record.
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4
{Telegram]
ASPHALT C(YNTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF FLonni&, Ixc..
Winter Park, Fla~, February 20, 1968.
Hon. WILLIAM Ct CRAMER,
Rayburn Office Bvilciing,
Washington, D.C.:
The hot plant mix asphalt industry of Florida represents an equipment invest-
ment of $43,750,000. During our last fiscal year the annual payroll n-as
$22500000, with 4.000 employees. This industry used raw materials that included
91,250.000 gallons of liquid asphalt, and 0,300000 tons of crushed aggregate. This
raw material required considerable payroll. Today our operation has been cut in
half due to lack of highway funds. Any further decrease in available funds can
only cause more damage to this industry, increase unemployment in Florida. and
a failure to supply badly needed highways can only increase traffic death tolls.
This association will appreciate any steps you are able to take that will prevent
any further reduction in the highway funds.
Joux C. DICKERSON, Eaecntive Director.
State road department 01 construction by Florida contractors
1005 $120, 000, 000
1966 200, 000, 000
1967 100, 000, 000
1968 (less than $100 million if cut back enforced) 38, 000. 000
One contractor in Tampa area bad 400 employees 1 year ago with a $40,000 per
week payroll. Today he has 286 employees with less than $30,000 per week
payroll.
Contractors in Florida working at approximately 35 percent capacity.
Mr. KLuczYxsxI. Mr. Chairman, do you want to make some re-
marks?
Mr. FALLON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I could not agree more with the statement of Mr. Cramer, if I had
macic it myself. I think, as these hearings progress, not only will we be
able to do the things that are necessary, which were stated by the gen-
tlemen from Florida, but I think there might be some which will be
implemented in many ways. I might say I have a number of communi-
cations from the highways departments and the Governors of a nmn-
ber of States, and we intend to read them over. There seems to be
many of them that are repetitious and many of them are explaining
their own personal problems.
I will ask permission, Mr. Chairman, to msert in the record the ones
that I think will help the committee hi its deliberations on this subject.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Hearing no objections; so ordered.
(Subsequently, on May 15, 1968, Chairman Kluczynski telegraphed
th~ highway departments of each state. The replies received may be
found beginning on p. 795.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The gentleman from California, Mr. Clausen.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
At the outset, I want to extend my own personal compliments to the
chairman for initiating these hearings, and also to concur with all the
comments made by the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Cramer.
Recently in California I had an opportunity to meet with our own
highway officials, and I can't tell you how concerned generally they
are about this overall cutback program. They have indicated that it
seems to place them on a stop-and-go position, and almost as though
they are on the end of a string, like a yo-yo.
PAGENO="0015"
5
I want to just go on record before this committee as indicating that
California is very much disturbed about this continumg cutback, the
release, then the cutbacks.
Further, Mr. Chairman, having been a member of the county gov-
ernment units in California, I want to express my own personal desire
that these hearings will bring forth a maximum opportunity for the
cities and counties of America to be heard, as we look at the overall
ABC program. In my judgment, America desperately needs a balanced
highway program, balanced between the Interstate System, primary,
and secondary road systems of the country, as well as the city
improvements.
And the only way in which this can be accomplished, in my judg-
ment, is to develop the balanced system of finance, so I am hopeful
we will take a good look at the existing formula, with a smgular em-
phasis on the improvement of the formula for primary and secondary
roads. I think this will do a great deal to provide access into some of
these communities, because certainly in this country we need to have
economic growth, and unless we have economic growth, unless we have
the highway access into every section of the country, we cannot antici-
pate the maximum in economic growth.
So, with all the problems we have in the cities today, it would seem
to me we might be able to provide something in the way of pressure
release for the problems of the city by developing the access roads out
into rural America.
Having returned from the National Road Federation meeting in
Australia, I am convinced again that we here in America must provide
the leadership with a proper type of formula for the balancing of our
highway system; and in the interest of time, Mr. Chairman, I would
like to ask permission of the Chair to revise and extend my remarks
in depth, so that it will be recorded at this point in the record, for the
purpose of including the statement of Governor Reagan to the recent
National Governor's Conference.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Without objection; so ordered.
(Statement follows:)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION AGENCY, SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 29, 1968.-Eight major transportation problems
and California Governor Ronald Reagan's potential solutions were submitted
today to the National Committee on Transportation at the National Governors'
Conference meeting here.
Governor Reagan, who serves as committee chairman, was unable to attend
the Washington, D.C. meeting and was represented by Gordon C. Luce, Secretary
of Business and Transportation in Reagan's cabinet.
Congressional investigation was cited as the answer to problems created by
current delays in interstate highway funding and any similar future tampering
with the flow of funds.
Reagan refused to accept as valid statements by federal officials that the delay
is aimed at combating inflation but instead pointed out that the resulting slow-
down in planning and construction has cost the states inestimable millions of
dollars.
"In California," he said, "the construction cost index decreased 6.5 percent in
1967 over 1966. Prices now are going up, however, and we recommended an ac-
celerated program to beat inflation rather than allow a disruption and slowdown,
as these cutbacks are forcing the states to do.
"Cutbacks in the release of federal funds have damaged orderly planning,
scheduling and programming of `highway construction, are inconsistent with the
PAGENO="0016"
6
intent of Congress to complete the interstate system at the earliest possible date,
and have adversely affected the safety program on the nation's highways."
Lack of mass transportation facilities was declared a central problem because
it affects jobs, welfare, racial problems, business, recreation and even senior
citizen needs. As a remedy, the California report calls for concentration of efforts
on developing coordinated urban and rural mass transportation systems.
It declared that each locality should determine the forms of transportation re-
quired and methods to pay for them. Federal and state governments are rele-
gated to the comparatively minor roles of coordination, research and integrated
planning. Programming mass transportation systems in urban areas would be
aided by combining the Department of Housing and Urban Development with the
Department of Transportation.
In dealing with safety problems, federal traffic safety standards are declared
to be minimum bases which each state should surpass.
The alcoholic driver is identified as a prime cause of preventable accidents and
the report urges each state to take the lead in barring drunk drivers from
highways.
Other safety recommendations include broader representation of the states on
the National Highway Safety Committee, that Congress authorize a more flexible
time schedule fOr traffic safety reports required by federal law, and more precise
definitions of state safety programs which can qualify for federal funding.
Federal-aid programs are classified as a problem. The basic complaint centers
about the high cost of federal administration and the inherent rigidity. The
report noted that California drivers will pay a billion dollars more in federal
highway user taxes than will be returned to the state for interstate construction.
Once the interstate system is complete, Reagan recommends reduced federal
participation and controls plus pro-rating future finances on the basis of need
with monies dedicated well in advance so that careful planning can take place.
"Federal highway trust funds should not be diverted to other forms of trans-
portation after completion of the interstate program. Localities in states should
be allowed to determine the forms of transportation best suited to their needs,
and any such programs of mass transportation should be directed and developed
in the states rather than by the federal government," the report declares.
Federal policy which penalizes states that fail to. meet environmental criteria
for highways was criticized. The California governor believes a program through
which incentives are offered for meeting beautification standards would be far
more effective.
He recommended that the "federal government increase its share in transpor-
tation projects when proper planning is accomplished rather than threaten to
penalize governments as has been the case in the past.
"States should be encouraged to further scenic highway programs, improve
landscaping, and add to the enjoyment of highway users. A basic highway design
should be offered to localities and they in turn should be allowed to decide the
best environmental approach in their area and participate in the funding of
special amenities essential to the improvement of their area.
"Principal responsibility for beautification programs should be with states and
local governments."
The imperative need for airport planning and funding was noted along with
the probability that some future taxation will be required. "We oppose a federal
airport users tax fund, since federal overhead and inflexibilities tend to reduce
the effectiveness of such an approach. States should be allowed to keep and
utilize any such users tax free of federal controls on such a program."
"Possibly, matching funds or tax incentives should be available from the fed-
eral government to encourage proper future airport planning but studies should
be made before a final recommendation is made on such funding."
The need to encourage future modes of transportation is noted, especially in
the field of water transportation, and the recommendation is made that research
and development funds be dedicated to the imprOvement and refinement of exist-
ing facilities.
Automobile accident insurance is identified by Reagan as a problem because
costs of insurance claims are continually increasing with a resulting increase
in insurance premiums. The increase in losses is causing insurance companies to
be more selective in accepting new policy holders and in renewing existing
policies.
He attributed merit to an American Bar Association study of a proposal to
abolish damage suits in auto accidents and substitute a system whereby an auto
PAGENO="0017"
7
is insured against crashes regardless of fault. This type of coverage might limit
the personal damage possibilities in auto accidents and thereby reduce insurance
premiums.
Other committee members are Governor Buford Ellington, Tennessee, vice
chairman; Governor Harold Hughes, Iowa; Governor George Romney, Michi-
gan; Governor Tom McCall, Oregon; Governor Robert McNair, South Carolina,
and Governor Mills Godwin, Virginia.
Mr. KLTJCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Clausen.
We were very happy to hear from the chairman of the full com-
mittee, and Mr. Cramer, and Mr. Clausen. I have always said it is
one of the finest committees in Congress, and the chairman is willing
to sit here at the hearings from now until the first of July, and I am
sure all of the members of this committee will help in their attend-
ance with the chairman, and I hope we can take care of all the road
problems between now and the first of July.
Mr. CLATJSEN. Mr. Chairman, will you just yield briefly?
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Yes.
Mr. CLAIJSEN. Your visit, Mr. Chairman, to our congressional dis-
trict in California has given the people of that area more in the way
of interest and enthusiasm than any singular thing, when you recog-
nized the need to advance the forest roads and the development of
those forest roads, and your interest in this is something that I shall
compliment you for from this day forward.
Mr. KLIJCZYNSKI. Thank you.
Now, for the first witness I am delighted to have with us this morn-
ing Mr. John Jackson of the office of the Governor of Massachusetts,
who will read the statement of Governor Volpe.
The floor is yours, Mr. Jackson, and we look forward to your
remarks.
STATEMENT OF GOV. JOHN A. VOLPE OF MASSACHUSETTS, CHAIR-
MAN, NATIONAL GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE; PRESENTED BY
JOHN JACKSON, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Mr. JACKSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, and distinguished members of the committee:
I appreciate this opportunity to present for the record of these
hearings some thoughts on the highway situation facing the States.
The outstanding work which you have done over the years in
developing the Federal aid highway programs has resulted in the
construction of the finest national and State network of highways in
the world. America is a Nation on wheels. And you have contributed
significantly toward helping people travel from one place to another.
These hearings today on the Federal aid highway, ABC program
are timely? They provide an opportunity for the Nation and the States
to ch~cover where they are in highway development, and also to de-
termine where they can and ought to go from here.
The 1968 National Highway Needs Report, just presented to the
Congress, tells the story in reasonably accurate estimates. The high-
lights of our needs are sobering:
A 71-percent increase in highway travel to more than 1.5 trillion
miles a year by 1985.
96~-O3O--GS----2
PAGENO="0018"
8
Our States have determined that additional freeway mileage of at
least 41,000 miles, equal to the Interstate System, will be needed by
1985.
The report estimates the cost of needed capitai improvements on
all streets, roads, and highways at $293 billion for the 1965-85 period.
A third of this is for local streets and roads.
The Federal Highway Administration has just increased its esti-
mate of the total cost for the Interstate System to $56.5 billion. This
is an increase of $9.7 billion over the last estimate submitted in 1965.
And in the midst of all this, with the States anxious to know what
is going to happen after 1972 in highway financing, the Secretary of
Transportation announces a~ cutback in highway trust funds.
All Governors expressed their opposition to such a cutback when
it was proposed in three alternative formulas last October. And we
will oppose it today.
The proposed cutback is offered as a measure to control inflationary
pressures. We believe that deferral of highway funds at this time
will not have the effect of combating inflation in any measurable way.
By delaying these highway construction programs, they will actually
become victims of inflation. Construction costs are sure to rise. The
delay will result in higher costs for building the same projects at a
later time.
The most immediate effect will be to interrupt the engineering and
planning aspects of highway development. Projects ready for con-
tracting and construction will be halted. The great backlog of high-
way needs will be piled higher. Final accomplishment of the present
highway program becomes less and less a reality within our grasp.
And the projected work on ABC programs and on urban highway
needs is that much further away.
In terms of administration of highway departments, this cutback
hurts the States. This prolonged uncertainty creates hardships in
recruiting and retaining trained personnel. The States are wonder-
ing if it is wise to plan ahead to try to meet the fantastic highway
needs of the future.
The highway industry is, of course, greatly affected by this atmos-
phere of instability. For every man employed on a highway job, there
are 21/2 men employed in support activities. The highway program
has quite an impact on the economic picture. But we wonder if the
unemployment resulting from this fund cutback is the best way to
solve our economic problems.
By creating a $600 million balance of unobligated funds in the high-
way trust fund, the Secretary of Transportation makes available a
resource of loan money for the General Treasury. This $600 million
can then be used to offset expenditures of th~ general budget. This pro-
vision in the trust fund law was in the event that the highway money
was not needed by the States for construction programs. I assure you
that this need definitely does still exist.
The States are carrying their share of the burden. Several States are
in the process of enacting legislation for bond issues or for gasoline
PAGENO="0019"
9
tax increases for highway purposes. The announcement of a highway
fund cutback can have a damaging effect on such efforts.
Mr. Chairman, the Governors do recognize the national economic
problems facing us today. And they would, of course, not place the in-
terests of the highway programs above the national interests of eco-
nomic stability or defense efforts. We feel, nevertheless, that other
more direct means of curbing inflation ought to be explored. It would
be unwise public policy, in our opinion, to extend the proposed fund
reduction beyond the 1968 calendar year. We urge restoration of the
deferred funds at the earliest possible date.
We must look to the future to see what can be done to prevent fur-
ther cutbacks in highway trust fund allocations and obligations. The
instability in highway programing, and the delays in project accom-
plishment which always result from such actions certainly were not
within the intent of the Congress when it created the trust fund.
I trust this subcommittee will explore proposals for amending Fed-
eral laws to prevent such deferrals and withholding of funds from the
highway trust fund. The total opposition of the Governors to this
$600 million deferral would indicate their strong support for such a
measure.
Mr. Chairman, the highway needs of America are serious. They are
related to our economy, our defense, and to the safety and welfare of
our people. We must act responsibly and quickly to meet these needs.
The States are ready to move. And we look forward to working in
partnership with the Federal Government.
Thank you.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for that splendid state-
ment of the Governor's. You may send him our best regards, from the
chairman and members of this committee. He has appeared before this
committee many times.
Any questions to my right?
Any questions to my left?
Thank you, Mr. Jackson. It has been a pleasure to have you before
this committee.
At this time I want to introduce to this committee one of our out-
standing Members of Congress. I do not know whether it is "Black"
or "Red" label, but he is the Congressman from New Mexico.
John, will you take the stand.
STATEMENT OP HON. E. S. J~OHNNY WALKER, A REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS PROM THE STATE OP NEW MEXICO
Mr. WALKER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee.
I will not give any testimony this morning. However, I do want to
thank you and the committee for the privilege of introducing my
friend, B. B. Armstrong, who is currently the president of the As-
sociated General Contractors of America, from Roswell, N. Mex.,
who has a prepared statement for the committee, and I think pretty
much represents the thinking of us today.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to introduce Mr. Armstrong.
Mr. KLUGZYNSKI. We will be happy to hear you.
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10
STATKMENT OP B. B. ARMSTRONG, PRESIDENT, THE ASSOCIATED
GENERAL CONTRACTORS OP AMERICA, ROSWELL, N. IVIEX.; AC-
COMPANIED BY NAMES M. SPROUSE, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE.
DIRECTOR, CONTRACTOR SERVICES
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my
name is B. B. Armstrong. I am the managing partner of Armstrong
& Armstrong, a highway construction firm in Roswell, N. Mex.
Currently, I serve as president of the Associated General Contrac-
tors of America, a trade association of over 8,500 of the Nation's lead-
mg general construction contractors. Nearly 4,000 of these are high-
way contractors, and are the men who are building the road network
this committee is considering.
I am accompanied by James M. Sprouse, assistant executive direc-
tor of the AGO, who has appeared before this committee many times.
My firm, Armstrong & Armstrong, performs about $3 million worth
of highway construction a year. We work only in New Mexico, and
the New Mexico Highway Department is our only source of work.
My qualifications for speaking to you on highway construction also
include three terms as president of the Associated Contractors of New
Mexico, 10 years' membership on our joint committee with the Ameri-
can Association of State Highway Officials, chairman of the AGO
Highway Division and 3 years as a member of the AGO executive
committee.
The AGO strongly supports the continuation of the ABC program
at its current level. This carries out the intent of this committee, and
of the Congress, as set forth in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.
The continued improvement of this network of arterial roads is vital
to our Nation's security, and is urgently needed for the development
of cities, for the full utilization of our natural resources, and for the
promotion of our industrial and agricultural growth.
Surveys show that the chief factors involved in business decisions
concerning plant location are based primarily on the availability of
markets, raw materials, and labor supply. The No. 1 factor is always
good transportation, for without good transportation no industry can
operate successfully.
We hope, therefore, that this committee and the Congress will auth-
orize the construction of this program on its present basis.
We think, however, that we should point out to this committee that
even as we are advocating the continuation of the highway program
on an orderly basis, we are suffering from the effects of cutbacks, past
and present, in that same program, and we certainly would be remiss
if we did not bring to your attention the serious consequences of those
cutbacks and their effect on those who depend on highway construction
for their livelihood.
The great majority of firms participating in the construction of
Federal-aid highways are small organizations. They are not diversi-
fied, and highway construction provides their only income. Many must
obtain contracts to enable them to meet payments on their plant. and
equipment. These firms are always the first casualties of a cutback in
the Federal-aid highway program, since most lack the resources to
carry them over long periods of idleness. Even if they do survive, they
PAGENO="0021"
11
can hardly be expected to reinvest in a future program, with no assur-
ance of its continuity.
For all highway contractors, small or large, cutbacks create diffi-
culty in intelligently planning work, in bidding on contracts, in mobi-
lizing equipment, personnel, and sources of supply. Contractors have
made long-term commitments for plant and equipment, relying on the
stated intent of Congress to maintain a balanced, orderly, properly
financed highway program.
The design and construction of highways is a continuing, and long-
reaching process. Projects must be scheduled far in advance of actual
construction, and that schedule is of necessity based on the predictable
availability of Federal funds.
Short, intermittent, delayed, and unscheduled releases of these funds
undermine the entire planning process, and serve only to prevent
orderly completion of highways and to substantially increase their
overall cost. Unless a basically stable letting schedule can be carried
on by the State highway departments, contractors cannot maintain effi-
cient operational organizations: they lose the construction momentum
necessary for economical operations. All too frequently they are forced
out of business.
At this point we request permission to have inserted in the record
of these hearings, as a supplement to my testimony, the replies re-
ceived to a survey conducted by the AGO, asking its State organiza-
tions how many highway contractors in their areas have gone out of
business, voluntarily or involuntarily in the past 2 years.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Without objection; so ordered.
(Documents referred to follow:)
[Telegram~j
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF ILLINOIS,
springfield, Iii., February 15, 1968.
Mr. J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Our directors estimate 35 Illinois highway contractors have gone out of busi-
ness during past 2 years.
CHARLES MILLER.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS,
Boise, Idaho, February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your telegram of February 14, 1968, concerning contractors went out of
business past 2 years. Idaho branch inclusive area had eight. Seven voluntary
and one involuntary.
J. P. MOLITOR.
AssocIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS,
Miami, Fia., February 15, 1968.
.J. M. SPROUSE,
Manager, Highway Heavy Division,
Associated General Contractors o~ America, Inc.,
Washington, D.C.:
Re telegram contractor failures approximately 20 annually according to
SUrvey.
PAUL H. HINDS,
Eweentive Manager, south Florida Chapter.
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12
Assocr~rID GENERAL CONTRACTORS,
Tampa, Fia., February 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Assistant E~ecutive Director, Contract Services,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Re telegram requesting number of firms going out of btisiness 1966-67, Florida
west coast chapter, AGO. 12-county area west coast of Florida-St. Petersburg,
Tampa, Clearwater-knowledge of nine firms.
CLAY MCCULLOCH,
Florida West Coast Chapter.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF DELAWARE.
Wilmington, Del., February 16, 1968
J. 1\1. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your telegram two contractors voluntarily went out of business within
past 2 years.
SKIPPY LYNESS.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF CONNECTICUT,
~ew Haven, Conn., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPR0u5E,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your wire, we know of three firms which have ceased doing construction
work during the past 2 years. One of these now trying to reactivate construc-
tion activity. Probably more but no factual knowledge.
FRANK J. WHITE.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS,
Phoenico, Ariz., February 14, 1968.
JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your telegram, approximately 15 highway heavy contractors have gone out
of business in Arizona in the past 2 years.
JAMES R. MCDONALD, Arizona Chapter.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Five AGO members and estimated 15 non-AGO members out of business in last
2 years in San Diego County.
GLENN DowDY.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS,
Anchorage. Alaska. February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
To the best of my knowledge there were only three contractors considered
reputable in the area who voluntarily went out of business within the past 2
years.
NORMAN L. SCHWALB, Manager.
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13
Los ANGELES, CALIF., February 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Cursory survey indicates excess of 4,000 contractors (all types) went out of
business through one means or another during last 2-year period here in southern
California.
RICHARD B. MUNN.
KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF HIGHWAY CONTRACTORS,
Frankfort, Ky., February 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Re telegram February 14, nine contractors, all small except one.
D. E. COMLEY, Eccecutive Director.
THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA, INC.,
LOUISIANA HIGHWAY AND HEAVY CONSTRUCTION BRANCH,
Baton Rouge, La., February 15, 1968.
Mr. J. M. SPROUSE,
Assistant Ecvecutive Director, Contractor Services,
Associated General Contractors, Washington, D.C.
DEAR JIM: As far as we are able to determine, approximately 53 Louisiana
firms engaged in highway and heavy construction went out of business within
the the past 2 years.
Sincerely,
PRESTON EGGERS, Jr., Managing Director.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MAINE,
Augusta, Maine, Februray 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.
Four contractors went out of business in the State of Maine in the last 2 years.
RALPH KNOWLTON.
MICHIGAN ROAD BUILDERS,
Lansing, Mich., February 14, 1968.
JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.
Eleven highway contractors went out of business in the State of Michigan
during period from January 1, 1966, to December 31, 1967.
C. V. KLAPAC.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MINNESOTA,
Minneapolis, Minn., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.
Approximately 12 Minnesota members out of business past 2 years.
W. H. GARY,
PAGENO="0024"
14
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MISSISSIPPI,
Jackson, Miss., February 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.
Re your telegram only two contractors our area out of business within past
2 years-one voluntarily, 1 involuntarily.
KinK JEFFREYS.
A55OCIATRB GENERAL CONTRACToRs OF AMERICA,
SANTA FE, N. MEx., February 14, 1968.
3. M. SPROUSE,
Associated Gen eral Con tractors,
Washington, D.C.
Best knowledge two contractors this area went out of business within past
year. President Armstrong could best provide information for previous years.
ROBERT RAGSDALE.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MISSOURI,
Jefferson City, Mo., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.
To the best of our knowledge, re highway heavy contractors our area, approxi-
mately three went out of business involuntarily and an equal number voluntarily.
JAMES W. KELLY.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA,
NEW YORK STATE CHAPTER, INC.,
Albany, N.Y., February 16, 1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
Washington, D.C.
Replying to your telegram dated February 13.
To the best of our knowledge six contractors from this area have voluntarily
~`gone out of business" and one involuntarily.
Looking forward to seeing you again at our convention in Dallas next month.
THOMAS C. KUEBLER.
THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA, INC.,
CAROLINAS BRANCH,
Charlotte, N.C., February 14,1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Assistant Ewecutive Directer, Contract Services,
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
TVashington, D.C.
DEAR JIM: In response to your telegraphic inquiry today, this is to advise that
our records indicate a total of 18 buildings, highway, and heavy contractors in
our area have gone out of business during the past 2 years; nine voluntarily and
nine involuntarily. Of the nine voluntarily going out of buiSness, six of these
were due to death of the principal.
This survey is based on about 500 contractors who do approximately 90 percent
of the industrial work in the Carolinas.
Very truly yours,
HENRY J. PIERCE, Managing Director.
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15
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF NORTH DAKOTA,
Bismarck, N. Dale., Febraary 14, 1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. SPROUSE: Approximately 11 contractors in our area either went out
of business voluntarily or involuntarily within the past 2 years.
Sincerely,
GERALD W. McCoy, Manager.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF WYOMING,
Cheyenne, Wyo., February 15, 1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
Washington, D.C.
Estimated four contractors in Wyoming have gone out of business during the
last 2 years.
JACK KNOT.
MADISON, Wis., February 15, 1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
Washington, D.C.
Re your telegram of February 14 to the best of our knowledge about 12 general
contractors in our area went out of business in the past 2 years. None of these
were AGC members.
G. L. COLUCCY, Assistant Manager.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Charleston, W. Va., February 14, 1968.
Mr. JAMES M. SPROUSE,
Assistant Executive Director, Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.
Re your telegram, eight members West Virginia chapter went out of business
in past 2 years, seven voluntarily and one involuntarily.
A good estimate is that at least 15 contractors have quit the business in West
Virginia in 2-year period.
EUGENE H. BROWN, Executive Secretary.
UTAH CHAPTER, AGC,
Salt Lake City, Utah.
JAMES SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washinytan, D.C.:
Six members of our association have gone out of business in the past 2 years.
H. J. GUNN.
TEXAS HIGHWAY HEAVY BRANCH, AGC,
Austin, Tex., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROU5E,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your telegram, ten contractors went out of business either voluntarily or
involuntarily during the past two years.
JAMES M. RICHARDS.
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16
TACOMA CHAPTER, AGO,
Tacoma, Wash., February 19, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washin~gton, D.C.:
In re February 13, 1968, wire estimated figure 20 firms in the past 2 years.
FRANK STOJACK, ~8ecretary Manager.
PROVIDENCE, 11.1., February 15, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors,
Washington, D.C.:
Re your telegram February 13, five contractors out of business last 2 years,
three involuntary.
W. J. SHEEHAN, Rhode Island Chapter.
PIERRE, S. D~., February 14, 1968.
J. M. SPROUSE,
Associated General Contractors of America,
Washingtou, D.C.:
Re your telegram, 13 South Dakota contractors out during past 2 years.
JIM HUNT, ~8outh Dakota Highway Heavy.
Mr. AF3ISTRONG. These replies show that as many as 20 highway
firms in one county went out of business in the past 2 years; 35 went
under in Illinois; 20 went under in Florida; nme in the St. Peters-
burg-Tampa~Jlearwater area. We do not know how many of these
failures can be attributed to the cutbacks, but we do know one very
significant fact: the great majority were small contractors.
Of great concern to us also is the personnel problem arising from
sudden cutbacks. Superintendents, foremen, equipment operators, and
other top craftsmen who are kept on the~ payroll by contractors dur-
mg the offseason and employed in repairing equipment so they will be
available for summer construction, may have to even be laid off. Re-
leasing these workers will result in severe disruption of the labor
market.
The investment made by these firms in training personnel will be
lost, since there is no assurance that the workers will be available when
needed in the future, as the program is resumed. The workers will try
to locate employment in fields unaffected by stop-and-go construction
activities. It is very difficult for these workers, with their present
skills, to find employment in other fields. College students, to whom
summer employment in the construction industry is important, will
find that summer employment is nonexistent.
The contractor must operate like any other businessman. He has all
the usual business problems: personnel and equipment to procure and
maintain, materials to buy, creditors and taxes to pay. Yet the high-
way construction industry, with an average profit of 1.2 percent, is
substantially below the national average of 4 percent.
The U.S. construction industry is the largest industry in the world.
It accounts for about 15 percent of the gross national product and pro-
vides direct employment for about 3.5 million persons. Its size and
the employment it generates warrant the Government's best efforts to
PAGENO="0027"
17
keep it healthy. It cannot remain healthy if its work is to be turned off
and on at irregular intervals.
In announcing the cutback, the Secretary of Transportation cited
figures to show that highway construction costs went up 4 percent in
1967. He called this a.n "undue increase." We respectfully call the Sec-
retary's attention to the fact that wage increases in 1966 ranged as
high as 24 percent. The average was 9 percent. We consider this an
"undue increase," but to date the administration has not seen fit to
take direct action to curb the outrageous demands of organized labor
`and the exorbitant inflationary settlements forced on our industry
by paralyzing strikes.
In 1966 there were 977 construction strikes, involving 455,000 work-
men, causing 6,140,000 man-days of idleness. The average strike lasted
29 days; some lasted as long as 100 days.
As we said earlier, some of the eventual settlements cost as much as
24 percent more in wages. And while this irresponsible assault on the
Nation's economy was taking place, the Government took no effective
action against it.
It is to be regretted that the administration, rather than getting at
this root cause of the problem, instead, is destroying the stability of the
highway program.
We sincerely believe, however, that the principal cause of recent cost
increases in the highway construction industry is the very action which
the administration says will curb inflation: the cutbacks themselves.
Construction simply cannot be done economically on a stop-and-go
basis; it always costs more this way in the long run.
The contractor must be able to plan ahead in order to carry on his
work efficiently and economically. He must be able to plan and project
his work program on more than a season-to-season basis. It stands to
reason that the contractor can, while he still has his equipment, per-
sonnel, and sources of supply mobilized, submit a bid lower than he
can if he has lost the advantage of a mobilized, well-functioning
organization.
History has proved that "stop and go" or "peak and valley" construc-
tion always costs the owner-in this case the public-substantially
more than a continuing, orderly program such as the `Congress author-
ized in 1956. Today the program of the Congress is seriously jeopar-
dized by withholding and restoring funds at irregular and unpredicta-
ble intervals.
A construction job requires a vast amount of advance planning and
development on the part of the general contractor. When the day
arrives to start a job, he must already have assembled men, equipment,
and material. A great deal of effort and money go into the pipeline
before a hand is lifted on the jobsite. This flow into the pipeline cannot
be cut off at a moment's notice-and, even more important, cannot
be resumed at a moment's notice. The result of sudden deferral of con-
struction is waste on a gigantic scale.
The curtailment of highway funds without full congressional re-
view and approval constitutes a breach of faith, a diversion of taxes
collected under the pledge that the funds so raised would be used for
construction of the national highway system. Short of such congres-
sional action, our industry cannot concede the justification for a cut-
PAGENO="0028"
18
back of this vital program except in the event of a national emergency
requiring the imposition of controls on the whole economy.
We note that at least six bills have been introduced, three by mem-
bers of this committee, which would prohibit the withholding of high-
way funds by the executive branch of the Government. We hope hear-
ings will be held on those bills.
Another difficulty of doing business which I mention briefly is the
"affirmative action" obligation imposed on contractors in the name
of equal employment opportunity, including the unworkable and, in
some ways, ridiculous preaward inquisition. The AGC requested that
the Secretary of Labor hold public hearings on this subject. The re-
quest was refused.
We are happy that this committee, and its counterpart in the Sen-
ate, has indicated that they will hold hearings on this, and the AGC
looks forward to presenting factual, helpful testimony to the commit-
tees. The subject badly needs airing.
In closing I should like to say that those whom I represent here
today are contractors. They are also responsible citizens, and are fully
aware of the worldwide obligations of our country which must be
supported. Many of our members are working throughout the free
world today, helping to carry out these obligations.
The system of highways we are discussing here is vital to our
Nation's economy a.nd safety. To the highest degree consistent with
our overall obligations, we urge their continued improvement.
And I would like to reiterate what Congressman Cramer said, sir,
that a construction company in Tampa, Fla., had 400 employees with
a weekly payroll of S40~000; now they have 286 employees with a
weekly payroll of ~30,000.
I think that I should also mention that as a direct reflection of the
cutbacks, that the State of Maryland had highway contracts to be
completed in the amount of more than $72 million as of January 1,
1967. Exactly 1 year later that figure was a little less than $43 million.
Thank you, sir.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKT. Thank you, Mr. Armstrong. It was a wonderful
statement. It will be appreciated.
I see on page 2, under "Comments on Availability of Funds," second
paragraph says, "The great majority of firms participating in the
construction of Federal-aid highways are small organizations."
That means, if we have these cutbacks, that the small contractor-
the man who is mortgaged to the hilt on his heavy machinery that
costs $50,000 or $100,000 or $150,000-if he gets no work, he cannot
make any payments. If he does not make payments, then they take
that away from him; is that right?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. That is correct, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. In other words, that heavy machinery is getting
rusty in the yard, cannot make any payments, and he is going to
be forced out of business.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. That is right.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. By forcing him out of business, it means we
only have a few contractors in this country.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. That is right.
PAGENO="0029"
19
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. I am chairman of a Subcommittee on Small
Business, and I have always been looking after the small business-
man. I came from a small business family all these years, and I have
always tried to take care of that small man who needs help. The big
fellow can take care of himself. I have said many times these cutbacks
hurt the small contractor; they force him out of business, thus elimi-
iia.ting competition and forcing costs even higher.
Your statement certainly bears me out. We are very happy to have
you here, and you have helped to convince me that I have been right.
all these years.
Any questions? Mr. Chairman.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Armstrong, I had the pleasure of visting the gar-
den spot of New Mexico, Roswell, and met with your contractors.
You mentioned the State of Maryland being severely cheated. I
hope it is not because I am chairman of this committee that they
singled out Maryland to get the worst treatment.
However, I had quite a few conferences arid correspondence with
the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Public Roads,
and I have received a letter from them, which I will make part of
the record at a later part of this hearing, telling us that we didn't
have to pay any attention to the figures in the directive that came
out from the Department of Transportation; that if we could put
more work under contract than the directive figure, well, they would
honor these applications.
I am not sure about the future of the program in Maryland at this
time, but certainly we will follow up on their commitment to us, to
no attention, that these were just guidelines and they were very
flexible.
So I do not know whether that is going to settle it or confuse us
further. Certainly I hope by the time these hearings are over that
ire can get a firm commitment some way or another for all the States.
Mr. KLnCZYNSKI. Mr. Wright, the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. WRIGHT. Mr. Armstrong, I just want to express my thanks as
one member of the comihittee for your concise, clear, and lucid state-
ment. You described to us very forcefully what has been happening
and its effect on the highway-building industry and the ultimate cost.
Just by way of comment, I would like to say, while this talk is going
on about the mistreating of various States, as long as you have got
Torn Morris up here, I do not think anybody is going to get by with
mistreating New Mexico.
Mr. KLUczYNsKI. Mr. Dorn.
Mr. DORN. Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to say that we are happy
to have Mr. Armstrong here. Of course I want to welcome my distin-
guished and able colleague before the committee, Mr. Walker. I say to
Mr. Armstrong that Mr. Walker is an outstanding man for New
Mexico and the country.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I too, want to thank Mr. Armstrong
for helpful, factual information that you made available to this corn-
mittee, and also to welcome our colleague before the committee; both of
you representing the great State of New Mexico.
For the purpose of the record, I have looked over the exhibits that
you made available and made a tabulation of them as to the number
PAGENO="0030"
20
of highway contractor failures in the last 2 years. And the tabulation
which I get of highway contractor failures in the last 2 years is 241,
both voluntary and involuntary, in the 19 States, or parts of States,
that reported.
Some examples: California, 20; Florida. 20; Illinois, 35; Louisiana,
53, as some examples.
I would like, Mr. Chairman, to have this tabulation made a. part of
the record at. this point.
Chairman FALLON (presiding). Without objection, so ordered.
(Tabulation follows:)
Failures
Number Number
Alaska 3 Michigan 11
Arizona 15 liinnesota 12
California ~O Mississippi 2
Connecticut 3 Missouri 6
Delaware 2 ~ew Mexico 2
Florida 20 New York 7
Idaho 8 ~orth Carolina 18
Iffinois 35 North Dakota 11
Kentucky _____
Louisiana 53 Total 241
Maine 4
Mr. CIL~rEi~. When t.he administration announced this cutback, it
was on the basis, as you suggest in your statement, of approximately
a 4-percent increase supposedly in cost of construction of highways
in 1967 over 1966; is that not correct?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I believe so.
Mr. CRAMER. Four percent.
Mr. A IST'RONG. I believe.
Mr. CRA3rrn. At that time, when the cut was announced, I made
the statement that it appeared to me that this cut-the justification of
which was to prevent inflation-would actually cause inflation.
That is your conclusion, too; is it not?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir; very definitely, sir.
Mr. CRA~r~. You cited some examples in your statement.
Secondly, a major contributor to the increase was the lack of guide-
lines which had previously been in existence relating to salary
increases.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. This is correct.
Mr. CRA~rER. And you indicated what the. effect of dropping those
guideline restrictions has been on the industry.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. So, is it your conclusion, as it was mine, that the
greatest causes of the 4-percent increase was, No. 1, the cutback,
itself, of last year, and No. 2, the guideline no longer being restrictive
on wage increases?
Mr. A1i~rsmoNG. That is correct, sir.
Mr. CRA~rER. So, in effect, what we are doing, by another cutback,
is fueling the fire of inflation, as it relates to the highway industry;
is that not right?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. This is right.
Mr. CRAMER. So, actually, the conclusion is this is the wrong ap-
proach to that problem?
PAGENO="0031"
21
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Very definitely, sir.
Mr. CR~IER. Now, the State of New Mexico, as I interpret the
figures, could be subject to a cutback of about 38 percent of the
amounts that otherwise could be available which include the unobli-
gated amount of $8.6 million carried over from 1967, plus additional
obligational releases that have been and could be made during 1968
of $56.7 million, for a total of $65.34 million. And then taking into
consideration the limitation on obligations of $40 million, the State
of New Mexico, in effect, has $25 million cut, or 38 percent; is that
approximately correct?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. Does that conform to your understanding?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. How is that going to affect the highway construction
industry this year, in your opinion, in the State of New Mexico?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Sir, within the last 6 months we have had one
voluntary and one involuntary going out of business, of two old-time
construction firms. It is my understanding that another one will go
out of business within 3 months on a vohmtary basis.
Our contractors are all small contractors in New Mexico, with one
or two exceptions. And the highway cutback can do nothing except, in
my opinion, put some others out of business.
Mr. CRAMER. Our chairman has touched on the matter which I think
is of considerable interest and importance, and that is that he has had
some negotiations with the Bureau and the Department relating to the
State of Maryland, and understandably so.
I have discussed the State of Florida with him. It is my understand-
ing, as it apparently is his, that, come about April 1, there is going to
be some money floating around. That is at least how I describe it, some
money that some States had not used up to that time, and therefore it
can be floated to other States that are prepared to let contracts; is
that your understanding?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Sir, I had not heard this.
(Mr. Kluczynski resumed the chair.)
Mr. CRAMER. Well, maybe we can be of service to each other, then.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. I have a copy of an instructional memorandum that
is dated January 23, instructional memorandum 30-2-68, Jamiary 23,
1968, signed by Mr. Turner, Director of Public Roads, which, in
the next to the last paragraph says and I quote-and the reason I
quote is that I think it is important for the States to understand it,
and then I have another comment relating to it in a moment.
"It will be our purpose to make continuing analyses of the progress
being made in utilizing the funds available for obligation under this
lirnitation"-rneaning the cutbacks. "Adjustments will be made in the
schedule as appropriate to permit full use of available funds."
Adjustments: "If it is found, after a few months' experience, that
all of the States limitation, as shown on the attached table, cannot
reasonably be expected to be utilized, we will attempt to develop a
method to make these amounts available to other States."
This is the floating money I am talking about.
Therefore, I wouki hope that the States understand that there may
be funds available, and that they should not curtail their tool-
PAGENO="0032"
22
ing up to contract letting in view of that. Would that not be your
interpretation?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. You are the authority on the subject. Would that not
be your interpretation?
Mr. Al~IsmoNG. Not the money; thatis right, sir.
Mr. Cn~rmi. Off the record.
(Discussion off the record.)
Mr. HARSHA. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. CRAMER. Yes.
Mr. HARSHA. The fact that this floating money that Mr. Cramer
just alluded to is available would certainly contradict the position of
the administration that this act was necessary to curtail inflation, be-
cause they are promulgating, by this floating money, what they Os-
tensibly claim they are doing with the cutback; is that not so?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. That would be my understanding; yes, sir.
Mr. CrL&3u~. Well, the staff has just called to my attention a later
directive. This one is dated February 15, 1968, instructional memo-
randum, also from Frank Turner, 30-3-68. This seems to, to some ex-
tent, repudiate or limit the floating-money concept, and I will read it:
Approximately 45 percent of the limitation amounts may be obligated during
January-June period, and the balance may be obligated ~t1uring the period July 1
-through December 31 of 19G8.
Meaning 45 percent of the amount left after the cut.
So that appears to be a limitation on floating money used.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes.
Mr. Cm~rER. And then further, February 15, a circular memo-
randum, first sentence of the second paragraph:
It now becomes apparent that we must have the States' projected schedules
as a basis for policy decisions on possible adjustments in the allocations which
have been made. Accordingly, please transmit, in time to reach my office March 1,
an analysis of the programs and schedules which you received, including your
evaluation of the ability of the highway departments to obligate funds on the
-basis which they have projected.
So, do you know what that means?
Mr. SPROUSE. Sounds confused.
Mr. Cm~n~n. Sounds a little confusing?
Mr. SPROUSE. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. It sounds confusing to me, too.
So maybe we have floating money; maybe we do not have floating
money, I guess is what it amounts to.
But what disturbs me is who is going to decide what States get the
-floating money? And under what circumstances?
It is my opinion that that is why we wrote the apportionment for-
mulas into the law, so that every State would be treated equitably,
fairly, and nondiscriminatorily. Was that not your understanding of
how the program was supposed to operate?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I think this committee should watch with great in-
terest, Mr. Chairman, the standards used and the procedures used, if
there is going to be floating money, for the distribution of those
fnmds, particularly in view of these new limitations that seem to con-
~tradict the previous ones.
PAGENO="0033"
23
I think this clearly shows the risk involved, of possible discrimina-
tion between States, selection by the executive branch of certain
States, to the exclusion of other States, when you get into the busi-
ness of manipulating the trust funds.
I think that is. one of the risks involved in the cutback.
Mr. FALLOW. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CRAMER. I will yield to the distinguished chairman.
Mr. FALLOW. I understand, of course, the point the gentleman is
making. But, as I suggested before, that I was informed by the
Secretary that there would be money available, that if Maryland
could put more money under contract than was allowed in the direc-
tive, and they are being cut 50 percent, so if they were one of the first
States that got a little bit of this floating money, I would not con-
sider that discrimination. I think the discrimination has already
occurred.
And if it is possible for the Secretary to relieve a little bit the dis-
crimination that has already been made, I think that would be all
right. I do not think the gentleman means that if these States that
had been cut to the bone received a little of this floating money it
would be discrimination.
Mr. CRAMER. No, no. I am glad the chairman made his comment. I
would not want my comments to be misinterpreted. I would be the
last to suggest that making additional funds available to the great
State of Maryland, which obviously was discriminated against in the
cutback itself, would be discrimination, any more than the State of
Florida.
I would suggest, however, that a couple of these States that are
getting plus money, such as Massachusetts with plus 27 percent,
Colorado with plus 15 percent, as examples; if they got more money,
that would be discrimination.
That is one of the points that I had in mind.
Mr. FALLOW. That is the one I had in mind.
Mr. CRAMER. That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLTJCzYNSKI. Any questions to my right?
Any questions to my left?
Mr. Harsha?
Mr. HARSHA. I just want to commend Mr. Armstrong for his state-
ment and for the facts as he gave them to the committee, pointing up
the necessity of legislation I have introduced to have a working pro-
gram in process of completing the highways.
Not only does this intermittent cut-off or freeze of funds delay the
orderly process and development of the highway system, but it in-
creases, in the final analysis, their overall cost; but it certainly impedes
the safety and affects the welfare of the travelino public.
As I understand, when we get this Interstate ~ystem completed, it
is supposed to save around 8,000 lives a year. Now, how many are we
losing because of these freezes and temporary delays in continuing this
program? .
I am certainly happy to urge the subcommittee to conduct hearings
on this legislation. I hope the chairman sees fit to follow through, be-
cause I think it is needed.
Thank you.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. The gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Denney.
96-030--OS--3
PAGENO="0034"
24
Mr~ DENNEY. I wanted to commend Mr. Armstrong for the state-
ment.
On page 4 he makes the statements, "The curtailment of highway
funds without full congressional review and approval constitutes a
breach of faith."
It is a breach of faith not only with the contractors, but it is a breach
of faith with every citizen that drives an automobile and pays this tax
into the purchase of gasoline; is that not correct?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. That is correct, sir.
Mr. DENNEY. That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Thank you.
The gentleman from California, Mr. Clausen.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. I want to join my colleagues in paying my compli-
ments to you, sir.
I think that your statement certainly is an excellent one and gives us
documentary evidence of some of the problems that they face with this
cutback, this stop-and-go type of action, as a result of the adminis-
tration's decision.
But I am particularly pleased to have you place the emphasis on
what occurs to the small businessman in this country. The greatest
problem we have is for these people in undertaking the hiring of l)er-
sonnel and trying to develop organizations to handle the job, they ~an
never go forward constructively and do the job and build the kind of
responsible organizations that will keep our construction costs in line,
unless they can have what was originally intended, as far as the act
was concerned, to depend upon it.
I think you enunciated this very well, and I think the committee is
very indebted to you for giving us this kind of example.
Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you.
The gentleman from Indiana.
Mr. ZIoN. Mr. Armstrong, I believe you testified that approximately
241 highway contractors have gone out of business in the last 2 years,
was that correct?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I believe that is the figure; yes, sir.
Mr. ZIoN. Were most of the States heard from here?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. No, we did not hear from all of the States.
Mr. ZIoN. About how many States did you hear from?
Mr. SPROUSE. I believe it is in the tabulation.
Mr. ZION. How many States?
Mr. CRAMER. 19 States.
Mr. ZIoN. 19 States out of 50. We can presume, then, that there will
be considerably more than 241 in the United States that went out of
business.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Did that include California?
Mr. CRAMER. California had 20 contractors going out of business;
and the State of Florida had 20; and the State of Louisiana had 53;
Illinois, 35; in the last 2 years.
Mr. ZION. My point is that this 241 highway contractors is a imni-
mum figure. Probably, if we took the United States as a whole, this
might represent less than 50 percent of the contractors who went out
of business in the last 2 years. Would that be a fair statement?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I would b~lieve it to be a fair statement.
Mr. ZIoN. Thank you.
PAGENO="0035"
25
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I believe that the 20 from California represented
just one county, San Diego County.
Mr. SPROnSE. We received additional information from our south-
ern California chapter in Los Angeles, which said, in the 2 years,
that 4,000 contractors of all types went out of business in California.
Now, I talked to the manager of our affiliated organization in Los
Angele~s on that 4,000 figure, and he said, Well, there are 65,000
licensed contractors in the State of California. This includes all types
of contractors from the very smallest man, who does nothing but the
guardrail, up to the Bechtel Corp. So now we can break that down to
a figure, we can substantiate as to how many highway contractors went
out of business; we could not do it in California.
Our San Diego chapter, however, gave us the answer of 20 in San
Diego County alone.
Mr. CLAUSEN. We have this wire, Mr. Chairman, from Mr. Glenn
Dowdy to Mr. James Sprouse, "Five AGC members and estimated 15
non-AGC members out of business in last 2 years in San Diego
County."
And this substantiates the point he was making.
I have only briefly heard of some of them from California, but now
that the hearings are underway, they are trying to get their story
across, and I am deeply grateful for you getting this substantiating
evidence, and we are going to be getting into more and more of this
as time goes on.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chairman, I understand the purpose of these hear-
ings this morning was to have testimony on the continuation of the
ABC program, and always this committee has allowed flexibility, so we
are not held to any particular subject.
I would like to know from AGC, Mr. Armstrong, just what yiur
feelings are in regard to the continuation of the ABC program?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. We stated that we supported the continuation of
the ABC program at its current level, and we would urge that it be
continued.
Mr. FALLON. On the same formula?
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Armstrong.
Mr. Olsen?
Mr. OLSEN. I wanted to join the rest of my colleagues in compli-
menting our friend, Mr. Walker, for bringing these gentlemen here
before us, introducing them to us.
Mr. Walker also does an outstanding job and has great interest in
his great State of New Mexico, and I know the highway program of
the United States, and I appreciate his bringing these gentlemen here.
Thank you very much.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Olsen.
I was going to say, but you beat me to it, that they should feel very
fortunate in being introduced by the Congressman from New Mexico.
Thank you.
The next witness will be Mr. Patrick Healy, executive director of
the National League of Cities, and Mr. Bernard F. Hillenbraiid, exec-
utive director, National Association of Counties.
Will you please be seated, and whoever wants to start it off may
do so.
PAGENO="0036"
26
STATEMENTS OF PATRICK HEALY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES; AND BERNARD P. HILLENBRAND,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OP COUNTIES
Mr. HEALY. I am Patrick Healy, executive director of the National
League of Cities. I appear on behalf of 14,400 cities, affiliated with
the National League of Cities and located in all 50 States.
I am pleased that I have with me here Mr. Bernard F. Hillenbrand,
who is my counterpart with the National Association of Counties. We
have had extensive consultation with various interest groups con-
cerned with the highway program, including the county governments
as represented through their national organization, the State highway
officials, through the American Association of State Highway officials,
and user groups, in arriving at recommendations we are making here.
The purpose of my testimony is twofold:
First, to urge Congress to continue its support of the ABC pro-
gram for highway improvement.
Second, to urge that this committee take action, during this session
of Congress, to initiate the development of a new highway program
to be implemented as the Interstate System approaches completion.
The National League of Cities urges authorization and appropria-
tions of at least the current $1 billion funding level for the ABC sys-
tem for each of the fiscal years 1970 and 1971. That sum must be avail-
able to assure even a nominal improvement in street and highway svs-
tems essential to move traffic in and around our urban areas.
Our cities badly need funds to improve streets and highways that
are not part of the Interstate System. The 1968 National Highway
Needs Report, recently submitted to the Congress by the Federal
Highway Administration, emphasizes that it is in urban areas where
highway systems most urgently require improvement. A recent survey
conducted by the American Association of State Highway Officials
concludes that approximately 34.7 percent of current ABC appropria-
tions are spent in urban areas. While this percentage is significant,
and a great improvement over allocations in earlier years of this pro-
gram, it is still far from sufficient to keep pace with the growing need
to provide urban areas with comprehensive highway systems. Conse-
quently, any interruption or reduction in the flow of ABC moneys
would certainly compound an already difficult local traffic and finan-
cial situation.
I have confidence that this committee, and this Congress, recognizes
the importance of the ABC program and will continue it at at least
its current funding level.
The National League of Cities believes that Congress must begin
now to develop a new highway program; a program which will more
nearly meet the requirements of this urban Nation.
A long leadtime is necessary to plan and develop highway systems.
As Chairman Fallon noted last June:
Because of the magnitude of the highway construction program and because
of the importance of coordinating highway construction with other activities, it
is necessary to initiate action to plan for any new program several years before
it is to begin.
PAGENO="0037"
27
The 1968 National Highway Needs Report also noted:
The planning for future highway programs cannot wait completion of the
Interstate System. An orderly transition from the present program to the new
requires that preliminary planning studies begin at the earliest possible time.
The available lead time (to 1975) is just barely adequate even now.
Any new highway program must have as its goal the development
of a coordinated transportation system. The Interstate System will
never achieve maximum effectiveness, nor will urban centers achieve
maximum viability, if disproportionate~ emphasis continues to be
placed on one element of the transportation system.
The Interstate System has succeeded in reducing congestion in some
ways in urban areas, but it has increased it in others by dumping large
amounts of traffic onto street systems unprepared to absorb such heavy
traffic volumes. Its own utility has been limited because it is often
compelled to function as a local arterial to relieve inadequate, con-
gested streets which should carry more local traffic. Further, develop-
ment of essential urban traffic circulation systems is not apt to occur
in the absence of any Federal support for such systems.
Many needed improvements in local street and highway systems not
a part of the Interstate System have been deferred pending the pro-
jected 1972 completion date for the Interstate System. As the comple-
tion date for the Interstate System is put off further and further, the
need for action on these other projects is ever more compelling.
Recent cost estimates indicate that the Interstate System will not
be completed until well after the originally projected 1972 comple-
tion date. Before that system is completed, an interim program must
be initiated to decrease congestion and improve the safety and con-
venience of travel on major arteries within metropolitan areas and
on essential elements of the highway system in rural regions by focus-
ing resources on the most necessary highway projects deferred pending
completion of the Interstate System. A procedure must be developed
to "phase. in" a new highway program as early as possible.
Thus it is appropriate, while discussing the immediate future of
the ABC program, that we look ahead to the problems and solutions
involved in developing coordinated transportation systems for urban
areas in the next decade.
While we are concerned with the total highway program, as an
organization of America's cities, our primary concern is urban trans-
portation. In this latter respect we propose that a new urban trans-
portation program should have three vital characteristics:
It should provide convenience and economy of travel, but it
should also be a tool to shape the growth of metropolitan areas
and have as its goal improvement of the quality of the urban
environment;
It should be sufficiently flexible to permit the particular char-
acteristics of the urban region to be served to determine the trans-
portation modes and services most appropriate for the area; and
It should be structured so as to assure funding of the trans-
portation system employing the mix of modes most appropriate
to good transportat.ion in the urban area.
Further, we believe that such a nro~ram should seek to o1~er_
come some present roadblocks to coordinated transportation develop-
PAGENO="0038"
28
ment which are inherent in past and current highway programs, for
example:
The allocation of Federal highway funds through the interstate
and the ABC programs has encouraged development of particu-
lar classes of roads in urban areas with insufficient provision for
the needs of the total urban highway network;
Funds have generally been allocated without sufficient consider-
ation of the priorities necessary to develop an intergrated urban
major street and highway system;
Construction of the Interstate System and urban expressway
elements of the State primary system through cities have created
severe traffic problems because insufficient attention has been given
to financing development of related~. local major street systems;
Use of highway funds for highway related public transporta-
tion aspects of the total system has been severely restricted in spite
of the fact that such use could complement the highway systems.
I am speaking of such matters as exclusive bus lanes and turnoffs
and so on; and
The coordinated development of highways and public trans-
portation systems has been impeded because the. public transpor-
tation, or as commonly referred to, mass transportation transit
program has been compelled to depend on annual and relatively
minor Federal appropriations in contrast to substantially greater
Federal funds available to finance the highway system.
The National League of Cities' program emphasizes an approach
to urban transportation which will stimulate coordinated development
of all transportation systems and which will integrate transportation
into the total development process of the community. Through its fore-
sight, the Congress has already provided the basic ingredients of a
program to coordinate development of total transportation systems.
These include-
A comprehensive, continuing, cooperative transportation plan-
ning process;
A Federal aTd highway program; and
A Federal aid mass transit program.
These basic ingredients now must be brought into a meaningful
relationship in metropolitan area development, and should be applied
to multicounty, nonmetropolitan areas.
Because of the requirements of the Federal Aid Highway Act of
1962, all urban areas over 50,000 population are currently engaged in
a comprehensive, continuing transportation planning process. This
planning process is intended to relate urban development and the de-
velopment of all modes of transportation in the area. it covers. High-
way and mass transit funds should be channeled to finance develop-
ment programs based on plans arid priorities resulting from this com-
prehensive transportation planning process. Coordination of trans-
portation improvements with other metropolitan development pro-
grams can he achieved throu~h annlicatioii of the r~ouirernents of sec-
tion 204 of the Demonstration Cities ~nd Metronolif an T)evelonment
Act of 1966: a valuable device for relating functional and comnrehen-
sive planning.
The growing highway needs of urban areas must be met through a
reorientation of the highway program. but at the same time commit-
PAGENO="0039"
29
ments made by the present highway program must be honored to
achieve successful completion of the Interstate System. We suggest
the following as a transition plan to redirect and increase aid for non-
interstate highway development in urban and rural areas while at the
same time fulfilling the commitment to complete the Interstate System
within a reasonable time.
1. The highway trust fund must be continued beyond its .current
1972 expiration date to assure adequate financing to complete the
Interstate System and to meet other essential highway needs. This
Congress should make it clear that the trust fund will be continued~
2. The Interstate System mileage should not be extended beyond
the present 41,000-mile limit. We suggest that upon completion of the
Interstate System the Federal-State matching formula be reduced to
a standard matching formula for all Federal aid systems and that any
mileage necessary to provide linkages to the Interstate System be
financed as part of the State primary system.
3. Support must be continued for metropolitan transportation plan-
ning through the comprehensive, continuing transportation planning
process. A program must be initiated to develop transportation plans
for nonmetropolitan areas through multicounty planning agencies
utilizing the same process. To give transportation planning necessary
support, we advocate an increase in the present 1½ percent of the high-
w-ay trust fund reserved for planning and research. We suggest that
a specified amount of this money be set aside for transportation plan-
ping. Beginning with fiscal year 1973, no Federal funds should be
allocated to support street and highway development in any area,
urban or rural, that does not maintain a comprehensive transporta-
tion planning process.
4. The roles of States and local governments in the highway plan-
fling and development process should be redefined. States should be
assigned responsibility for planning and programing improvements
on the State primary system, including the Interstate System, in both
urban and rural areas. The comprehensive transportation planning
agency responsible for development of transportation plans in each
metropolitan area should be assigned responsibility for planning and
programing improvements to the urban street and highway system in
its jurisdiction. Multicounty transportation planning agencies~ act-
ing through the cooperative transportation planning process, should
be assigned responsibility for planning and programing improve-
mènts on the rural secondary system within their respective jurisdic-
tions.
5. Implementation of a program to achieve a complete functional
classification of streets and highways by July 1, 1971, should be man-
dated. All streets and highways should be classified according to de-
finitions and standards developed by the Federal Highway Adminis-
tration, in consultation with State, county, and city officials. Functional
classification should be on a statewide basis with the State responsible.
for classifying the primary system and the metropolitan transporta-
tion planning agencies and multicounty transportation planning agen-
cies responsible for classifying other streets and highways within
their jurisdictions, subject to State approval. States would be expected
to aid local planning agencies in their classification process. Begin-
ning with fiscal year 1973, that is beginning July 1, 1972, no Federal
funds should be allocated to support street and highway construc-
PAGENO="0040"
30
tion in any area that does not have a functional classification of its
street and highway system.
6. Effective with the fiscal year begii~ining July 1, 1973, that is for
fiscal 1974, funds allocated under the current ABC program should
be distributed under a new allocation formula recognizing the new
functional classification. The funds should be divided among the three
systems: the State system, the urban system and the rural system. The
percentage of Federal funds allocated for each of these programs
from the trust fund should be set by the Congress. The distribution
formulas among the States from each system fund should recognize
the various characteristics relevant to each system. These formulas
should be related to objective criteria which permit biennial adjust-
ment of allocations as conditions change. States should be given lee-
way to transfer a small percentage of their allotment between the three
systems according to need.
7. Beginning July 1. 1972. funds allocated to the Interstate System
annually until its completion should be fixed at a sum equal to the
average amount of money appropriated to the Interstate System from
the trust fund for the previous 5 fiscal years. All receipts in the trust
fund in excess of the allocation to the Interstate System in fiscal year
1973 and each year thereafter should be appropria.ted for the State,
urban, rural (STJR) system. In the present program, the Interstate
System allotments from the highway trust fund increase as a result of
incrementsin trust fund revenues, while the A-B-C system allotments
remain stable. Vital, non-Interstate. System projects have been delayed
and the program has been reduced in size. because cost increases have
eaten into the fixed appropriat.ion of $1 billion. Extension of the com-
pletion date for the Interstate System from 1972 to at least 1975
because of increased cost estimates threatens to continue to consume
trust funds, resulting in further delay for critical projects not on the
Interstate System. Extending time for completion of the Interstate
System so that the critical needs of other elements of a coordinated
highway system can be met is as justifiable a. basis for a stretchout. as
extending the completion date because of increased costs.
8. Streets and highways eligible for Federal aid under the new
State, urban, and rural (SUB) program should be those with classi-
fications similar to the following:
State primary system: Its purpose would be to provide for expedi-
tious movement of large volumes of traffic between, around, and
through metropolitan areas. A secondary purpose of some routes might
be to provide direct access to abutting land. Some State primary routes
would be built to freeway or expressway standards: A freewa.y would
have complete separation of conflicting traffic flows, while an express-
way may have few or no grade separations and may be a stage devel-
opment toward a freeway. Other primary routes would not be built to
as high standards but these routes would normally be subject to the
necessary regulation of parking, turning movements, pedestrian use,
entrances, exits and curb use.
Urban major street. and highway system: Maor streets and highways
would allow for traffic movement between and across port~ons of the
urban area. They would provide direct. service to principal traffic
generators and connections to the interstate or State primary systems.
A secondary l)urPose would be to provide direct access to abutting land.
These roads would he subject to the necessary regulations governing
PAGENO="0041"
31
parking, turning movements, pedestrian use, entrances, exits, and curb
use. The individual major streets would combine to make a system for
traffic movement in the metropolitan area. In some cases maj or streets
would be divided arterial roadways with some control of access and
they may even be built to freeway or expressway standards. Collector
streets which connect major streets and highways directly with resi-
dential and industrial areas and local streets which connect to collec-
tors or major streets and serve primarily as access to abutting property
would not be included in the Federal-aid program.
Rural system: The rural system would be composed of major sec-
ondary roads not on the interstate or State primary systems, located
outside of metropolitan areas. These roads would serve the same
function in rural areas as that served by the major street and high-
way system in urban areas. Roads classified as of lesser importance
would not be eligible for aid.
9. Projects on the urban and rural systems to be financed by SUR
funds would be proposed by the local transportation planning agen-
cies in metropolitan and rural areas and submitted, with determined
i)riorities, to the State highway departments. The States would assign
the urban and rural system money to these projects from the respec-
tive system funds.
10. Construction should be basically a State responsibility. How-
ever, the States should be able, as heretofore, to delegate this respon-
sibility where city and county government~s are capable of adminis-
tering project~s in their jurisdictions.
The National League of Cities will present, at the appropriate
time, a proposal to achieve a better coordination of highway and
public transportation programs, that is mass transportation programs.
I recognize that the public transportation program is not the respon-
sibility of this committee, and I mention it only in passing. We be-
lieve that the public transportation component of the total trans-
portation system, in areas where it is relevant, should be planned
and financed in a manner similar to that for the highway system,
with modifications to recognize tl~at public transportation will not
serve every community as highways do. To provide funds adequate
for support of a successful urban transportation program we will
urge:
A. That the present Highway Trust Fund be continued and be
reserved for highways at current rates and with the additions sug-
gested in the President's budget message, and
B. That a $1.5 billion contract authority be made available to the
Department of Transportation to support development of public
transportation facilities identified by the comprehensive transpor-
tation planning process as essential to a comprehensive and integrated
transportation system.
To achieve the goals of a coordinated national transportation sys-
tem and viable urban centers, the energies of concerned officials at
all levels of government, and private transportation interests, must
be unified. Only with coordinated transportation systems planned and
developed to fit the needs of the communities they serve can the
Nation's cities hope to be prepared to meet the great cha}lenge in
America's third century.
(Chart follows.)
PAGENO="0042"
1 11t7 7t~ (`~..(l f1ctlioii; ft IUICLILtIC tnt! \IX~ 116 ;y;t~n; ti~d~u NLC 1 Ln1(~JI1
Vnctl Yc.ir
193 1069 19O 1111 .1972 1973 1971 1973 1976 1977 9/3 1979
- (Ill ) ~ fTJ I II
:~:::1 ~ S JI \lI
5 \IC IJII \11 I I
1.5
tIll 1 ~
1.5
PAGENO="0043"
33
I thank you, gentlemen, for your attention. I will be happy to an-
swer any questions.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKT. Thank you, Mr. Healy, for that excellent, well-
prepared statement of yours. You really have a very long-range pro-
gram under consideration, is that right?
Mr. HEALY. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. You are talking about a continuing mass trans -
portation program and a better interstate and local highway program,
also Federal aid to the mass transit program. And your organization
is opposed to any future extension of the Interstate Highway System
as I understand it.
Mr. HEALY. Yes, we are.
Mr. KLTJCZYNSKI. The official mileage now for interstate is 41,000
miles.
Mr. HIEALY. We are suggesting that any additional mileage be classi-
fied as State primary system mileage. It could be built to the same
standard as the interstate, but that the interstate as such with its pres-
ent matching ratio would be considered completed at the 41,000 and
then at that time all systems would be on a same matching ratio, what-
ever you might determine.
Mr. KrAJCzYNsKI. When we first enacted this in 1956 for the 41,000
miles, we thought we could complete it by 1972 as you know. Now they
talk about 1973 and 1974 and I believe at this session they are talking
about 1975 or beyond that. I would hope we could complete this. The
sooner we do the better. The longer we make it the more money itcosts.
You haven't said anything about the cutback here in your state-
ment, have you? How do you feel about it?.
Mr. HEALY. We don't have anything in our statement about that,
but naturally the éity officials of this country are just as much dis-
turbed as I gather this committee is by the cutback.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. In other words, if we do. not complete it by the
next couple of years it will just take so much more money and more
time. Is that right, if we stretch it out another year or two?
Mr. HEALY. Exactly... . .
Mr. KLUCZYNSKL Any questions, Mr. Cramer?
Mr. CRAMER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. .,
I want. to congratulate you for a very interesting statement, Mr.
Healy. It is a very thoughtful statement .and one wh:ich points out a
number of problems which obviously now and in the future to a
greater extent will have to be met on not only highway construction
but also coordinated transportation in the metropolitan areas. How-
ever, there are two or three questions I would like to ask.
One is the subject touched upon by our Chairman relating to more
mileage on the Interstate .System. As I understand it, you do not ob-
ject to more mileage. You want it classified, however, as primary-
Mr. HEALY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. -which under the present formula would mean 50-50
matching.
Mr. HEALY. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. That, of course, is at odds with the American Associ-
ation of Highway Officials' recommendation which suggested a 5~000
to 6,000 mile additional interstate connections and missing link
program.
PAGENO="0044"
34
Mr. HEALY. I wasn't aware that they were recommending that. My
impression was that they were recommending that the ratio of match-
ino be changed, possibly to two-thirds-one-third mstead of 5O-~0.
~1r. CRAMER. I under~i.and they did recommend 75-25 percent. How-
ever, they did recommend the additional amount of the interstate.
Mr. H~EALY. Has that position been changed, Mr. Cramer?
Mr. CRAMER. I only know what they testified to on an interim basis
before this committee late last year. We will probably hear from them
further relating to that.
I do not think there is any question but what some additional mile-
age is needed on the Interstate System in certain areas. Do you? For
instance, I am thinking of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Miami. There is
obviously missing mileage, for one example.
Mr. HEALY. I am sure there are many other examples of where that
standard of highway needs to be built. WTe are merely suggesting that
rather than continue a 90-10 formula. on a program that gets all that
high priority that the formula for distribution be changed possibly
to 75-25 or two-thirds-one-third, and that all of them get the same
amount and that these additions you are referring to be additions to
the State primary system.
Mr. CRAMER. The 90 percent was put in partially on the basis of it
being a defense system, an Interstate Defense Highway program.
Mr. HEALY. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. You suggest on page 2, and I concur with your
thought, that whatever is going t.o be done should be done now.
Mr. HEALY. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. And you quote the 1968 National Highway Needs
Report which indicates that the available leadtime for 1975 is just
barely adequate even now for making those decisions now. I agree
with that wholeheartedly. This year is the year of decision relating
to the future of the highway program.
Mr. HEALY. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. You suggest on page 8, and your problem obviously
is where the money is coming from for the phase in program you are
proposing. Right?
Mr. HEALY. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. So you are suggesting as I understand it that the money
should come out of the trust fund by stretching out the Interstate
System.
Mr. HEALY. Yes, in effect that is right. It would stretch it out
another year or two.
Mr. CRAMER. And your chart accompanying your statement in-
dicates that. the. allocations would continue until 1978 meaning con-
struction probably until 1979 anyway. So if we followed your recom-
mendations we could not contemplate the completion of the Inter-
state System until 1979.
Mr. HEALY. That would be fiscal year 1968, yes.
Mr. CRAMER. Well tha.t is the money. The actual construction takes
another year or so. Is that correct?
Mr. HEALY. Yes, sir; that is right.
Mr. CRAMER. Well I disagree with you on that concept. I realize,
lmowever~ you have to get money some place; but I do not. think it
PAGENO="0045"
35
ought to come out of the trust fund penalizing the completion of the
Interstate System, partially because it is for defense, partially because
highway users have been paying in under the existing formula expect-
ing that they will have high-speed, limited-access highways completed
in this country within a reasonable period of time. So if I were to
comment on your recommendation, I would~ suggest that maybe you
ought to try to find the money someplace else.
Mr. HEALY. You mean like an increased tax?
Mr. CRAMER. Yes; or somewhere.
Mr. HEALY. Well, of course, that is up to Congress and we probably
wouldn't quarrel with it either.
Mr. CRAMER. Well the President has not had much success in his
suggestion of increased taxes to finance programs of the adminis-
tration.
I think this brings to light one of the problems we have had with
trust funds for years. There are an awful lot of people who would like
to use that money for some other purposes. I do not blame the cities
for their interest in trying to convert some of that money if they can.
But I do think we have a responsibility. We made a commitment to
complete the Interstate System within a reasonable period of time.
Mr. HEALY. We are not suggesting that the money be diverted.
We are suggesting that it be used for highways only. But we are
suggesting that a stretchout in order to meet the needs of the other
roads is just as justificable as a stretchout because of increased costs,
which is what is happening anyway.
Mr. CRAMER. Well I `think-this is personal and I can only speak
for myse1f-~this is a rather unrealistic approach to suggest to Con-
gress that we curtail' the presently existing program and its coinple-
tion in order to accomplish a new program concept. I just think you
are on the wrong track. You ought to look for money someplace else,
and I do not argue with the `basic concept of the program you are sug-
gesting. We have got to get into urban `transportation, particularly
highways. I think your statement further serves as a useful purpose in
clearly pointing out that we have hybrid-headed agencies or hybrid-
headed program's relating to diffierent types of transportation and the
obvious result is a `lack of coordination.
Mr. HEALY. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. With the Bureau of Public Roads and other compre-
hensive planning agencies becoming involved. I would hope that if
your suggestions were seriously considered relating to comprehensive
planning agencies, county and state'wide and city, that we not end up
with a situation like we have in `the District of Columbia where we
have no action-all planning-no decisions. I think that is the risk
that we must be aware o'f in the recommendation. I am sure you would
not want that either.
Mr. HEALY. Absolutely not.
Mr. CRAMER. Somebody has to make the decision; right?
Mr. HEALY. That is right, and that is the problem here in the Dis-
trict which I don't think exists anywhere else. Th'is is unique.
Mr. CRAMER. Well I do not want to make the whole coun'try unique.
[Laughter.]
On page 11, there is $1.5 billion contract authority for the Depart-
ment of Transportation for development of public transportation
PAGENO="0046"
36
facilities. Could von indicate where that would come from under your
plan?
Mr. H~ix. The money ?
Mr. CRAMER. Yes, sir.
Mr. HEALY. That could come out of the general fund.
Mr. CRAMER. General fund.
Mr. HEALY. Right. There would have to be an appropriation by
Congress through the regular process authorizing a contract author-
ity of that amount.
Mr. CRAMER. It is your thought that it should be appropriated to
whom-TIUD? Transportation?
Mr. HEALY. Department of Transportation. I am assuming that the
mass transit program is going to be transferred to the Department of
Transportation from HUD.
Mr. CRAMER. I think you have been wise on suggesting on page 7
that w~hatever planning be done that it be subject to State approval
so somebody has the final sayso. That was your intention, was it?
Mr. HEALY. Yes, it was; yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I think you made a valuable contribution on the sub-
ject of functional classification, No. 5 on page 7. In my opinion this
probably should have been done long ago. This also would provide
more certainty in the program.
Mr. HEALY. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. And less executive flexibility which we have too much
of today in my opinion.
That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUczYNsKI. Any further questions?
Mr. HEALY. Mr. Chairman, in connection with Mr. Cramer's ques-
tioning he referred to the chart that we have. We have attempted to
picture here what the effect would be in~ terms of time of the recoin-
mendations. We have made an error in the cutoff date of nonclassified
functioning and the cutoff date below that. They should be moved
ahead 1 year. If it is your desire to reproduce a chart like this in the
record, we would like an opportunity to correct that before it is
inserted.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I suggest that the record be left open
for the purpose of inserting a proper chart following the statement.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKT. Hearing no objection, it. is so ordered.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to thank you for a very good statement, Mr. Healy. Recog-
nizing that most of the communities in the country have other serious
problems classified as urban problems, where would you place highway
development in the list of priorities as far as urban problems are con-
cerned?
Mr. HEALY. It is hard to make a general statement. After the riots in
Watts in Los Angeles, the commission which investigated that cited as
possibly the most important reason for the discontent there was the
lack of adequate transportation for the people living there to get to
jobs. In other areas that might not be the most important problem. So
I don't believe that I could generalize.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Would you say that in most cases it will be toward the
top of the list or the bottom of the list.
PAGENO="0047"
37
Mr. HEALY. Oh I would say it would be toward the top. Traffic
strangulation is getting worse everywhere in the cities.
Mr. CLAITSEN. Oftentimes in the Congress before the House when
our legislation reaches the floor of the House there have been sugges-
tions by people in urban areas that we divert some of the funds from
this trust fund over into a transit system. `Will you comment on this?
Do you agree with that?
Mr. HEALY. No, I don't agree with that.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Would you say how the bulk of your local officials feel
about this.
Mr. HEALY. I would say at present the bulk of the local officials want
the trust funds reserved for highways and highway related transporta-
tion needs.
Mr. CLAUSEN. And thus they should seek other methods of finance
if this is what their problem is. Is this what you are suggesting here?
Mr. HEALY. Exactly.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well I am glad to have this because I know there
have been many amendments offered on occasion, and I think it will
be very helpful to our committee members to offer in rebuttal on the
floor of the House your testimony.
Actually you have considered two basic systems, namely the transit
systems and your highway system in your urban areas. Recognizing
that our committee does not have jurisdiction over airports, I am one
of the leading advocates, as you know, of developing an integrated
system of airports in urban areas so that we can relieve some of the
congestion up topside. Now do you feel in this overall planning that
some consideration should be given to aviation access into your com-
munity as well? Is this what you mean by the balance?
Mr. HEALY. Yes, I do. What we mean by comprehensive, continu-
ing, cooperative planning is not just for streets and highways, but
comprehensive planning for all transportation needs and comprehen-
sive planning for the total development of the community which in-
cludes airports and location of airports and other public facilities
and access to them. It includes the whole works.
Mr. CLAUSEN. You see, one of the problems we face here is that this
is the Roads Subcommittee and aviation matters are handled by Inter-
state and Foreign Commerce. Frankly, I am not satisfied with the kind
of coordination that has hitherto been present. So, while I do not ex-
pect to develop this in depth here, I would like to have you people
give some serious thought as to how we could coordinate legislatively
the implementation of the kind of integrated and balanced transporta-
tion system that goes to all forms.
Mr. HEALY. Well, Mr. Clausen, as the comprehensive planning
process frankly is quite new in this country and, in fact, it was only
in the Highway Act of 1962 that it was required that for highways
the process had to be started by 1965, however, it is now in process and
we are quite optimistic about the results that we will get from this
process. It's not just for highways but total comprehensive planning,
and there are more and more Federal programs that require this be-
fore local units are eligible to get Federal aid for different types of
programs. This planning process has to go on.
Mr. CLAUSEN. All right, the final question. You have heard Mr.
Cramer's comments about offering the finance formula and the rec-
PAGENO="0048"
38
ommendatjons that have come forward which is about on a 75-25
basis. I have not detected from your testimony that you have a posi-
tion or a recommendation on the formula. Did you leave this out on
purpose or was it just an inadvertence?
Mr. }IEALY. We don't have a position officially as an organization on
the formula at this time. But we are considering it and we will un-
doubted~y be in close consultation with the American Association of
State Highway Officials and the National Association of Counties on
one agreed upon formula.
Mr. CI~usEx. Well I would hope that you would because I believe
1 recall in my opening statement that the only way to have a balanced
system of highways is to have a balanced system of finance, and I am
hoping we can arrive at that here. Do you feel this committee should
make a recommendation or this would go to the Ways and Means
Committee?
Mr. HEALY. Well this committee should make a recommendation
on the formula.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you. You gave us the authority.
Mr. KI~uczYNsKI. We planned on meeting this afternoon but it
seems we cannot get unanimous consent. So the chairman of the coin-
mittee wifi be happy to stay here until we. get a call to the floor.
So, at this time we will hear from the counties. Mr. Hillenbrand.
Mr. HILLENBRAND. Mr. Chairman, my name is Bernard F. Hillen-
brand, executive director of the National Association of Counties, and
my statemeht is meant to be thought of in the context of being a com-
panion statement with Mr. Healy, because we wanted to emphasize
to the members of this committee tha.t the cities and counties jointly
have developed this position with the idea of phasing in from our
present highway system into a new highway system. With your per-
mission, Mr. Chairman, in view of the lateness of the hour, I would
like to, if I might, file my statement for the record and hit the high
points.
Mr. KIUCzYNsKI. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. Hillenbrand, you can hit on the high points if you wish, and
if there are any questions of Mr. Hillenbrand lie is sitting there
walting.
Mr. HILLEXBRAND. Well, as the broadway musical says, with a little
bit of luck I can hit those high points in exactly 5 minutes.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Go ahead.
Mr. HILLENBRAND. The first thing is, of course, we are whole-
heartedly in support of continuing the ABC appropriations at least at
the level of $1 billion. In line with Mr. Cramer's questions and the
discussions, you wifi remember that when we first started the Inter-
state System the ABC appropriation was something at the level of
$925 million and we increased it at approximately $25 million a year
until it reached the level of $1 billion. We think it is important to
recognize that we have in effect a freeze on the ABC funds at a level
of $1 billion, which means in the face of continuing inflation on the
magnitude of 3 percent a year that we are actually having a decrease
in the amount of money available.
So, Mr. Cramer, we would like for you to consider our recoinmenda-
tions with respect to the stretchout of the Interstate System in the
context of it isn't that we love the Interstate System less but that we
PAGENO="0049"
39
have waited so long to get at this other system of roads-the rural sys-
tem and the urban system that we are talking about. So what we are
suggesting is rather to switch the emphasis at a later date when we are
more prepared to continue these urban and rural systems so that in
effect the freeze becomes then on the Interstate System and the annual
increment into the trust fund because of increased revenue receipts
would go into starting this new system.
Mr. CRAMER. May I ask a question there. Do you not think there
is a substantial value to the cities as well as to the entire Nation as
well as to our defense in keeping our commitment to complete the
Interstate System as soon as possible?
Mr. HILLENBRAND. We would certainly agree with that, Mr. Cramer,
and we certainly don't want in this testimony or any other after 12
years of supporting the Interstate System to sound like we are not
enthusiastic about completing the system. Frankly, in many of these
communities we have found that other kinds of roads are getting to be
of increasingly urgent necessity. When we started with the 1956 High-
way Act we all agreed that we were going to put into effect a freeze
on the ABC roads. Now with the increased cost to the Interstate
System there are prospects that we might not even be able to get at
the ABC system until perhaps as late as 1980 in some people's projec-
tion. For example, we understand, that new cost estimates between
this year and 2 years ago indicate relatively the same amount .of
cost to complete the system. So that we have had 2 years of appro-
priations or about $6 billion and haven't got any closer to the comple-
tion dates in terms of dollars involved.
So, Mr. Cramer, we don't want to be in a position of being against
the Interstate System. On the other hand,' we have got other road
responsibilities too, particularly at the city and county level. At the
county level, of 3,500,000 miles of roads in the TJnited States we have
responsibility for 2,750,000 miles of them. So we have got other
problems.
Mr. CRAMER. And we get down , to the same problem of money.
Mr. HILLERBRAND. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. And if. there is not more money going into the trust
fund somebody is going to suffer.
Mr. HILLENBEAND. Well we would be content for you to force more
money on us to build more. We would appreciate it.
Mr. CRAMER. I have suggested for a number of years maybe w-e ought
to consider some of the automobile excise tax going into the trust
funds.
Mr. HILLENBRAND. We have that matter under discussion now. There
is approximately $1.5 billion tha.t does not get used for highways now.
Mr. CLAIJSEN. That is where I believe that you people at the city
and county `level are going to have to help some of us who generally
believe that the development of a highway system as rapidly as possi-
ble-we will not complete economic growth-but in my judgment
should take priority over some of the other expenditures going into
other programs. You should have this kind of priority in the tax reve-
nue if I recall my experiences as a county supervisor.
Mr. HILLENBRAND. We agree with that wholeheartedly. This ~leads
to my point too. We don't want to put emphasis of creating a new sys-
9G-030-GS-----4
PAGENO="0050"
40
tern of roads. What we really want to do is apply the concepts we have
developed in the Interstate System to an urban area and rural area
so we are not appropriating money willy-nilly but a~propriating it
for completing usable increments of a system within an urban area and
a rural area.. In a rural area, for example, we may want to build a road
network to a recreational facility or a rural college and this might very
well involve crossing se ceral counties and through se reral cities and
so on. So we want to apply the samo planning requ rement now as
when we came before t his committee in 1962 to sup~ ort the idea of
continuing, comprehensice, cooperative planning in I he urban areas.
In our judgment, that has worked so extremely weU we would now
like to extend it into th~ rural areas, and we would lii .e in this session
of the Congress and before this committee to ask you to authorize the
use of the one and one-half percent funds which we a re suggesting be
increased to 2 percent, and open these funds for use n rural areas on
exactly the. same basis under which they were made a `ailable in urban
areas with so much success to have a continuing, co nprehensive, co-
operative planning process.
If we have our way, Mr. Chairman, when we are finished every
road in the United States will be a part of a planned system, everyone
involving a Federal expenditure where we can be sure that preceding
that we have this other point that we classify the road network in
the United States. A classification of a road in one State doesn't mean
the same thing in another State and it doesn't even mean the same
thing within a State. So I am sure this committee is well aware of the
tremendous problem of even taking an inventory of roads in the
United States and determining what the needs are where someone
may sit down with a slide rule and measure eight blocks of city
streets and projects into a universe of some type. The highway classi-
fication we would do in cooperation with the State.
And that leads to another point, Mr. Cramer, you made in your
questions. What we are after in this continuing, comprehensive, co-
operative planning process is to come up with a community program
that everybody is agreed on, and then we can fix responsibility for the
State highway official and the Bureau of Public Roads to actually
build the road after all this planning is done. Someone at the end of
the line has got to have a responsibility, and we think the planning
process that we are suggesting in both urban and rural areas will do
just exactly that. They will have wide community acceptance and will
enable the state highway department, to say this is where the road is
going because this is what t.he plan indicates.
Mr. Chairman, those were the main points of reference. We want
to emphasize again that this is a city-county position, that we are to-
gether on it. We have worked on it a considerable amount of time
with the American Association of State Highway Officials and we
are suggesting that these changes ought to be made this year. As a
point of fact they probably ought to have been made several years
ago so we can get our ducks in a row. We note from our experience that
the 1962 planning requirement is only now becoming fully operative
in all of the metropolitan areas. So weneed as much leadtime as we
can get. We ~ow if we go with the highway classification project
there ought to be cooperation with the city, county, State, and Con-
PAGENO="0051"
41
gress. So we are suggesting that. We are suggesting this is the year
to start phasing in with the program after 1972 with these relatively
modest amendments we have suggested to this year's bill.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman..
Mr. KLUCzYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Hillenbrand. We greatly appreci-
ate your statement. And we thank you, Mr. Healy. As has been said
many times before, the work is cut out for this committee. We have
got a lot of planning to do and a lot of legislation to pass, and I can
assure you that the chairman of this committee will do everything pos-
sible to give to the people of this country a great transportation system.
You have made it possible for the next witness who came in from
Indiana to testify. He is unable to be here tomorrow, and perhaps we
can take a few minutes for him.
Mr. HEALY. Mr. Chairman, could I elaborate on my answer to a
question Mr. Clausen addressed to me?
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Oh, yes; sure.
Mr. IIa~rx. And, if possible, have it inserted at that point where he
asked about the position of the National League of Cities on using
highway trust fund moneys for mass transit,but I would like to qualify
that answer a little bit by saying that there is developing a sort of a
backlash about the relatively well-funded highway program as con-
tracted to financing available for mass transportation or public trans-
portation; that there is a feeling that unless there is a larger, more
adequate fund of Federal aid available for public transportation f a-
cilities there will be a growing feeling that highway trust fund money
ought to be used.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. Mr. Chairman, may I respond briefly to that. No. 1,
the highway trust fund was only successful because of the fact that the
taxpayers are paying directly into that trust fund. So I might suggest
to you that as far as the mass transit program is concerned, those
people might give attention into developing a method similar to this
to pay for it.
Mr. CRAMER. Maybe what we need then is a separate use tax, a sepa-
rate trust fund.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. Yes, sir. There is no use robbing Peter who is doing
a pretty good job to pay Paul who wants to depend on somebody else.
Mr. HEALY. I understand that position, Mr. Clausen. I am just re-
porting a feeling.
Mr. CRAMER. Well I think you have been very candid and that is
what concerns some of us. We know that feeling is abroad and we felt
a highway user trust fund concept for financing highways which would
be used was a fair way to do it. .Now because there is some money in
it even though it is short of accomplishing the objectives, substantially
short, so a lot of people say there is a lot of money and we better try
to make it available for other transportation systems. Well my answer
is maybe you ought to consider using the same concept, a subway user
tax, mass transit user tax similar to the highway user tax.
Mr. HEALY. We are not ta~king 5ust about subways or rail transit.
We are talking about bus transit which is highway related.
Mr. CRAMER. Well a bus user tax.
Mr. HEALY. And what we would like to appeal to you gentlemen is
to support our position that we need some separate fund or some con-
PAGENO="0052"
42
tract authorization to get more for mass transportation and thereby
relieve this pressure that could develop.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, as long as it does not rob the trust fund, you
draft the bill and I will introduce it.
Mr. HILLENBRAND. And you will get joint support for it. We can
assure you of that.
(The complete statement follows:)
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ~THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNT~S BY
BERNARD F. HILLENBRAND. EXECUTIVE DmECTOR
We, in the National Association of Counties, are increasingly concerned that
the national preoccupation with completion of the Interstate Highway System
is causing a mounting crisis and overwhelming backlog of needed improvements
on our other federal-aid highways. Our Association vigorously* supported the
1956 Federal Aid Highway Act which inaugurated the Interstate system and
we still are very much committed to completing the 41,000 miles of Interstate
highways at the earliest practical date.
We are alarmed, however, with the rising cost of the Interstate system and
the prospects that it may not be completed until as late as 1980. It is not that
we are less enthusiastic about Interstate construction but that we are finding
we must get on with the job of improving our other road systems. With the
present primary, secondary, and urban extension systems (ABC roads) frozen
at an annual appropriation level of one billion dollars, we actually are putting
in place fewer miles of ABC roads because of infiatioS and other factors.
We have been working very closely with the National League of Cities in
developing a joint transition program which we feel confident will enable us
to begin a new non-Interstate program as we come to the completion date for
the Interstate system.
NEW HIGHWAY DESIGNATIONS
We are suggesting in effect. that once the now designated 41000 miles of
interstate highways are completed, that, with the exception of 5 or 10 per cent
of the annual highway appropriation for upgrading, the new emphasis be placed
on three new highway systems. The first would be the state Primary system. In
many cases this Would be improved to expresswCy standards. The state primary
system Would provide rapid movement of large volumes of traffic between,
around, and through metropolitan areas. Whet~er built to expressway stand-
ards or not, we envision that this system of roads would be subject to the regula-
tion of parking, turning movements, pedestrian use, entrances, exits and curb
use.
The second system would bean ~urban major street and highway system which
would provide for traffic movement between and across portions of the urban
area. In effect, this system wouldconnect major traffic generating points within
an urban area. A secondary purpose might be to provide direct access to abutting
lands. This system also would be subject to regulations governing parking, turn-
ing movement, pedestrian use, entrances, exits and curb use. The individual
major streets would combine to make a system of traffic movement throughout
the entire metropolitan area. In some cases major streets would be divided
arterial roadways with some control of access and they could even be built to
freeway or expressway standards. Collector streets which connect major
arterials directly with residential and industrial areas and local streets which
Serve primarily as access to abutting property would not be included in the
federal-aid program.
The third system would be a rural secondary or inter-county system. The rural
secondary system would be composed of major secondary roads not on the Inter-
state or state primary systems, and would be located outside metropolitan areas.
These roads would serve the same function in rural areas as that served by major
streets and highways systems in urban areas. This system would be limited in
mileage and roads classified as of lesser importance would not be eligible for
federal aid.
PAGENO="0053"
43
HIGHWAY CHANGES
In anticipation of switching to the new federal-aid systems, we would envision
these changes:
1. Congress would contine to vigorously support metropolitan transportation
planning through the Continuing, Comprehensive, Cooperative transportation
planning process required by the 1962 highway act, (the "Three C planning
process"-Continuing, Comprehensive, Cooperative). We also recommend
strongly that Congress enact a parallel requirement that multi-county planning
agencies outside metropolitan areas also utilize the three C process as a pre-
requisite for obtaining federal funds for roads in these areas. To help defray the
cost of the new planning requirement in rural areas, federal and state highway
funds should be made available immediately for multi-county "Three C" planning
on the same terms now available to standard metropolitan areas. Beginning
July 1st, 1974, no federal funds will be allocated to support streets and highway
developments in any area that does not maintain a comprehensive, continuing,
cooperative transportation planning process.
(We would envision that in some rural areas there would be opposition to
this program. This would come primarily from the fact that until the present time
there have not been adequate financial resources in these rural areas to undertake
a continuing planning process. We believe the availability of federal funds
through the highway program, plus a parallel effort we are urging to open up
the Department of Housing and Urban Development's urban planning grant pro-
grain (701 Program), would provide the necessary incentive and ability.)
2. Shift in emphasis on highway planning. Under this proposal the states
w-ould be assigned responsibility for planning the state Primary systems in both
urban and rural areas. The three C agencies would be made responsible for
developing transportation plans in each metropolitan area and in each rural area.
3. Implementation of classification plan. The very heart of these proposals is
a suggested amendment to the Federal Aid Highway Act requiring streets and
highways to be functionally classified in accordance with definitions and
standards developed cooperatively by the Federal Highway Administration in
consultation with the states and local officials. We would suggest that a deadline
of July 1st, 1971 be established for completing the classification program.
Functional classification would be on a state-wide basis with the state responsible
for classifying the primary system and the metropolitan 3-C planning agencies
and the multi-county 3-C planning agencies responsible for classifying streets and
highways within their jurisdictions subject to approval by the states. States
would be expected to aid local planning agencies in this process.
4. New fund allocation formulas. Effective with the fiscal year beginning July
1st, 1972, funds allocated under the present ABC program would be distributed
under a new formula recognizing the new functional classification system.
Funds from the federal government would be distributed to the states earmarked
for the state primary system, the urban system and the rural system. The per-
centage of federal funds allocated for each of these programs from the trust
fund and the allocations within each fund among thestates would be set at the
national level. Distribution formulas among the states from each system fund
would be developed, recognizing the various characteristics relevant to each
system. States would be given leeway to transfer a small percentage of their
allotment between the three systems according to their state needs.
.. Rei~ersing fund allocations. We propose that beginning with the fiscal year
1973 funds allocated annually to the Interstate system should be fixed at an
amount equal to the average amount of money appropriated to the Interstate sys-
tem during the preceding five fiscal years. All receipts in the trust fund in excess
of this fixed allocation to the Interstate system would he appropriated for the new
state, urban, and rural (SUR) systems. In the present program the interstate
system authorization from highway ~rnst funds are increasing as a result of
increased receipts into the trust fund~ The ABC authorizations remain stable at
one billion dollars per year. Extension of the projected completion date of the
interstate system from 1972 to as late as 1980 because of always increasing cost
estimates threatens to continue to consume trust funds resulting in further de-
mv for critical projects off the interstate system.
We currently have a freeze on the ABC funds. In effect, we a.re su~restin~ that
after fiscal year 1973. the freezin~ should be on the Interstate system and that
the annual increment of increased receints into the trust fund should he used
to speed up construction on non-Interstate projects.
PAGENO="0054"
44
6. Allocations within the states. Local projects to be financed by SUIt funds
would be proposed by the "Three C planning" agencies in metropolitan and rural
areas and local assigned priorities would be submitted to the state highway cle-
partrnents. The states would then assign the urban and rural system monies to
these projects from the respective system funds. Construction basically would
be a state responsibility. However, the state can and should be able to delegate
this responsibility where city and county highway departments are capable of
administering construction projects in their jurisdictions.
Summary and conclusion
In effect, we are suggesting that some of the principals and concepts that have
proven so successful in the development of 41,000 miles of Interstate highways
now be applied at the metropolitan and rural level to develop systems of roads
in these areas based upon a uniform national system of road classification. We
are suggesting that the Congress determine allocation formulas to distribute
the monies between the states with some leeway left to the state to allocate the
funds between the three systems within a state. We also are suggesting that the
only effective long range method of building highways is through the universal
application of the continuing, comprehensive cooperative highway planning
process on the urban, rural and statewide primary systems.
We also would strongly emphasize that we proceed immediately to amend the
Federal Aid Highway Act to move toward this new approach to. highway plan-
ning. It has been repeatedly emphasized by planners, highway officials, and,
state and local officials generally that there is a very long lead timein preparing
land use plans and developing sensible highway systems based upon realistic
functional highway classifications.
We look forward to continuing our very close working relationship with the Na-
tional League of Cities and are hopeful of being able to work with the Congress,
the Administration and the state highway departments in developing an effective
long range highway program that is so desperately needed.
Mr. Ki~czYxsKi. Next is Mr. Paul Seitz.
STATEMENT OP PAUL W. SEITZ, PRESIDENT, MAY STONE & SAND
CO., PORT WAYNE, INI).; ACCOMPANIED BY GEORGE A. ZEI(}LER,
CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL LIMESTONE INSTITUTE
Mr. SEITZ. Mr. Chairman, I have, accompanying me today Mr.
George Zeigler, Chairman of the National Limestone Institutes.
My name is Paul W. Seit.z. I am president of the May Stone &
Sand Co of Fort Wa\ ne, md i `im `iso second ~ ice chairm'tn of the
National Limestone Institute Inc `md a member of the bo'ii d of
directors. Consequently, while I am speaking with a .direct personal
interest, I also represent 549 limestone producers from 34 States.
First, I want to compliment this eoinniittee on the vigorous w `iv
~ on ha~ e promoted the hlghw'm\ needs of oui N'mtion `While I h'i~ e
not had the pleasure of meeting all members of this~ committee, we
have appreciated the niess'Iges w hich the chairman of the subcom
mittee the ch'nrrnan of the full committee and the rankmg member
of these committees have brought us from time to time at our annual
conventions.
It. seems to those of us in this industry which supplies one of the
essential materials for highway co~struc.t.ion that everyone in high
policy posit.ions is not nearly as knowledgeable as the members of this
committee on the impact of some of the~ decisions affecting highway
funding that have been made in recent years. I would like to discuss
some of these decisions.
Before continuing though, I should like to review the background
of our participation. Many of us are relatively new in this area-by
this, I mean we represent some companies less than 2.5 years old. In
PAGENO="0055"
45
1966, 70 percent of all crushed stone produced in the United States
was limestone and 60 percent of all limestone was used as road stone
or concrete aggregates. Needless, to say, the limestone industry has
been sigiiificantly affected as this Nation increased its ABC funds,
first to $400 million, then to $700 million, then to $825 million and
then by $25 million annual increments to $1 billion. Unfortunately,
many seem to assume that now that we have reached the "magic"
figure of $1 billion a year, we have "arrived." I know this committee
well understands that the needs of the ABC networks are continuing
to grow-actually more nearly on a geometric scale than a regular
annual increase.
Previous testimony of our organization has repeatedly urged not
just an annual increase of $25 million a year but $50 million a year,
if we hope to keep pace in this vital system. While we recognize that
the new studies are going to encompass this system, hopefully with
a major new approach to the primary phase, we should not-yes, can-
not-delay until the new approach is finalized.
This aggregate industry, which grew from 300 niiilion tons in 1930
to 1.1 billion tons in 1960, expects to more than triple this figure by
1980. The median projection is 3.8 billion tons.
We, in the limestone industry, are perfectly willing to do ou~ part
in expanding to take care of this Nation's needs. Howevcr, I cannot
overstress that as we commit millions of dollars to the purcb ase of
capital equipment needed to double and triple our productive capa-
bilities, we need to have assurances that cutbacks in annDunce~l pro-
grams will be held to an absolute minimum. These expansions a re not
only costly-which, obviously, must be passed on-but can actually
put companies that have become too extended out of business.
The temporary freeze of Federal funds in 1967 delayed the 41,000-
mile. Interstate Expressway System a year, highway officials say. Even
though most of the Federal funds were restored, highway programs
can't be turned off and on like a spigot. It is easier to restore money
than time.. . .
Fifty-two thousand highway fatalities in 1967 and 3,650,000 injured
on our highways is obviously som~thing our civilized Nationshould be
concerned, with. However, let us relate this to a daily figure of 140
killed and 10,000 injured, but these statistics sometimes also seem
empty unless we relate to sOmething. Imagine the public outcry if the
Defense Department announced 140 servicemen were being killed and
another 10,000 wounded every day in Vietnam. Add the results of all
other forms of injury-producing violence that America is plagued
with and yOu still have only one-tenth of the traffic accident total.
Doesn't there seem to be an answer in reducing this slaughter on our
highways? Yes, we are finding an answer in our travel on interstate-
type freeways as they are twice as safe as the roads they have replaced.
And, although they represent less than 1 percei~t of total highway
mileage, these new freeways are ca.rrying over 10 percent of all traffic,
and decreasing loss of lives by 5,000 per year. Highways can be built
to meet increasing traffic demands and, at the same time, greatly re-
duce the death and injury rate; and t.he job can be done for consider-
ably less than the $10 billion that Americans waste annually in direct
economic losses resulting from highway accidents.
PAGENO="0056"
46
And, of course, good roads also generate economic progress. When
1,400 of the nation's leading industrialists were asked to list major
factors affecting new plant locations, modern highways ranked irurn-
ber one. This isn't surprising. Business today demands good roads and
streets. Highways carry 75 percent. of the nation's freight, passengers,
raw materials and finished products, or $12.0 billion worth of trans-
portation per year. No matter what yardstick you use, the most
expensive highway isn't the new freeway at all. It's the worn-out,
two-lane "killer" road-boobyt.rapped by blind curves-no medians-
narrow bridges-and a dozen other hazards.
Alan S. Boyd, when U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Trans-
portation, said those who oppose construction of urban expressways
or contend that rapid transit systems offer a simple soultion to traffic
problems "overlook the fact. that so long as people have freedom of
choice they'll buy autos." People demand the personal mobility
"allowed by cars and highways and foi~ this reason, construction of
the Interstate System shouldn't. be delayed," Boyd told a Cleveland
audience.
As we look a.t the Secretary's record, one can't help wondering
whether the Secretary has changed his mind about not delaying the
highway program, has~ new advisors, or has decided that highways
should not receive the emphasis given them in recent years by the
Congress.
Now again comes a request. for a cutback of $600 million from the
projected level of Federal-aid highway obligations to have been in-
curred during the calendar year 1968. So says a January 23 memo-
randum to State highway departments from the U.S. Department of
Transportation. At least three fundam~ntal issues are at stake.
IS IT THE PREROGATIVE OF TIlE ADMINISTRATION TO ARBITRARILY DECREE
THAT DEDICATED HIGHWAY TRUST FEND REVENHE BE WITHHELD?
Twelve years ago, with popular support and by unanimous con-
gressional action, this fund was established and taxes imposed for the
specific and sole purpose of building a modern highway system. In
contrast with virtually every other Federal program, it is a nondeficit
and pay-as-you-go fund. It. also is solvent with more than enough
anticipated revenues to underwrite previously planned outlays.
IS THE ROA~DBtJTLDING PROGRAM INFLATIONARY?
Highway construction costs have remained relatively stable since
1950 when compared with other cost indexes says a 1967 Department
of Commerce release.
In the past decade, the highway program has been remarkable growth. Despite
this growth. the highway construction industry has largely escaped the gradual
but sustained creep in prices and costs experienced during the same period by
most other sectors of the economy. Less than one-twentieth of the government's
budget is for highways. However, one out of every seven workers in the U.S. is
dependent on the highway and automotive industries for his livelihood.
Recently, Secretary of Transportation Alan S. Boyd, said the cut-
back is justified due to increases in highway construction costs in
recent months. This is a. paradoxical position for the Government to
PAGENO="0057"
47
take, since the principal reasons for these increases is the extremely
high wage settlements that unions extracted from hundreds of con-
tractor organizations last year. Federal mediators repeatedly were
asked to intervene in these negotiations-and unfailingly sat on their
hands.
IS A SLOWDOWN IN THE HIGHWAY PROGRAM IN THE BEST INTEREST
OF THE PUBLIC?
"The gravest problem before this Nation, next to the war in Viet-
nam, is the death and destruction, the shocking and senseless carnage
that strikes daily on our highways," President Johnson said in 1966.
"In this century, more than 11/2 million of our fellow citizens have
died on our streets and highways-nearly three times as many Ameri-
cans as we have lost in all our wars. V\Te are going to cut down this
senseless loss of lives."
The final bit of inflated irony is that the "modest but essential" $600
million in highway-user taxes apparently isn't going to be taken out
of circulation at all. Shortly before announcing the reduction, Boyd
told a group of State highway officials:
The $600 million that would become a (Highway) Trust Fund balance would
go to the General Fund, on interest, and would obviate the need for the Federal
Government going to the private money market-to help satisfy the budget
deficit, created largely by Vietnam.
This is the same Secretary Boyd who, a few weeks earlier, said, "I
think we should make our position very clear regarding the use of
highway trust fund moneys for nonhighway purposes. This cannot
be done-the law clearly prohibits it."
One can wonder if 106 million motorists aren't getting a little fed
up with being the No. 1 sitting duck in Washington's political shoot-
ing gallery. Highways aren't built with "Federal aid," they are built
with the billions of dollars the motorists have paid, in good faith,
into the highway trust fund matched with billions of dollars collected
by the State for highways, nothing else.
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you and the committee for the
privilege of appearing before you this morning to present our views.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Seitz.
Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Seitz, I thank you for a very excellent statement
and it certainly states my point of view. Apparently, referring to Mr.
Boyd's statement, the fund cannot be used for other than highway
purposes. Apparently what he meant was, it is all right to do it
temporarily.
Mr. SEITZ. We presume that is what he might have meant.
Mr. CRAMER. From what has happened since, I presume so, too.
I think you have been very helpful in highlighting what I think
is not often enough discussed, and that is just exactly what highways
mean in the economy of our Nation as it relates to the employment
problem of our country and, incidentally, as it relates to the defei~o
of the country. We might add that.
I think you have made a very fine statement.
Mr. KLUCZYN5IcI. Mr. Clausen.
PAGENO="0058"
48
Mr. CLAUSEN. Mr. Seitz, you certainly stated in your comments
what I have already said. I want to thank you for the statement you
made. You heard what I said earlier and you are certamly in accord.
I want to make this categorical statement that if we are going to lmve
to establish a. list of priorities on expenditures this is the one area
where we can increase funds to resolve most of the. social problems of
this country. If we can give proper attention to the highway nnd road
needs, we will balance out. the tax basis in most of the cases so they
can handle t.he bulk of their own social and welfare problems.
Mr. S~ITZ. I would like to say one thing else, Mr. Chairman. Mr.
Cramer mentioned about. the excise taxes on autos. If we were to pull
in the tax moneys that should be going to highways of people who are
paying really into a highway fund and it is not getting there, we
could expand our ABC program and not have any problems out ahead
of ourselves.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. I want to thank you, Mr. Seitz. There are a lot
of questions and a lot of comments on that wonderful statement.
Mr. Zion.
Mr. ZION. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a brief statement. I
have a special word of welcome to a fellow Hoosier here. I want to
assure you that when the first cutba.ck was announced in the alloca-
tion, 11 Congressmen got together and unanimously agreed to oppose
any cutback in general highway funds and we are still with you.
Mr. SEITZ. Wonderful.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. We are happy to have you here and I will assure
you that the committee will study your statement.
We stand recessed.
(`Whereupon, at 12 :20, p.m., the subcommittee recessed to recon-
vene at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 21,1968.)
(The following was furnished for insertion:)
STATEMENT OF NATIONAL JoINT HEAVY AND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
ON THE ABC HIGHWAY SYSTEM
Gentlemen, the National Joint Heavy and Highway Construction Committee is
vitally interested in those matters which affect the members of these six Inter-
national Unions on highway construction throughout the United States. These
six International Unions are the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
of America, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Laborers' Inter-
national Union of North America, the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons
International Association of the United States and Canada, the Bricklayers,
Masons and Plasterers' International Union of America and the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America,
who have a total membership of 3.8 million of which hundreds of thousands are
employed and dependent on highway construction for their livelihood. We are
pleased with this opportunity to express their views on this nation's primary and
secondary highway systems and their urban extensions known as the ABC
System. . -
THE IMPORT OF THE ABC PROGRAM
Since 1916, the Federal Government has had a Highway Program; the main
thrust has been towards a highway of an interstate nature. With the passage
of the 1956 Highway Act, this country embarked on the largest public works
project known to man, the National System of Interstate Defense Roads. How-
ever, recognizing that at the completion of the Interstate System, these roads
will carry only 25% of the nation's traffic.
Congress, for the past decade, has progressively increased the annual author-
ized level of Federal Aid Highway Funds to this primary and secondary urban
PAGENO="0059"
49
road system. For the years 1966 to 1909, $1 billion annually will be available to
the ABC Program.
We are pleased with the concern of Congress for the ABC System and espe-
cially for the most recent attention paid to the urban roads. These roads are
necessary to au~jr integrated system of inter and intrastate highways. We also
concur with the recommendations of Secretary of Transportation, Alan S. Boyd,
that more attention should be paid by all interested parties in developing an
urban road system that is compatible with the social and economic needs of our
urban areas. By 1990, more than 200 million people will he living in this country's
urban areas; this is more than the total population of these fifty states.
TIlE ABC SYSTEMS IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT
Recognizing our responsiblities as representatives of organized labor, we
would like to emphasize the iniportance of the ABC System as it is related to
employment.
There will be, through the partnership of the Federal and 50 States' Govern-
ments, in funding for the years 1906 through 1969, a total of $2 billion annually
for the ABC System. Using the 1966 report of the Department of Labor's Bureau
of Labor Statistics on labor requirements for construction of Federal Aid High-
ways, this $2 billion will generate, annually, employment for 230thousand people
in manufacturing, transportation, trade, mining and other related industries. Of
these 230 thousand potential jobs, over 40% will be available to construction
workers.
Considering the recommendations of Secretary Boyd, of the nation's needs
for greater attention towards the citizens of our urban areas, let us consider
the needs for greater employment opportunities in the urban areas.
In 1967, one-third of all unemployed workers lived in this nation's fifteen
larger cities. The unemployment rate in our cities is generally greater than the
national average especially among minority groups in unskilled workers. In-
creased highway construction in the metropolitan areas in this country will
provide employment opportunities for this segment of our population, now one
of the main concerns of this country's "War on Poverty." The highway con-
struction industry can train these people and upgrade them in the mainstream
of this country's economy.
DAvIS-BACON COVERAGE FOR THE ABC SYSTEM
During the Eisenhower Administration, Congress wisely included a provision
in Section 115, Title 1 of the 1956 Highway Act requiring the Secretary of
Labor to determine the prevailing wage rates on similar construction in the
locality of proposed interstate projects. This provided highway construction
workers with the protection of the Davis-Bacon Act and lent to the industries
in general, the stability afforded by predetermined prevailing wages.
Prior to the late 1940's, only construction contracts that were let by the so-
called "procurement agencies" (Corps of Engineers, G.S.A., Bureau of Reclama-
tion and the U.S. Air Force) came under the purview of the Davis-Bacon Act.
This afforded workers with the necessary protection that large expenditures
of their taxes, on federal construction projects, would not serve to destroy wage
rates which were established and prevailing in their areas.
The Administrations of Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and John-
son have all endorsed the principle of federal and local participation in the
financing of construction projects that are held to be necessary to the needs of
this country. With the innovation of Federal assistance programs whereby
the Federal Government, through its various agencies, together with state munic-
ipalities or other local governmemital authorities, share the cost of construe-
ti()n projects under the `National Housing Act of 1949," the "Federal Airport
Act," the "College Housing Act of 1950," the "Area Redevelopment Act," and
the "Education Assistance Act of 1963."
If there is any single, common denominator among these programs, it is that
the Secretary of Labor sets forth the prevailing wage rates for all construction
workers employed on these projects. This is true whether the Federal Govern-
ment is paying 90% of the project, as in the Interstate Highway Program, or in
the cases of some projects of the Federal Housing Administration, where no
federal funds are expended but the Federal Government acts as the guarantor
of the loan.
PAGENO="0060"
50
We feel that an annual federal disbursement of $1 billion for this ABC has
such an impact on the highway industry that the workers on these projects
are entitled to the protection of the Davis-Bacon Act. Certainly it was the
intent of Congress with the passage of the Davis-Bacon Act to protect workers
on all construction projects in which the Federal Government is involved whether
it be by direct contract or those federal assistance programs with a predeter-
mined prevailing wage rate. Therefore, we feel Congress should, at this time,
act to place the workers employed on these ABC Highways under the protection
of the Davis-Bacon Act.
SAFETY AND THE ABC SYSTEM
As representatives of organized labor, we feel we have a social responsibility,
both to our members and to the general citizenry, to insist that any highway
program must attempt to halt the alarming fatality rate on our nation's high-
ways. Every single day over 10,000 Americans are injured on our highways and
every week more than 1,000 are killed; the monthly economic loss is well over
~800 million.
Congress is again to be commended for their most recent attempts in passing
the Federal Highway Safety Act to reduce this shocking waste of human lives.
We know that your Committee will continue to consciously Search for answ-ers
to our nation's most disgraceful malady.
Again, we are appreciative of the opportunity to address your important Com-
mittee and trust that you will give our views and suggestions careful
consideration.
PAGENO="0061"
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT-19$8
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1958
H0HSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
SUBcOMMITrnE ON ROADS
OF THE COMMIr2EE ON Puni~ic WORKS,
Wa~shington, D.C.
The subcommittee met at 10:05 a.m., in room 2167, Rayburn Build-
ing, Hon. John C. Kluczynski, chairman of the subcommittee,
presiding.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The subcommittee will come to order.
We will resume hearings this morning on the ABC highway pro-
gram. And our first witness is Mr. Ross G. Stapp, American Associa-
tion of State Highway Officials, chief administrative officer, Wyoming
Highway Department, Cheyenne, Wyo. He is accompanied by Alfred
E. Johnson, executive secretary.
You may proceed.
STATEMENT OF ROSS G. STAPP, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER,
WYOMING HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT, CHEYENNE, WYO., FIRST
VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OP STATE HIGHWAY
OFFICIALS; ACCOMPANIED BY ALFRED E. JOHNSON, EXECUTIVE
SECRETARY, AASHO
Mr. STAFF. Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee:
I am Ross G. Stapp, chief administrative officer of the Wyoming
State Highway Department, and am the first vice president of the
American Association of State Highway Officials.
I am appearing for our president, Mr. John 0. Morton, commis-
sioner of highways for the State of New Hampshire, and president
of AASHO, who was in Washington yesterday to testify in con-
gressional hearings, but had to return to New Hampshire last night
on important business.
We appreciate the privilege of appearing before you and expressing
our views on the matter of authorization legislation for the ABC
Federal-aid highway program.
Of course, our views might be summed up in a statement that such
legislation is absolutely essential this year, for it is a prerequisite for
making the 1970 fiscal year ABC apportionments to the several State
highway departments.
Along with this is the necessity of approving the 1968 interstate
cost estimate, so that the interstate 1970 fiscal year apportionments
can also be made.
(51)
PAGENO="0062"
52
Inasmuch as both sets of apportionments are generally made at the
same time, it becomes necessary that Congress take action on both of
these matters between now and apportionment time.
We, therefore, register our interest in the matter and hope that
no unnecessary complications may be encountered, so that the appor-
tionments can be made about the usual time, sometime late this summer
or early fall.
As you know, we started on the interstate program with a sizable
backlog of ABC system needs, which have been held in abeyance,
and we have added to those needs from that time until now, and
will continue to do so.
Most of our financial capabilities have been going towards the
construction of the very important 41,000-mile interstate system.
In 1956, the top priority highway needs of this Nation was a net-
work of freeways, inasmuch as our major traffic streams were get-
ting so dense that the conventional dual-purpose primary highway
could not longer satisfy the long distance and the local needs ef-
ficiently and safely.
We, therefore, allotted the major portion of our Federal-aid funds
to the number one priority need, so that the Nation's economy could
expand and so that national defense could be enhanced by having
this system of interstate freeways across the Nation.
We, of the State highway departments, have been looking forward
to the day that the 41,000-mile interstate program is completed, so
that we can then turn our financial resOurces to modernizing our vast
primary highway system that serves the whole country, and in takiug
care of our growing urban highway transportation requirements.
`We also must continue an adequate land service farm-to-market
program, for it is also essential to our ecomonic health.
To us, then, as soon as we can possibly complete our 41,000-mile in-
terstate program, our top priority consists of modernizing the primary
system, satisfying our growing urban requirements, and continuing
an ade4ua.te secondary program.
At the present time, we see no substantial increases in highway
revenues, so it appears that we will have to finish the interstate pro-
gram before we can start out on this big backlog of growing highway
needs on our ABC systems.
This will be brought out thoroughly, and with supportmg data, when
the AASHO presents to this committee in the very near future its
recommendations regarding an after "75" continuing Federal-aid
highway program.
The State highway administrators are unanimous in their hopes
that we can finish the 41,000-mile interstate network and not add to
that mileage, either now or later, for to do so will continue to put off
the day when we can turn our financial resources to modernizing our
primary system, which includes the replacement of a number of sub-
standard bridges, and address our attention to taking care of urban
problems. In upgrading the primary system, those qualifying will be
to freeway standards. Others will be expressway or vastly improved
two-lane facilities.
As soon as the 41,000-mile system is completed, and any substandard
sections in it corrected, we would like to drop the 90-10 matching ratio,
PAGENO="0063"
53
and have a uniform matching ratio for all Federal-aid system pro-
grams, based on the capabilities of the composite State highway de-
partment to match the Federal funds, but with the sliding scale pro-
visions continuing for the public land States.
One of the greatest reasons for the success of the Federal-aid high-
way program in the United States has been the ability of the State
highway departments to plan their programs, provide necessary match-
ing funds, and to make necessary commitments to involved property
owners and public officials at the various levels of government on the
basis of the congressional authorizations.
In other words, we refer to the "contractual obligation" feature of
the Federal-aid program that became part of it in 1922. From that time
on, we have been able to use the authorization as a basis for our plan-
ning. Without "contractual obligation," the program would have
faltered.
In the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the so-called Byrd
amendment prohibited expenditures in excess of the capability of the
trust fund to finance.
In 1959, a point was reached in our highway program where ex-
penditures under the original schedule of authorizations exceeded the
trust fund receipts, so a rescheduling of authorizations and a revision
of the trust fund receipts had to be undertaken by Congress.
Inasmuch as the balance between expenditures and the~trust fund
capabilities was a rather sensitive one, it brought into being a process
developed by the Bureau of the Budget and the Bureau of Public
Roads, called reimbursement planning or contract control operation.
This involved a quarterly control over program obligations, so that
reimbursements to the highway departments from the trust fund
would never exceed the capabilities of that fund.
This operation, for the first time, brought into being in the highway
program a quarterly control procedure. Since that time, there has been
an increasing amount of complexity in administering the program,
and within recent years a certain amount of uncertainty has become
a part of the process.
At least the highway departments have been kept guessing to a
certain degree as to when fiscal year apportionments will be made,
when quarterly allotments will be announced, and in what amounts,
and to say the least, the program has been kept off balance.
The so-called cutbacks of 1966, and the present one, have added to
this uncertainty.
It takes at least 4 years to develop a project before it can go to
contract. During that time, a great deal of planning and engineering
work must take place and commitments must be made to the affected
parties and agencies.
The highway program is so big, and a State highway department
is such a complex organization, that letting dates and the projects
involved in those lettings must be scheduled months in advance. The
uncertainty and the off-balance features that we have mentioned can
cause many problems in necessary rescheduling caused by slowdowns
in the program that are not in conformity to congressional authori-
zations.
PAGENO="0064"
54
Please understand that the State highway departments are not tak-
ing the position that the. highway program should be placed above
the national interest, or that it should be subject to no control what-
soever, but we are of the opinion that the authorizations estabhshed
by the Congress, and the ability of the trust fund to support the pro-
gram, should be the controlling features in the way that the program
is advanced and carried out.
Each year there seems to be a certain amount of suspense and uncer-
tainty a to the exact time that the fiscal year apportionments will be
made. We believe that much of this suspense can be relieved.
Inasmuch as the ABC apportionments~ are given first priority in the
apportioning procedure, and they and the interstate are made at the
same time, we think that while you are considering ABC authorization
legislation this year, it would be in order for us to suggest the follow-
ing changes with regard to title 23, United States Code, highways.
This language will tie down the apportioning dates and would dis-
courage cutbacks.
Section 104, the first paragraph of subsection (b), shall be revised
toread:
Between September 15th and September 30th next preceding the commence-
ment of each fiscal year, the Secretary, after making the deduction authorized by
subsection (a) of this section shall apportion the remainder of the sums author-
ized for expenditures on the Federal-aid sy~tems, including the Interstate
System, for that fiscal year among the several States, and it shall be officially
announced by a notification to the State highways departments and the appor-
tionment shall be made in the following manner.
I would like to stress, Mr. Chairman, the last part of that sentence,
where it says, "and it shall be officially announced by a notification to
the State highway departments and the apportionment shall be made
in the following manner."
At the present time this information is given to the news media, and
the highway departments read it in the newspaper and usually do not
receive official notification for 2 to 3 days, and sometimes longer, after
that; 3 days or longer.
The following sentence in section 104(b) (5) shall be deleted:
Each apportionment herein authorized for the fiscal years 1000 through 1011
inclusive shall be made on ~a date as far in advance of the beginning of the fiscal
year for which authorized as practicable, but in no case more than eighteen
months prior to the beginning of the fiscal year for which authorized.
Section 104(e) shall be revised to read:
Between September 15th and September 30th preceding the commencement of
each fiscal year, the Secretary shall certify to each of the State highway depart-
ments the sums for which he has apportioned hereinunder for each State for each
fiscal year, and also the sums which he has deducted for administration and re-
search pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and the funds so apportioned
to the States shall be available for obligation for the payment of the pro rata
share of the Federal Government for reimbursement of projects approved under
such authority and such procedure shall constitute a constractual obligation on
the part of the United States, and the rate of obligation shall be at the election of
the State highway departments except for such procedures as the Secretary may
promulgate to protect the integrity of the highway trust fund as established by
section 200 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956.
This would take out the uncertainty of contractual obligation and
the money being obligated to the States, released to them for expendi-
PAGENO="0065"
55
tures. It would beef up the contractual obligations so that each State
could depend on that, and they would take away the uncertainty and
allow the States to proceed on a uniform highway program.
Section 104 is amended by adding the following new subsection:
(f) No part of any sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure upon
any Federal-aid system which has been apportioned pursuant to the provisions of
this section shall be impounded or withheld from obligation, for purposes and
projects as provided in this title, by any officer or employee of any department,
agency, or instrumentality of the executive branch of the Federal government,
except such specific sums as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury,
after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, as being necessary to be
withheld from obligation for specific periods of time to assure that sufficient
amounts will be available in the highway trust fund to defray the expenditures
which will be required to be made from such fund.
We would like to call attention, Mr. Chairman, of the committee to
the fact that the cutbacks, as they have been made, have left no warn-
ing to the highway departments, and by mixing the fiscal year versus
calendar year, it has caused an undue hardship to many States, and it
has especially in my State of Wyoming, and that is somewhat dear to~
my heart at the present time. So we think that we should, if there is
to be a cutback, it should be by congressional action, and some advance
notice, so that we can prepare for it.
While we have no particular pride in authorship, or the language
used, we believe something along this line might be considered by your
committee.
We realize that legislation to accomplish similar purposes has al-
ready been introduced. Anything that would do the job is acceptable to
us.
It is our experience that a cutback in the highway program in most
or all of the States has such an adverse impact on the local economy,
and on the contracting industry, that it makes the overall beneficial
effects of such cutbacks questionable, especially when one views the
magnitude of our vast and growing highway needs that are getting
ahead of our efforts.
We feel that any time that the national interest should dictate a re-
duction in the highway program, that it should be carefully thought
out and should probably be accomplished by a reduction in congres-
sional authorizations, and made known in sufficient time that all those
affected by it can adjust without experiencing a psychological shock.
At the time that AASHO comes to you, in the near future with its
After 75 program recommendations, we will be supporting that pro-
gram with results of a nationwide research survey, entitled "Public
Preference for Future Individual Transportation."
This research effort, which is unique in its field, used twice the num-
ber of interviews generally used by the Gallup, Harris, or similar pub-
lie opinion polls.
The project was carried on through the Highway Research Board,
and the results definitely bear out the fact that the highway pro-
gram, and the use of the automobile, continues to be a very popular
thing with the public, a situation which will grow. Your committee
can plan the continuation of the highway program and its future with
complete assurance that the public supports you.
We initiated this research project at a time when we heard a great
deal about developing a national transportation policy, system, and
96-030-68-----5
PAGENO="0066"
56
program, based on the "cost effectiveness" or the "investment return
concept."
We also heard comments that people do not want highways, but
that they were literally forced on them because it was the only major
tranSpOrtat1Ofl program that was financed.
WTe were of the opinion that some other factors must be cranked
into any cost-effectiveness analysis than the dollar sign, in determin-
ing the importance of any particular mode in a tranSl)ortation system.
In case of highways, those factors were personal convenience, flex-
ibility, and popularity of the automobile.
We feel that we now have definite scientific data to support our rec-
ommendations, that had been assumed previously, and that our as-
sumptions are now proven correct.
Our After 75 program recommendation will consist mainly of an
enlarged and modernized ABC type of program.
We see little need, except in a few areas, for any extensive addi-
tional urban freeways, but we do see the need for a Federal-aid system
in our metropolitan urban areas which will make use of all traffic en-
gineering, highway design techniques, and new innovations in design
and operation which will increase traffic flexibility, capacity, and
safety on that segment. of the total street mileage in such metropolitan
areas that connect the traffic-generating areas, freeway interchanges,
transportation terminals, and eventually feed into the residential
street patterns.
We also nmst modernize some 200,000 miles of 30- to 40-vear-ohi
primary highways and, of course, the thousands of old bridges
involved.
We have mentioned these things because your hearings today are pri-
manly on the ABC program.
These are the roads that connect America.
They are the ones that haul people and goods to all of the towns and
cities.
They are the ones where the greatest needs exist, and we must turn
our attention to them as soon as we can complete the present inter-
state program.
Thank you.
Mr. Ki~czvxsni. Thank von. Mr. Stap~~ for the splendid stateme1~t.
Mr. Chairmau~ are there airy questions or comments?
Mr. F~urox. Yes. I would like to congratulate Mr. Stapp for his
c~cc1l~nt ci ~ei en~ oid coral ~tal `~e tiic ~i ie ic ii ~croc mo i
~t ~e iahi Otit~im~s fom the i couti l)iT~ on tI it tiC h ~e i ~ to
ti I e~i g of tie p o~e'trv~n o~ this ~ ci ia' v
M S `ipp could ~ o i tell me if q 1 O iiilli~i no ~i oi mo ie~ tu it
has been apportioned to the States for calendar year 1968, in your
judgment. can that much money be put under contract?
Mr. STAPP. les. Sn'.
Mr. I~lJ~0N. Could you tell me how much money-I think last year
~1 4 billion ii op~ om moi ed to the St mte~-conid ~ ou teil me ho~ mm n
of that mon cv was put unde.r conti'act in that calendar year?
Mi Srm ~I John on ith ces u e lie Jiinl it is ~ppio~miu~e'm
S4.1 billion. but lie is not al)SOlutely sure on that figure.
PAGENO="0067"
57
Mr. JOHNSON. $4.1 billion; I believe that is correct, that was obli-
gated in the 1967 calendar year.
Mr. FALLON. So that there was a balance in the money that was
apportioned last year of $400 million?
Mr. STAPP. Approximately.
Mr. JohNsoN. Something like that; yes. There is always a lag in the
amount that is apportioned, and that which goes under obligation.
Mr. FALLON. So if the States could put under contract the total
amount apportioned for calendar 1969, it would be exactly the same as
the amount that was put under contract in 1967; is that right?
Mr. JoI~NsoN. Mr. Chairman, actually, you remember the amount
that we were able to obligate last year was interrupted by a cutback
of November 1966. So we did have a slowdown on the program. The
highway departments were able, we think, to have obligated the entire
amount that became available, to them this calendar year.
Mr. FALLON. Thank you very much, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Stapp.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Harsha.
Mr. Il-IAH5HA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. STAPP, you recommend that no additional mileage he added to
the Interstate System, either now or later. And then in your report
that is in the hearing before this committee, containing the prelimi-
nary report of AASHO on Federal-aid to highways needs after 1972,
this was apparently conducted in June of last year, on page 14 of that
report, the testimony of the AASI-iO witness at that time said that
one of the recommendations they would make was as follows:
Third, provide for upgrading and for meritorious and justifiable limited ex-
tensIons of the Interstate System so it can perform the function assigned to it
by the Congress in 195(1.
And then on page 16, where the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr.
Kiuczynski, questioned Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson indicat ccl that at
least. 5 or 6 thousand additional miles were needed in the interstate
System.
Now, has AASI-T() changed its position?
Mr. STArr. Yes, sir. It has reconsiclerecL and it is the unamnmus dc-
CiSion of the chjef administrators that. theme he no addition at the
p~ese~it time or in the future to the Interstate System. That. has been
reconsidered, Mr. F[arsha.
Mr. i-L~nsin~. Weil now, also I will ask you, on page 2 of your state-
ment, you say that as soon as the Interstate System is completed and
any corrections made in the substanclaid sections of it, you want. to
cli 01) the ~`O-1') n 1~Ch1PQ 1 ]O `iid 1i'~ e q ~ii ifoi in pi~i+clu ig 1 ~it'o foi
T ic ii nd ~ ~ein p ooi lm"~ 1) \ on b'tl ~ ~iv~ ieconnnenci ons
at this time as to what ratio that will he
Mr. SrAT'r. That will be. brought out, Mr. Harsha, after the 1975
committee renort. I am not acquainted with that. There have been
several ratios recommended. I have one of my own, but I should not
mention that because that affects Wyoming.
That will he submitted later.
Mr. I-L\rmsrL~. All might.
Well non, I am eemtaii~lv happy to see that you have at least en-
clorsed in pnm~ciple tile legislation that I introduced to curb this Il-
n;~gl ug with the apportionment system. Certainly, as all the witnesses
PAGENO="0068"
58
have indicated to date, the desired effect of the administration's claim
for withholding, or reasons for the withholding, is not going to be
an actual fact but is going to have, in the opinion of all the witnesses
that I recall who have testified so far, it will have an adverse effect,
not only the proper development and completion of the Interstate Sys-
tem but also on the cost item involved and the so-called inflationary
measures, because of the continual increase in the cost of production.
Is that correct?
Mr. STAPP. That is right.
Mr. H~ulsi1A. Now, Mr. Chairman, I have a copy of a letter addressed
to the Honorable George Fallon, chairman of the full committee, from
Mr. Masheter, who is the director of highways for the State of Ohio,
and a member of AASHO, of course; and he, in that letter, points out
the effects of this cutback on Ohio and why it is so serious in regard
to Ohio, and because of the previous delay and holdup in apportion-
ment and then the subsequent strike that Ohio endured in the highway
construction field; and then Ohio was not able to obligate its allowance
or apportionment for 1967, therefore the cutback, based on the 1967
obligation in Ohio, amounts to a far greater percentage than claimed
by the administration.
Without objection, I would like to introduce that letter and make
it a part of the record.
Mr. KI~uczrxsKI. There being no objeetion; so ordered. It will be
made a part of the record.
(Letter referred to follows:)
FEBRUARY 16, 19~R
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
(,`li.airrnan, House Public Works Connnittee,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN FAriox: Instructional Memorandum 30-2-68 recently is-
sued by the Department of Transportation outlines the 1968 calendar year limita-
tion of Federal funds to the individual states and specifies that it is based upon
05 percent of the amount each state obligated in the 1967 calendar year.
We have expressed our objection to the Department of Transportation, and are
taking this opportunity to express our objection to you in your capacity as Chair-
man of the House Public Works Committee. Our objection is based upon the
following:
1. Ohio's highway planning and budgeting are based upon anticipated fiscal
year allocations. Our State Legislature's appropriations are based upon antici-
pated fiscal year federal fund allocations. If a reduction in federal highway
funds is necessary, it should at least be related to a percentage of a particular
fiscal year allocation.
2. Ohio did not obligate a normal amount of federal funds in 1967 calendar
year because of the previous cutback of federal funds, because of a construction
equipment operator's strike of six weeks during which time we did not take bids
for construction contracts, and because of design delays as a result of incorpo-
rating additional safety standards into projects during the last half of the year.
We should be in the position of making up for lost time this year instead of
being delayed to a greater degree. A 1968 limitation based upon 1967 obligations
is arbitrary and inconsistent with good planning.
3. We have a total highway program which normally averages in excess of
~400 million per year and our engineering, right of way and construction budgets
and manpower are geared to this anticipated production. We can't find out in
the middle of the fiscal year that there is to be an immediate reduction of a por-
tion of our resources without suffering loss of efficient use of manpower and
funds. We don't feel it is necessary that governmental organizations should be
forced to operate under these conditions.
PAGENO="0069"
59
We solicit your Committee's review of this federal fund allocation procedure.
We feel it is a serious matter that needs attention.
Very truly yours,
P. E. MASiIETER, Director.
Mr. HARSHA. Thank you. That is all I have.
Mr. KLnOZYNSKI. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Wright, any
questions?
Mr. WRIGHT. None, thank you; except to commend the gentleman
on a very excellent statement.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Any questions to my left?
Mr. Denney?
Mr. DENNEY. Mr. Stapp, I was interested in your comment that
AASHO unanimously agreed not to recommend any additions to the
interstate.
In the light of the testimony we heard on June 7, can you tell me
approximately when AASHO members met and made this
determination?
Mr. STAPP. December 12 in Chicago.
Mr. PENNEY. December 12 in Chicago. You recognize that there are
three States in the United States that have no north-south interstate
roads running through them, only east-west, and it makes a real lag
in the north-south transportation and moving of commercial products
because this situation exists,. and I refer specifically to my State of
Nebraska.
Was that ever brought up in the discussion?
Mr. STArr. Yes, that was. And also, Mr. Penney, the statement I
believe that I have in here, that the primary system could be brought
to what could be considered interstate standards if the traffic war-
ranted it under the new program.
Mr. PENNEY. In other words, your thought is that the primary sys-
tem would be built to specifications of interstate and would serve the
same purpose; is that right?
Mr. STArr. Where traffic warrants that.
Mr. PENNEY. Where traffic warrants that.
Mr. STAPP. Not in its entirety; no, sir.
Mr. PENNEY. It would require a traffic survey.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Any questions to my right?
The gentleman from New York, Mr. McEwen.
Mr. MCEwEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
In your testimony you have referred to the "After `75' Report" of
AASHO. Can you say when that is to be available?
Mr. STArr. Mr. Johnson advices me in about 6 weeks.
Mr. MCEWEN. About 6 weeks.
I believe in answer to the question of the gentleman from Nebraska,
you said that this decision of no extensions on the Interstate System
both now and after 1973 or 1975, this decision was made at Chicago
on December 12; is that correct?
Mr. STAPP. Yes, sir.
Mr. MCEWEN. May I inquire: Was there any publicity given to
that decision? Has that been announced prior to today?
PAGENO="0070"
60
Mr. STArr. It was advisory to the "After 75 Committee." That
was for their information.
Mr. MCEWEN. Do I understand that this was a unanimous decision ?
Mr. STArr. To my knowledge, it was; yes, sir. I was there, and I do
not recall a dissenting vote.
Mr. MCEWEN. Was this a meeting of the entire AASHO organiza-
tion or executive committee?
Mr. STArr. Chief administrative officers of all the States, and some
of us had our deputies with us.
Mi M( 1 w L~ Cluck executn e officeis of `ill of oui S `tte highw `vs
departments were 1j~~eseiit at that meeting; is that. correct?
Mr. STAun. I think they were; yes sir. Puerto Rico was not. there,
i\lr. Johnson advises me.
Mr. McLwux. Referring again to the testimony before this commit-
tee on June 7 of last year-the gentleman from Ohio referred to it. just
a moment ago-i notice, Mr. Johnson, that you, replying to the chair-
than, Mr. Kiuczynski, said: "~Ve. have not mache a survey of the State
highway departments on what would be recommended."
And then you said: "Yes, we have, excuse me. On the questionnaire
we did have that on it, and it totaled about 5,000 or 6,000 miles."
The chairman, Mr. Kluczynski, said : "5,000 or 6,000?" And Mr.
Jolmson repliecl "Yes."
And the chairman then expressed agreement. with the need for at
least, in his words, 5,000 or more miles.
Do either of you care to explain, if you will, what has happened
between your testimony of .June 7 and this meeting of all of the chief
executive officers of our highway departments on T)ecember 12, which
is just. slightly over a 6-month period? What happened to this need
for :,000 or 6,000 miles of interstate?
Mr. JoHNsoN. I think it is a very normal thing, Mr. McEwen. The
data that von are. referring to was gleaned from a very extensive ques-
tionnaire. that was designed by the chief administrators a year in ad-
vance of that.
The information was filed by the highway planning survey engi-
neers of the higi~way departments. In their opinion there was 5,000 to
6,000 miles that. could be used to fill in what they thought were the
gaps in the Interstate System network.
Now then, we began to look at the needs that. we had on the primary
and urban areas, and we were of the opinion that if we kept on adding
to the interstate and adding and adding, and the cost going up, and
that sort. of thing, we wotilci be a long time in the future, if ever, get-
ting done with the. Interstate System.
Now, we are putting a billion dollars a year on the ABC program,
amid as prices go up and things compound, we are getting less and less
out of our billion dollars.
Now~ we started into the entire State program with a large backlog
of ABC needs, and they have, pretty much been heIdi in abeyance. So
what we want to do is get the 41,000 miles done, whichi is certified by
the Department of Defense as essential to this country. We agree with
that.
Then we~ want to get it. out of the way and get our financial resources
into the primary and urban areas, and that sort. of thing.
PAGENO="0071"
61
Now, where we would be building a road to match the traffic, these
gaps to which you refer, if the traffic justified it, they would be built to
full, what we know as interstate standards.
Some of them would not, it would all be dependent on what the
traffic is.
But I think that the highway chief administrators had 6 months to
reflect on this, and that was their decision in Chicago. And the 90-10
feature, we think `that that has been a source of some problem to the
highway clepart-ments. We think if we had the same matching ratio for
all programs, Federal-aid programs, we would be far better off, and
there would be less tendence -for somebody to try to push a road off
Onto a system that had a more favorable matching ratio.
Mr. MCEWEN. Mr. Johnson, if I understand what you are saying,
you are saying that the chief highway administrators of our 50 States
cannot abandon what they had earlier indicated, and not within the
last year, year and a l~alf, that they needed 5,000 additional miles of
interstate, you are simply saying that you have changed your prior-
ities; is that correct?
Mr. JohNsoN. That is the summation; yes, sir.
Mr. MGEWEN. Mr. Johnson, could you make available to this corn
mit-tee the 5,000 miles that the highway administrators indicated were
needed where these various highways were?
I share with Mr. Denney the concern lie has in his own State of
Nebraska. I think we have many areas in our States where we very
desperately need interstate extensions and connections, and I wonder
if you could make available to us the replies of the 50 administrators
on where these needs are?
Mr. JOHNSoN. I would have to go back to *the State highway de-
partments and ask for it. I think that everybody was surprised that
there was only 5,000 or 6,000 miles that was designated that was to be
added to the Interstate System. For the highway administrators feel
that if they were called up to name additions or to designate desirable
additions to the Interstate System, you would probably get another
40~000 miles. And they are just a little bit cautious about giving pub-
licity t.o the mileage or to the routes that they put in their planmng
survey reports.
Because it would immediately bring pressure on them to add more
mileage to it, and we would prefer to heave it in the category it is now
until we bring our After "75" Report to you.
Mr. MCEwEN. May I ask if this is coming out in 6 weeks, what is
this After "75" Report going to show? Is this committee going to be
enlightened on any specifics of AASHO's thinking?
Mr. JOHNSON. Yes, I think you will; yes, sir.
It will show what we think the top priorities are in the highway
program, what the needs are in dollars and in miles. We will show
you what we think that the matching ratio should be, based on the
canabilities of the States, and we have a preliminary report in my
office this morning from the AASHO Finance Committee on what that
will be.
The 90-10 of the Interstate System program did not come out of the
atmosphere; it came out of reviewing the financial capabilities of all
the States, and setting a matching ratio which all the States could
participate in.
PAGENO="0072"
62
So it will be a very comprehensive program, far more comprehensive
than the preliminary draft that you got last year.
Mr. MCEwEN. Just one further question. In this meeting of Decem-
ber 12, when it was unanimously agreed to abandon any extensions on
the Interstate System as a recommendation of AASHO, was there any
consideration given to the question of the toll roads in the various
States that are now on the Interstate System and what was to be done
with those?
Mr. JoHNsoN. That has been discussecl~ Mr. McEwen, for many years
in AASHO. It does not affect all the States uniformly. We had always
taken the attitude that we would get through with the interstate pro-
gram before we would take a position on it. And that the general dis-
cussion was that if there were any reimbursement, it should be on the
depreciated value of the toll road, and it ought to be free. But we have
actually taken no official point on it.
As I say, it does not affect all the States uniformly.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. MCEWEN. I will be happy to yield to my colleague from New
York.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Johnson, on this question of reimbursement, I
do not know, but it does not seem to have too much momentum be-
hind it, although I am for it; here is another aspect to it.
Just recently, within the last week, as a matter of fact, a new high-
way project has been proposed in New York State, out of my city of
Buffalo, clue east, which would link up the-eventually-with the im-
proved route 17 across the southern tier of New York State.
Now, this would, if it is built, and I certainly hope it is and I expect
it will be. would provide a direct free route from Buffalo to New York
City that would be 60 miles shorter than the New York State
Thruway.
Now, maybe this is the answer to toll roads, I do not know. I wonder
what your thinking is on this.
Now, obviously, if people are provided with a vast, convenient,
modern route that would be 60 miles shorter to the principal destina-
tion, they are not going to use the toll road.
Have you discussed this aspect, whereas these new highways are
built and these new ABC highways are built, people are going to have
more choices available and they are obviously going to avoid the toll
roads? Have you considered this aspect of it?
Mr. JoHNsoN. Mr. McCarthy, I am familiar with your Route 17
project. It goes up through a beautiful part of the country. But I
would say that what we are talldng about in modernizing long sections
of the primary system, that would be in competition with a toll-road
project., that it will be so far off before it is a complete, usable entity,
that the toll roads will pretty well be paid up by then.
Mr. MCEwEN. Mr. Chairman, I might ask one more question.
Mr. Johnson, you agree. I presume, with the basic law that was
enacted in 1956 on a 90-10 basis, to build our interstate. Would I be
correct in assuming that you would believe the 90-10 formula was
PAGENO="0073"
63
necessary to build this 41,000-mile system, that without it it was a
50-50 basis, the States would not have built this?
Mr. JoHNsoN. I had a great deal to do in developing that 90-10
concept, yes, sir.
Mr. MCEWEN. Is it not a reasonable assumption flowing from that,
and particularly in view of increasing acquisition costs on right-of-
way, increasing design and construction costs, that we are going to
need that 90-10 formula if we are to see any extensions of this
Interstate System?
Mr. JOHNSON. At the meeting in Chicago on the 12th day of Decem-
ber, the highway administrators assigned 5 percent of the 1975 to 1985
fund availability to upgrading sections of the 41,000 miles, and that
would continue on 90-10. Only 5 percent of the money.
And after that, they say, let us do not add to the interstate, because
if we do we are going to postpone the time when our money can be
going into modernizing the primary system.
Now, we have an awfully large number of bridges that have to be
replaced on that, as you know. That is very much in the news now.
But please bear in mind that we are asking in this after-1975 program
that all programs have the same matching ratio. And we are talking
now about two-thirds, one-third, or, I think this preliminary report
goes up to the point of 25-75.
Now, that is based on the capabilities of the States to do their
administration, their maintenance, their State's construction, and
have money for matching.
So we are not getting too far away from the concept that you are
talking about. It is going to be matched on the overall capabilities
of the States to afford matching for a Federal-aid program, but it
will be the same for everything.
Mr. MCEwEN. Mr. Johnson, your final words, "it will be the same
for everything," you are saying there that there is going to be no
inducement for the building of additional interstate miles.
Now, if we needed that inducement in the first place, the 90~40
as opposed to 50-50-I submit, sir, that we still need it if we are
going to have any extensions to this Interstate System, which, in my
opinion, is far from complete when the 41,000 miles are constructed;
there were parts that were needed in the original system that were
not put in, I assume solely for the reason that it was an ambitious
program, and the chairman of the full committee has often said, the
greatest public works undertaking in the history of the world. So we
limited it to 41,000 miles, which is a rather large system to construct.
It has been known all along by many that there were parts that
should have been in there, if we could that should in future be added.
I never expected to head from AA~HO that there was going to be
an abandonment of 90-10 concept on the Interstate System, and par-
ticularly, sir, after your testimony last summer when, in answer to
the chairman's question, you said 5,000 miles were needed, and you
said further here that this was a conservative figure; because your
highway administrators held down the miles that they were request-
ing to build up.
PAGENO="0074"
64
Mr. JoHNsoN. We would intend to build the type, of road that was
needed, but. it. might not be built as interstate. It would be built as
a freeway primary.
Mr. KLuczYxsKI. Any questions to my right?
The chairman of the. committee.
Mr. FALLON. If I understood your testimony here, Mr. Johnson,
you are going to build to the system. to the Interstate System, but you
are just. changing the name, you are just calling it primary?
Mr. JoHNsoN. That may be right; yes, sir.
Mr. kLrczrNsKI. The gentleman froth Iowa.
Mr. ScHWENGEL. Mr. Joimson. I was not here when you began your
testimony, but I have since read your testimony. We appreciate the
great help you have been to this committee, as we have followed this
system of Interstate System, especially all the other aspects of the
road system.
I recall when we were hearing testimony on the Interstate System,
it was a. challenge, and there was testimony in behalf of the economic
effect on the country. I have two questions:
One, were we right, in the predictions on the total economic effect
on the business activity of the country,. or did we, as we usually do,
miss it.; we were too conservative in our estimates on the total economic
effect of the Interstate System on the road system that we were con-
sidering at that time?
Mr. JoHNsoN. Mr. Schwengei, in 1955 and 1956, as you remember,
we did introduce some of the economic benefits that. we thought would
come from the interstate program. I think history has shown that
those are conservative estimates of the benefit of that system.
Mr. SciIwENGEL. Mr. Chairman. I think I would like to have in the
record, maybe at this point, an insertion of what our predictions were
at that time, if we can.
My second question is: Do you have an estimate of what. the actual
economic benefits are, compared with those figures that we were
predicting at that time?
Mr. Jouxsox. We hope that will be part of our after-I 975 program
submission.
Mr. SCHwENGEL. That will be a part of the report?
Mr. JoHNsoN. Yes. sir.
And, Mr. Schwengei, von will remember in the early part of this
program, the gentlemen up here do, ~-ou know the interstate p1~o-
gram originally had its genesis out of the inierregional report; do you
remember it ?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. JOHNSON. There were several different systems that were pro-
iosecl to do the job that the Interstate was enacted to do. I think one
was the 27,000-mile system, one was the 40,000, and one was maybe
a 60,000 and one was a 77,000-mile. And we arrived at the 40,000 be-
cause it, at that time, could pretty well join the cities of over 50,000,
the international boundary connections, arid we thought within the
available fimcls that. we could see we might have been in error on that
one.
PAGENO="0075"
65
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Am I right in assuming, also, that whenever we
cut back any part of a highway program, we are jeopardizing the
growth and expansion of our economy of America?
Mr. JOHNSON. I think we are at least delaying it. We are delaying
the beneficial effect. And I remember onetime Chief MacDonald al-
ways would say, when he was before this committee, that the indirect
benefits of a road project far outweighted and exceeded the direct
benefits that came from it. And I think that is still a fair statement.
Mr. FALLON. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. FALLON. In speaking of economic benefits, I think it has been
stated in the record a number of times that the economic benefits ratio-
to-cost would be about 4 to 1, and that is a large ratio benefit to cost
than any project we had ever reported out of this committee.
Mr. Jol-INsoN. Mr. Chairman, I believe those are direct benefits.
Mr. FALLON. That is right.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I think we ought not to lose sight here that we are
hearing all this testimony, and I am interested in what it is going to do
now to the economy of a State or regional community. and I am as
much interested, maybe all of us should be more interested, in the long-
range benefits of a highway system.
This deals with something that this committee, and Congress said,
before this committee was created, has always been interested in the
development of the transportation system, I cail it the fifth-great
freedom, freedom of movement of men and goods.
Whenever you hamper that, postpone it, handicap in any way, you
are interfering with the normal growth of community and the Nation.
So I think we ought to have this uppermost in mind, and I hope
you can continue to study it, the long-range benefits, so we can have
the. benefit of those studies in your testimony.
Mr. JOHNSON. Thank you, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Schwengel.
Any questions?
Thank you, gentlemen. It is alwa~-s a pleasure to have the. officials
of the AAST-TO people here before this committee, for giving us your
I fbi led ~e, ii e ~ jfly ~pniecnte it \~L `u e be ~i ig iCi ci I ~o seeing
you again.
As we said yesterday, this is the year of decision. This is the year we
must ~iRll for the future, highways for this great, country of ours.
(The reso1ut~on follows :)
REsOLUTIoN No. CS-i
RESOLUTION
A resolution endorsing proposed legislation recommended by the American
Association of Highway Officials as Presented to the Congress of the United
States of America at a hearing before the Committee on Public Works, House of
Representatives, 90th Congress, June 7, 1907, in order to provide the necessary
guide1~nes for future highway planning, construction, and maintenance, and for
tlìe supplementation of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways
beyond the currently authorized program to meet the needs of the Nation.
PAGENO="0076"
66
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Houston has long recognized the
economic value of the highway program to the community, state, and nation;
and
Whereas, over a period of many years the City of Houston has actively sup-
ported the Texas Highway Department in the development of the highways of
this community and the state; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Houston recognizes the need for a
continuing program to augment the interstate system now nearing completion;
and
Whereas, the planning and development of such a supplemental system will
require several years of lead time; and
Whereas, the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO),
after intense investigation and study, presented to the Congress, at a hearing
before the Committee on Public Works, House of Representatives, 90th Congress,
June 7, 1967, a recommended plan for the continuation of the highway program
after 1972, at which time the interstate highway program will be essentially
complete; and
Whereas, the dedicated highway administrators of the American Association
of State Highway Officials (AASHO) are the most knowledgeable people in the
matter of highway needs and proper administrative handling; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Houston recognizes the urgency for
immediate action in regard to continuation of a well-planned and promptly
executed highway program:
Now, therefore, be it resolved, That the Congress be urged to enact at the
earliest possible moment legislation recommended by the American Association
of Highway Officials (AASHO) presented to the Congress at a hearing before
the Committee on Publiic Works, House of Representatives, 90th Congress,
June 7, 1967, in order to provide the necessary guide lines for future highway
planning, construction and maintenance and for the supplementation of the
national system for interstate and defense highways beyond the currently au-
thorized program to meet the needs of the nation; and
Be it further resolved, That copies of this Resolution be submitted to the
President of the United States, to our Congressmen, to the Secretary of the
Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administrator, and to our
State Highway Commission.
Passed this 10th day of January, A.D. 1968.
Approved this 10th day of January, A.D. 1968.
(5) Louin WELCH,
Mayor of tiw City of Houston.
Attest:
(S) M. H. WESTERMAN,
City Secretary.
Approved.
(S) T. H. CODY, Jr.,
Senior Assistant City Attorney.
I, M. H. Westerman, City Secretary of the City of Houston, Texas, do hereby
certify that the within and foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution
No. 68-1, passed by the City Council and approved by the Mayor of said City
on the 10th day of January, 1968, as the same appears in the records in my office.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said City this 5th day of February, AD.
1968.
M. H. WESTERMAN,
City Secretary of t1i~e City ef Houston.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The next witness will be Mr. Burton F. Miller,
executive vice president of the American Road Builders Association;
and Mr. Robert Holmes, president, from Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Mr.
Sam P. Turnbuli, engineer director, Florida Road Builders Associa-
tion, Tallahassee, Fla.
We are glad to have you gentlemen with us.
Will you give the reporter your names, please?
PAGENO="0077"
67
STATEMENT OF BURTON F. MILLER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
AIYLERICAN ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION; ACCOMPANIED BY
ROBERT S. HOLMES, PRESIDENT, AMERICAN ROAD BUILDERS
ASSOCIATION, PITTSBURGH, PA.; SAM P. TURNBULL, ENGINEER
DIRECTOR, FLORIDA ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION, TALLAHAS-
SEE, FLA.; AND KARL L. ROTHERMUND, JR, EXECUTIVE DIREC-
TOR, OHIO CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman Kluczynski, Chairman Fallon, distin-
guished members of the committee-
Mr. FALLON. Will the gentleman pause for a minute ? I am glad to
see Mr. Miller here this morning, and he is certainly no stranger to the
committee. The American Road Builders have been of great assistance
to this committee for many years. And I also want to recall, back in
1956, the contribution of the task force in putting this highway pro-
gram over, and certainly it is a big help to this committee and the
Congress.
And although Mr. Miller has appeared here many times as an as-
sociate, today we want to welcome him, on his first appearance in his
new position as executive vice president of American Road Builders.
It is a pleasure to welcome you here this morning, Mr. Miller.
Mr. MILLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very grateful for those
comments.
Mr. Chairman, with your pleasure, I would also like to have with us
to present part of our statement, Mr. Sam P. Turnbull, of the Florida
Road Builders Association, and Mr. Karl Rothermund, of the Ohio
Contractors Association. I have asked these gentlemen to come in,
Mr. Chairman, to present to this distinguished committee first hand
the grassroots information regarding this cutback.
It so happens that Ohio and Florida are two of the States, perhaps,
which were hardest hit by the cutback. Another one, I think, is the
good State of Maryland.
Mr. Chairman, our presentation here this morning will be in three
parts, with your permission.
First, we would like to discuss the ABC program; second, we would
like to discuss briefly with you the cutback; and then, third, mention
a very serious problem that will have a pronounced affect upon the
highway program, and this problem is in the area of equal employ-
ment opportunity, which was mentioned briefly.
Now, Mr. Chairman, with your kind permission, I would like to
present the president of the American Road Builders Association,
Robert S. Holmes.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Holmes, you may proceed.
Mr. HOLMES. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee.
My name is Robert S. Holmes, and I am president of the American
Road Builders Association, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.
I would like to have your permission, Mr. Chairman, to proceed
with the testimony by paraphrasing it rather than reading it in com-
plete context, since you have the complete text before you.
PAGENO="0078"
Cs
Mr. KuuczYNsKI. There being no objection, the statement of Mr.
Holmes will be put in the record.
(The prepared statement follows:)
STATEMENT OF ROBERT S. HOLMES, PRESIDENT, A~1EitIcAN ROAD BUILDERS
AssocIATIoN
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Robert S. Holmes,
and I am President of the American Road Builders' Association, with head-
quarters in Washington, D.C.
We are a federation of businessmen and engineers representative of all seg-
ments of the highway industry and highway engineering profession. Our mem-
bei's include highway contractors, equipment manufacturers and distributors,
producers and suppliers of highway materials, public and private engineers, high-
way administrators, and educators.
I wish to direct my remark-s this morning primarily to the subject of the
continuation of the programs for the improvement of the Federal-aid primary
and secondary systems and the urban extensiOn thereto, commonly referred to
as the ABC Systems.
Certain facts seem self-evident.
First, there has been no increase h~ Federal-aid ABC authorizations since 1964.
Second, the cost of improving the ABC highways has increased substantially
since then.
Third, the needs of the ABC Systems are extensive and urgent.
In the light of these facts, the American Road Builders' Association is urging
that the authorization level for the ABC Systems be increased to $1.5 billion for
each of the fiscal years 1970 and 1971.
When the distinguished Chairman of the Public Works Committee introduced
the legislation which became the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, he stated
the view of the Committee that the authorizations for the ABC program should
be increased in annual increments until an authorization level of $1 billion was
reached. This w-as reached in 1964.
The legislative history shows a Congressional intent to keep the ABC program
in balance with the Interstate program, in view of the fact that the ABC high-
ways serve as feeders and connectors with the Interstate System. But ABC
authorizaions have not beeii increased in proportion to the increase in Interstate
authorizations since 1954.
The lOGS Interstate Cost Estimate, recently submitted to Congress by the
Department of Transportation, contains ample evidence of the increased cost of
building highways. The estimate, of course, does not pertain directly to the ABC
programs, but a large share of the itemized cost increases identified therein are
applicable to the ABC program. This is true of the unit price increases, which
added almost $1.9 billion to the estimated cost of the Interstate program between
1965 and 1968. It is true also of the price increase attributable to heavier design
of roadway base. surface and shoulder areas to accommodate heavier traffic vol-
umes and increased load factors, reflecting changes in design knowledge and
procedures. It is true of the additional safety features and the added landscap-
ing, erosion control features and additional rest areas.
For it is a fact that the demand for higher standards on the Interstate System
is matched by a similar demand for high quality construction on the ABC roads.
The Department of Transportation's 1968 National Highway Needs Report
points out that `with the rising importance of urban areas in our national life
and the complexity awl high costs of solving urban transportation problems,
more extensive assistance by the Federal government toward the solution of
internal urban transportation problems appears warranted in the national inter-
est and as a proper major focus for the Federal highway program in at least
the next two decades.'
Both the Department of Transportation report and the nreliminary report on
hirh `ii n'~en'- suhinittcil to this Con~i ifree last i e~i hi tne \.i ~eucaa ~s~oci-i
tion of ~t ~te Hi~hw~ti (1~ ~ii nd c'tte~ ti it `i gie~tli exp'indel ii b"n Fedei't'
aid program will be needed in the years ahead.
It is evident that the post-Interstate Federal-aid program w-ill have to be a
program heavily oriented toward improvements in the ABC highways, both
rural and urban. We would have a great (Teal of work to do if we only aimed
to bring the ABC roads up to standards adequate for today's traffic.
PAGENO="0079"
09
Translating the needs into money, we are confronted with the prospect that
the Nation's capital outlay for highways should be more than doubled in the
post-Interstate period.
To quote once again from the 1968 Highway Needs Report of the Department
of Transportation:
`The average annual estimated needs for all roads and streets for 1973-85,
totaling $17.4 billion, are more than double the $8.5 billion per year estimated
annual accomplishments during the remainder of the current program period,
1965-72."
In the view of the American Road Builders' Association, it is vital to the
Nation that we make a substantial attack now on the tremendous backlog of
work.
An early acceleration of the ABC program also makes good economic sense be-
cause the rising cost of acquiring right-of-way and the rising cost of highway con-
struction will make the roads built in future years more expensive than the roads
built now.
An increase of $500 million in the annual level of authorizations for the ABC
program would, of course, create an additional drain on the Highway Trust Fund.
In view of the fact that the Trust Fund had a cash balance of approximately
$521 million at the end of calendar 1967, a modest increase in the ABC authoriza-
tions might be funded from existing Trust Fund balances. Or, the Congress might
consider some modification of the Byrd Amendment, or additional financing pro-
posals, in view of the serious requirements of the ABC systems.
We see this, in short, as an interim proposal for a transitional program, lead-
ing the way for a long-range program for the improvenient of the primary and
secondary systems.
The American Road Builders' Association believes that such a program would
be in the best interest of the motoring public of the Nation.
Mr. }I0LME5. You are a familiar with the composition of the Amer-
ican Road Builders Association, and I do want to emphasize that we
are a federation not only of businessmen but of public and private
engineers, highway engineers.
I wish to direct my remarks this morning primarily to the ABC
systems.
Certain facts seem to be evident. First, there has been no increase
in Federal-aid ABC authorization since 1964.
Second, the cost of improving the ABC highways has increased sub-
stantially since then.
Third, the needs of the ABC systems are extensive and urgent.
In light of these facts, the American Road Builders Association is
urging that the authorization level for the ABC systems be increased
to $1.5 billion for each of the fiscal years 1970 and 1971.
When the distinguished chairman of the Public Works Committee
introduced the legislation which became the Federal-aid 1-lighway Act
of 1956, he stated the view of the committee that the authorization for
the ABC program should be increased in annual increments until an
authorization level of $1 billion was reached. This was reached in 1964.
The legislative history shows a congressional intent to keep the ABC
progiam in b'tlance with the interstate program, in view of the f~tct
that the ABC highways serve as feeders and connectors with the In-
terstate System. But ABC authorizations have iiot `been increased in
proportion to the increase in interstate authorizations since 1964.
The 1968 interstate cost estimate, recently submitted to Congress by
the Department. of Transportation, contains ample evidence of the in-
ci eased cost of building highw~tys
The estimate, of couise, does not peitain diiectl~ to the ABC pio
gi `tms, but `t large sh'ire of the itemized cost mci eases identified there
in `ue ~tpplic~ble to die ABC program This is tine of the umt puce
PAGENO="0080"
70
increase, which added almost $1.9 billion to the estimated cost of
the interstate program between 1965 and 1968. It is true also of the
price increase attributable to heavier design of roadway base, surface
and shoulder areas to accommodate heavier traffic volumes and in-
creased load factors, reflecting changes in design Irnowledge and pro-
cedures. It is true of the additional safety features and the added
landscaping, erosion control features and additional rest areas.
Gentlemen, it is a fact. that the demand for higher standards on
the Interstate System is matched by a similar demand for high quality
construction on the ABC roads.
The Department of Transportation's 1968 National Highway Needs
Report points out that, and I quote,
with the rising importance of urban areas in our national life and the complex-
ity and high costs of solving urban transportation problems, more extensive
assistance by the Federal Government toward the solution of internal urban
transportation problems appears warranted in the national interest and as
a proper major focus for the Federal highway program in at least the next two
decades.
Both the Department of Transportation report and the preliminary
report on highway needs submitted to this Committee last year by the
American Association of State Highway Officials indicates that a
greatly expanded urban Federal-aid program will be needed in the
years ahead.
I would like at this time to place in the record the resolution
adopted just last week by the American R.oad Builders Association
at their annual meeting in Last Vegas. I will not read the entire reso-
lution. I will simply eliminate tile "whereases" and get to the "re-
solved."
Now therefore be it resolved by the American Road Builders Association in
Convention assembled at Las Vegas, Nevada, this 14th day of February, 1968,
That we hereby affirm that it shall be the policy of the American Road Builders
Association to initiate, collaborate or support, as may be deemed appropriate,
constructive programs aimed at bringing about a long-range improvement in
urban transportation facilities, including but not limited to highway transpor-
tation programs in urban areas;
Provided, That under no circumstances shall funds be taken from the High-
way Trust Fund to support other programs.
Mr. Ki~ucz~sKr. There being no objection, the resolution will be
made part of the record.
(Resolution follows:)
REsoLUTIoN RElATING TO URBAN TRANSPORTATION FACUlTIES ADOPTED BY THE
AMIuaCYAx ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AT THEm 66TH ANNUAL Coxvmmox
IN LAS VEGAS, NEv., FEBRUARY 14,1968
Whereas authorities in the field of population research predict that the popu-
lation of the United States will reach 262,000,000 by 1985, and that the pre-
ponderant part of the anticipated population increase will occur in the surburban
sections of metropolitan areas; and
Whereas this pattern of population growth wifi cause a tremendous growth
in short-trip movements with multiple origins and destinations throughout the
metropolitan areas; and
Whereas such anticipated movements will require greatly expanded facifities
for the movement of people and goods throughout the metropolitan areas; and
Whereas the general comfort, convenience and safety of the people as well as
the efficiency of transportation will be best served by continuing and comprehen-
sive urban transportation planning processes giving due consideration to the
advantages of all modes of transportation and the interrelationship of all modes;
Now therefore be it resolved by the American Road Builders' Association in
Convention assembled at Las Vegas, Nevada, this 14th day of February, 1968,
PAGENO="0081"
71
That we do hereby affirm that it shall be the policy of the American Road Build-
ers' Association to initiate, collaborate or support, as may be deemed appropriate,
constructive programs aimed at bringing about a long-range improvement in ur-
ban transportation facilities, including but not limited to highway transportation
programs in urban areas;
Provided, That under no circumstances shall funds be taken from the Highway
Trust Fund to support other programs.
Mr. HOLMES. It is evident that the post-interstate Federal aid pro-
gram will have to be a program heavily oriented toward improve-
ments in the ABC highways, both rural and urban.
We would have a great deal of work to do if we only aimed to
bring the ABC roads up to standards adequate for today's traffic.
Translating the needs into money, we are confronted with the
prospect that the Nation's capital outlay for highways should be
more than doubled in the post-interstate period.
To quote once again from the 1968 Highway Needs Report of the
Department of Transportation:
The average annual estimated needs for all roads and streets for 1973-85,
totaling $17.4 billion, are more than double the $8.5 billion per year estimated
annual accomplishments during the remainder of the current program period,
1965-72.
In the view of the American Road Builders Association, it is vital
to the Nation that we make a substantial attack now on the trernen-
dous backlog of work.
In addition to costs, higher operating costs and wasted time, an
early acceleration of the ABC program also makes good economic
sense because of the rising cost of acquiring right-of-way, and the
rising cost of highway construction will make the roads built in
future years more expensive than the roads built now.
We recognized an increase of $500 million in annual level of author-
izations for the ABC program would of course create an additional
drain on the highway trust fund. In view of the fact that the trust
fund had a cash balance of approximately $521 million at the end of
calendar 1967, a modest increase in the ABC authorizations might
be funded from existing trust fund balances. Or the Congress might
consider some modification of the Byrd amendment, or additional
financing proposals.
We see this, in short, as an interim proposal for a transitional
program, leading the way for a long-range progrt~m for the improve-
ment of the primary and secondary systems.
And I refer again to the statement you just heard from the rep-
resentatives of AASHO, and I quote: "Our After "75" program
recommendation will consist mainly of an enlarged and modernized
ABC type of programs."
The American Road Builders Association believes that such a
program would be in the best interest of the motoring public and the
Nation.
This concludes my portion of the testimony, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLtrOZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Holmes. You explained it thor-
oughly.
I see your suggestion on page 2, "Association is urging that the
authorization level for the ABC systems be increased to $1.5 billion
for each of the fiscal years 1970 and 1971."
Mr. HOLMES. That is correct.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. That would increase from 1 to 1.5 billion.
96-030-68------6
PAGENO="0082"
72
Any questions to my right?
Mr. FALLON. Mr. 1-lolmes, your recommendation, in the considera-
tion of the ABC program, can you tell me as to the capability of in-
clustry to take on this additional worklOad ? IVoulci there be a great
deal of increase in price!? What effect would it have on the prices ?
Mr. IHOLMES. Insofar as industry capability is concerned, we can
assure you that there is the capability there, because the American
Road Builders Association made a rather quick study a year ago when
we were preparing testimony for the cutback hearings which were re-
cessed. This was adding to the original task force reports, which we
prepared in order to back up the 1956 act.
We feel that we not only have the capability, but the current price
structure should remain stable and only. change as the national econ-
omy and the gross national product might change.
It would be affected by the state of the economy at the time, and
industry as well as labor increases, if they should occur.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Holmes. I read in the paper today that this com-
mittee, the members of this committee, inference was that they were
holding these meetings, and by associating with State highway officials
and representatives of industry, we are just friends of the lobbyists.
Now we, of course, up here believe that you are here to give us, the
witnesses here are to give us the information which is necessary to
transport. goods, services, and the people, the safest way that can be
clone throughout the Nation.
What is your organization, that national organization, doing to get
public support for a program of this kind?
Mr. HoL~iEs. We have had for some time in the association not only
a public information program of our own, but. we have worked on a
cooperative basis with the American Association of State 1-Iighway
Officials in an annual public information workshop, prmcipafly for
the benefit of the State highway departments.
At our meeting in Las Vegas last week, the American Road Builders
Association's board of directors approved a very much expanded pub-
lie information program, which will extend nationwide in its impact
and hopefully will provide favorable comment on the highway pro-
gram such as the February issue of the National Geographic magazine
is doing, in order to offset the adverse publicity that we seem to con-
tinually be receiving.
We not only have expanded this activity, and a very strong public
information program to gain public support, but we also have a more
cohesive, coordinated joint, effort with the American Association of
State Highway Officials to expand the public information workshop.
This year this workshop will be held in June. We expect to gain much
from that.
Mr. FALLOX. Thank you.
Mr. kiuczYxsKi. Mr. Holmes, how many members do you have
in the American load Builders Association?
Mr. :F{OLMES. I will ask Mr. Miller for the current number.
~\1r. MILLER. 5.363.
Mr. KLIJCzYX5KI. 5,300 plus.
Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLrTCZYXSKI. Have any of your members failed in the last ~
or 6 years, small contractors, I am talking about?
PAGENO="0083"
73
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, yes, and we would like to get into that
subject when my witnesses refer to the cutback.
Mr. KLTJCzYNSKI. Do you have a list of those that failed, the same
as Mr. Sprouse and Mr. Armstrong presented, failures of members of
their organizations?
Could you tell us offhand about how many have failed?
Mr. MILLER. `We have no accurate figures regarding national sta-
tistics on this subject.
Mr. KLIJCzYNSKI. Could you get this to the committee, a list?
The reason I am getting at it is, if we have more cutbacks and the
failures will be the small businessman, who is mortgaged to the hilt,
with money tied up in machinery, payments must be made, and if
the payments are not made they are going to lose all their equipment
and wind up with nothing but a few, eight or 10 big contractors who
will raise the prices of our road system in this country.
I would appreciate it if you had a list of failures in your organi-
zation, so we can put it in the record.
Mr. MILLER. I regret that no such list is available for the record.
However, one of our witnesses will present some specific figures on
this subject.
Mr. KLIJCzYNSKI. I want to say, the members of your organization
are not represented by lobbyists but are represented by high-class rep-
resentatives, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Miller, who are doing a wonderful
job, and they should be very happy to have representatives like you
people here in `Washington, looking after their industry.
Mr. FALLON. May I add something to your statement?
Mr. KLUCzYNSKI. Yes, Mr. Fallon.
Mr. FALLON. I might say that one experience with this highway pro-
gram, and I have been with it since its inception, tile thing is that
the lobbyists are the members of the Public Works Committee of the
House of Representatives.
Mr. KLUCzYNSKI. Mr. Harsha.
Mr. HAEsITA. Mr. Holmes, you heard tile testimony of the repre-
sentatives of AASHO. Are you now aware that they are now of
the opinion that there should not be any additional mileage to tile
Interstate System after tile 41,000-mile network is completed?
`\Viiat is the position of your organization on that pomt?
Mr. 1-IOLMES. At the present time we are, as I have stated in my
testimony, supporting the ABC program, primarily for tile reasons
that I stated.
We have not identified ourselves with tile Interstate program, cle-
liberately, because we have not heard the final report of the American
ASsocTahon of State Highway Officials.
I would say that we would still strongly endorse tile urban portions
and the I~Ii1Tmar~T amid rural highway expansion, as I have outlined.
I cannot really comment on whether we have approved or clisap-
pTO\TCd extention of the Interstate System at this time, because actu-
ally I have heard that just for the first time this morning.
Mi ML~LFP Mi Cii mi `n m'm I comment on th'it
Mr. KLuczYxsTdI. Mr. Miller.
Mr. MILLER. Insofar as the Interstate System as a functional system
is concerned, we recognize that there is a need for additional mileage-
tlieie is no question about jt-in our opinion substantially in excess
of the 5,000 miles that has been referred to.
PAGENO="0084"
74
Mr. Chairman, the only question here is that of finance, and that
of matching funds. I really do not think we are dealing in terms of
miles of highway, but, rather, how is it~ to be financed ~ That is the
issue. Whether it be 90-10 or some other formula.
I gather from Mr. Johnson's testimony they are just using a differ-
ent. identification, if you please.
These extensions they are referring to in the Primary system would
be of the identical same. standards. You could not tell when you left
the Interstate System and proceeded on to the primary system.
The only difference, as I see it, in the Pro)lem before us is that of
the matching basis, whether it be 90-10 or some other new matching
basis.
Mr. HAR5HA. Do you have a recommendation as to the matching
basis?
Mr. MILLER. I would like to defer, Mr. Harsha, this answer. I do
not want to hedge, but I would like to defer the answer until we get
all the information; but I can see great difficulty in getting the high-
type roads that we commonly refer to as Interstate System on the
same matching basis with the others.
And my concern would be this, Mr. Chairman, that if ample provi-
sion is not made for the extension of the mileage of these expressways,
they must be built-they must be built-and if proper financing can-
not be found, you are forcing the States, in my opinion, in many areas
to go back to toll roads.
This is why the toll road movement started in the first place, because
the construction of these high-type highways were beyond the finan-
cial capabilities of the States within the normal purview of their
financing, so they went to toll road financing.
Then came the great Interstate System. Unless extreme caution is
exercised, we can easily go back into another toll road movement.
So I do not have a specific answer, Mr. Harsha, but we recognize the
problem and have our engineers studying it day and night.
Thank you.
Mr. KLuCZYNSKI. Mr. Schwengel.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Mr. Holmes, it is good to have your organization
before us again. I have been following clOsely the questions and an-
swers so far, and I have admired your attitude and your performance
through the years. And to follow the testimony in the process of con-
structing the Interstate System, it is noted that the increased cost was
very much in line; in fact, the figures that we were shown before the
increased costs were more than met with increased efficiency by your
organization, and I note you refer to increased costs.
Is it true or is it not that the larger percent of increased cost comes
from the cost that is not attributable to the contractors, the road-
builders-I am talking about the percentage of increase now?
Mr. HOLMES. That is correct. We feel, as I pointed out in my testi-
mony, the major increases are based on the new requirement.s for de-
sign, for safety features. These are requirements being placed on the
construction industry by the Department of Transportation through
the Bureau of Public Roads, the landscaping, safety features, the
heavier design features.
This is the bulk of the increase, over 50 percent.
Mr. SCmVENGEL. What extra cost of right-of-way, comparing-
Mr. HOLMES. Engineering and right-of-way, roughly 15 percent.
PAGENO="0085"
75
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I want to establish this point, Mr. Chairman, be-
cause I respect these kinds of people, and they are very helpful. And
you `answered the question on the number of contractors, and this indi-
cates that it is still pretty competitive in an area, and the rules are
to be laid out, and the State highway commissions are forcing you to
be competitors, working in the public interest; and generally speak-
ing, we, with your cooperation, the State highway commissions' co-
operation, and the Bureau of Roads, have built roads very economically
by comparison.
Mr. HOLMES. That is right.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. So I want to pay my tribute to you people who
represent the important part of the free enterprise system that makes
this kind of building production possible.
Mr. HOLMES. Thank you.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I think it would be well if we could have a running
statement on increased costs of the actual contracting cost increase
compared to the increased efficiency and effectiveness in production,
and as, at some point, we get this in the testimony, it would be very
valuable testimony to have.
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, if I may, in the last recent cost estimate
of completion of the Interstate System, submitted to the Congress, it
is indicated that of the total cost, increased cost of $9 billion-plus,
$9.075 billion, that $1.875 billion is related to the increase in construc-
tion prices. The rest of it is accounted for, `and I will be glad to submit
this for the record.
It gives you in detail what this cost represents.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I would like to have it.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. We would appreciate having that in the record.
(Table referred to follows:)
[In millions of clollaJrsl
Unit price changes:
(a) Change in cost due to the increase in unit prices between the base
year 1963 and the year 1966 1, 875
Added construction items:
(b) Additional interchanges and grade separations, plus improvements
in design of ramps and structure-~costs not included in 1965
estimate 990
(c) Additional lanes over those reported in 1965 estimate but not in-
cluding the conversion from 2 to 4 lanes in item (k), an increase
to meet greater traffic needs 340
(d) Heavier design of roadway base, surface, and shoulder areas to
accommodate heavier traffic volumes and increased load factors,
reflecting changes in design knowledge and procedures over 1965
estimate data 1, 045
(e) Extra stage of pavement structure on earlier opened sections of
Interstate System to adequately accommodate design year
traffic 200
(f) Added landscaping, erosion control features, roadside rest areas,
and rest area facilities, not included in 1965 estimate, and not
subsec. 319(b) costs 555
(g) Additional safety features on work under construction, or work
remaining to be obligated-including flatter slopes, wider
bridges, additional guardrail, safety posts, and light standards-
not a part of 1965 estimate 845
(h) Added safety features on segments previously opened to traffic__ 685
Subtotal 4, 660
PAGENO="0086"
76
Preliminary engineering and right-of-way:
(i) Increase in right-of-way costs over 1965 estimate for segments not
included ft items (1) and (k) 890
(j) Increase in preliminary engineering costs over 1965 estimate, for
segments not included in items (1) and (k) plus overruns in
preliminary engineering and right-of-way projects previously
considered fully financed for 1965 estimate purposes 385
Subtotal 1, 275
Four-lane minimum design requirement:
(k) Added cost to provide a minimum of 4 lanes for previous 2-lane
segments of the Interstate System, in accordance with see. 5 of
the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1966 335
System changes:
(1) System additions and significant system adjustments, including
deleted system segments. total $1.345.000,000 which is offset by
an allowance of S5.000.000 per mile for 83 miles included in the
1965 estimate-Increase 930
Grand total 9, 075
Mr. KLUCZYXSKI. Of course, we all know that when we first passed
the Interstate Highway System we anticipated spending around $29
billion. I understand now it is 65 Percent complete, and it will cost
over $52 billion. It is just as simple as A B C: if you do not build today
it will cost more ncxt year.
Mr. MILLER. iou are right. Mr. Chairman. The latest estimate places
the cost of completion at $56.5 billion.
Mr. kLITCZYNSKI. ~56 billion.
Mr. MILLER. les. sir.
Mr. KLLTCzYXSII. Any further questions?
It has been a pleasure to have von before the committee and we
appreciate the information you have given to us. I think it is going to
be ver, very helpful when we get into executive session.
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, if I may, I would like, to continue with
our other testimcnv.
Mr. hLuczvNSKI. We would be &ad to hear from von.
Mi'. MILLER. Thank von very nI~ich.
Mi KLI CZ~Si~I I ii 1 ~Oi [lie ~,° i~ie `ni fiopi Fbi lr't m~ been
ue~i iect__lie hid `ii ottiei mceti ig w e ~hi~ iioiiiing-to v~eicome
fellow Floridian. I hope Mr. Cramer will be here any minute.
Mi ~TTJ~~ Mi Chuim'j 1 if'1 ~ o~ ~ine su I i a like to
present to the Tistiiiguished ~ommittee. Mr. Sam Turnbuii, engineer-
director of the Florida Road Builders Association. and former chief
engineer of the. Florida State highway Department.
I know of no one better qualified to discuss the subject he is about
to present to the committee.
Mr. Turnbull would like to report to you briefly on the impact of
this cutback upon the State of Florida.
Mr. KLFCZYNSRI. It is a pleasure for this committee to have you
appear here.
Mr. TTmNBwLL. Mr. Chairman and members of the. committee, my
iiame is Sam P. Turnbull, and I am engineer-director of the Florida
Road Builders Association, Inc.., with headquarters in Tallahassee, Fla.
PAGENO="0087"
77
We are an association of highway contractors, equipment dealers,
material suppliers, and consulting engineers.
I wish to direct my remarks primarily to the effects of the Federal
highway cutback on the State of Florida, since it is one of the hardest
hit.
From 1962 through 1966, 5 years, contract lettings with the State
road department of Florida have amounted to $785 million, or an
average per year of $157 million.
In the yea,r 1967, contract lettings by the* State road department
amounted to $116 million, an amount of $41 million below the 5-year
previous average. This was primarily brought about because of failure
to match $25 million in Federal firnds.
With a 37-percent cutback from the funds which would normally
be anticipated for 1968, leaves only $62 million rather than the antici-
pated $99 million. With State matching funds for this $62 million for
both ABC and interstate, and after deducting engineering, supervi-
sion, R/W and other contingencies, the amount left for actual con-
struction amounts to approximately $73 million. That is the Federal
program.
An additional $5 million for the primary program is anticipated by
the State road department which totals $78 million. Adding the sec-
ondary and bond programs, the total amounts will not far exceed a
$100 million 1968 actual construction program for Florida.
This whole cutback has had a tremendous effect on the contracting
industry in Florida. The industry is operating at approximately 35-
percent capacity.
I might add there that when a contractor is operating at 70 per-
cent lie is up in the cream, lie is at his peak, and when he gets down
to 50- or 55-percent level, lie is hitting famine; and he is well below
the famine stage now.
Twenty-five percent layoffs are not uncommon among the contrac-
tors. If relief does not come soon in the form of going back to the pat-
tern of construction that prevailed from 1962 through 1966, many con-
tractors, equipment dealers, and others will be forced into bankruptcy
in Florida.
The State road department of Florida is recommending to the Hon-
orable Alan S. Boyd, Secretary of Transportation, that in their opin-
ion an equitable formula would he a pro rata cutback for each State.
This formula would amount to a 10.86-percent cutback of 1968 antici-
Patedi funds. This would accomplish the same end result of $4.115
billion obligation limitation.
Attached to this statement is a copy of their proposal.
That ends my statement, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUczYNsKI. Any questions to my left?
Any questions to my right?
I want to thank you for this fine statement. of yours.
1~nithout objection, the table attached to your statement will be made
a part of the record.
(Table referred to follows:)
PAGENO="0088"
r1,-1
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N) (U ~ 0)704000(000010) C~ CON) 00(710)00 00 (0(710000(0 C)) (0(g) ~4 40'- (U 00 N) -~ 000)010) -C C)) 0000(04001
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014001(0 N)))) (04001 N) N) 0101 N)01 (U o71- N) (U (U ()1~ 01~ (4) (0(0 N)))) (0400) CD ~(U (U ..4o0 010001 400)40(0
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PAGENO="0089"
79
I would like to present Mr. Karl Rothermund.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Do you have a prepared statement?
Mr. ROTHERM1ZIND. No, sir, I do not.
Mr. KLtrczYNsKI. You may proceed.
It is a pleasure to have you before this committee.
Mr. ROTHERMIJND. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Chairman Fallon,
Mr. Harsha.
The cutback in Ohio amounts to 46 percent, when you consider the
amount of Federal aid approved by Congress that would be available
to the State this year.
We have a very unusual circumstance, as pointed out by Mr. Harsha,
and as covered by Mr. Masheter in his letter, because of the cutback
in funds in 1966, because of a prolonged strike of the operating
engineers last year in our industry in Ohio, and because of the delay
in letting the contract of Federal-aid projects because of the change
in design of safety standards, Ohio's program last year dropped to
$327 million.
This is compared to $454 million in 1965 and $445 million in 1966.
So that the cutback, taken from the $327 million program that we
had last year was reduced 5 percent from that, so this leaves us with
a cutback this year of 46 percent from our normal program of $450
million.
Now, you ask, Mr. Kluczynski. about contractor failures, and I
understand this was covered yesterday very well by Mr. Armstrong.
In Ohio, in 1964, we had three highway contractors go broke. In
1965 we had two; in 1966, none; in 1967, we had eight.
And this can be attributed to the cutback and to the strike that we
had last year.
Thank you, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Rothermund, the reason I asked Mr. Miller
was, I would like to have that in the record, how many failures there
were from the members of your association.
Any questions?
Mr. Harsha of Ohio.
Mr. HARSHA. Mr. Chairman, I would like to welcome Mr. Rother-
mund to the committee. He certainly played a big part in the develop-
ment of the highway system in Ohio, and we are indebted to him for
his leadership in that field.
Mr. Rothermund, you say that the effect of the cutback in Ohio actu-
ally allows for about 46 percent of what the highway program nor-
mally obligated during a calendar year?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. Yes, sir.
Mr. ITAR5HA. Now, what effect will this cutback have on the so-called
inflationary problems that we are confronted with in the highway
system?
What I am trying to get at is this: Will it, in effect, pull down the
inflationary tendencies or, rather, to the contrary effect, encourage
them and probably add impetus to them in the future?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. We feel that it definitely will in the future. For
instance, last year we had eight contractors go broke, and we know this
year we are going to have more; and this has this immediate effect.
But then when you try to catch up in the future, why, it will just
make the spiraling that much faster.
PAGENO="0090"
so
Mr. HAI~SHA. Ai~d will it not also have the effect of reducing the
nunTher of miles constructed in comparison with the cost it takes to
construct them now?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. \ery definitely.
Mr. HARSHA. Now, could you also-I understand the Secretary of
Labor, in addition to directing that. certain highway colitracts are not
to be awarded until such time as the Secretary of Labor makes a. find-
ing about certain employment, practices of the contractors-am I ac-
curate in that statement?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. Yes, sir. This is under this Equal Employment
Opportunity, Presidential directive, and they have issued rules and
regulations that call for a preaward conference, where representative
of the Labor Department would sit in on the award of the contract
that, by statute, should he made by the highway direcor.
Mr. }IARSHA. What is the effect of this regulation?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. Well, the first job that was sold in Ohio bids
were taken on yesterday; so it is now in that process, and we do not
know exactly what is going to happen.
Mr. HARSHA. Could you enlighten us a. little more on the problems
that. you anticipate with regard to such a, directive as this?
Mr. ROTHERM~UND. By taking away the awarding authority from
tl1e highway director and bringing into the picture a situation that is
not specifically covered in the specifications-in other words, what
they plan on doing, according to the. directive from the Office of Fed-
eral Contract Con~liance i.s to consult with the contractor after the
bids are taken, with the low bidder, to determine whether or not he has
an affirmative action program in equal employment opportunity.
And then, from their consultation with the contractor and a review
of his operation, they will determine whether or not he has a positive
posture in equal employment. and then recommend, or not recommend,
the award of the contract.
We feel that this will completely disrupt the competitive bidding
system under which our great highway system has been and is being
built.
For instance, if a contractor is exceptionally low in his bid and
leaves, as we say, a lot of money on the table, he could very well not
have a positive posture, on purpose, not to, in order to get out from
underneath the bid.
If a second bidder has a record of employing a. lot of minority
groups. it could very well be that the Office of Federal Contract Com-
pliance then would want to bypass the low bidder and go to the second
bidder, and thereby causing an increased cost in order to have the
minority group representation on the project that they want.
As I say, the first job under this new procedure was sold yesterday,
and we do not know exactly what is going'to happen, but we see many,
many pitfalls lying ahead.
Mi. H.~imsLC IVell, now, have they defined what a positive program
is? Are there any guidelines?
Mr. ROTHERMUND. No, sir. They say that they expect the contractor
to use the same ingenuity in figuring this out that he does in figuring
work on bidding a job, and building the job.
Mr. HARSHA. Do you want to comment on that, Mr. Miller?
Mr. MILLER. Thank you, Mr. Harsha.
PAGENO="0091"
81
Yes, I would like to. As of today there is no national application
of these procedures. The plan was first put into effect in California
as a' pilot, then moved to Ohio, and then to Pennsylvania.
Now, those are the only three States that have had any experience
whatsoever imcler these new procedures.
In our opinion the procedures that have been used in these pilot
projects are absolutely impossible of compliance, on the 1)art of inclus-
try and the State highway departments. It was published in the Fed-
eiai Register the 15th, I believe, the Federal Register of February 15,
on page 3000, a proposed regulation detailing this entire problem.
The industry and others interested were given until March 15 to
submit briefs regarding this proposed regulation. So until the regula-
tion is issued and becomes nationwide in effect, it is difficult to give
you an accurate portrayal of the impact of this regulation.
I have, Mr. Chairman, a brief statement on this subject. I would
like to include for the record, together with a resolution passed by the
American Road Builders Association, at the convention last week,
dealing with this subject; and I would like to submit these for the
record. I do not want to prolong this discussion, but I would, Mr.
Chairman, like to make the record clear.
Mr. KLuczYNsKI. 1-Tearing no objection, it will be made a part of the
record.
(The statement, resolution, and letters follow:)
STATEMENT OF AMERICAN ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
We wish to express our grave concern over a proposed regulation of the Office
of Federal Contract Compliance of the United States Department of Labor re-
lating to equal employment opportunity.
This regulation is based upon Executive Order 11246 which requires that a
so-called pre-award conference be held on every Federal and Federal-aid highway
construction contract of one million dollars or more.
The apparent low bidder would be required to take some unspecified action
relating to equal employment opportunity prior to the award of the contract.
We believe the requirement of a pre-award conference would destroy the com-
petitive bid system in the United States.
We believe it would be an illegal usurpation of the rights of the sovereign states
to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder.
We believe it would be impossible for the contractors and state highway de-
partments to comply with the proposed order, regardless of how much they are
in accord with the objectives of equal employment opportunity.
We hope to have an opportunity at an early date to present to this Committee
alternative means by which the objectives of Executive Order 11246 can best be
implemented.
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE FEDERAL EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PaO-
G1~AM ADOPTED BY THE AMERICAN ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AT THE 66TH
ANNUAL CONVENTION AT LAS VEGAS, NEv., FEBRUARY 14, 1968
Whereas the construction industry and the State, county and city highway
departments employ large numbers of workers who are members of minority
groups; and
Whereas there is an increasing shortage of skilled labor in most of the trades
involved in the construction of highways and, therefore, an increasing need for
adequate apprenticeship programs and other training programs; and
Whereas certain administrative procedures and requirements, both current
and proposed, purported to interpret the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity
Program are impractical, unworkable and disruptive with respect to sound con-
tractual procedures and functions and are, in fact, contrary to the intent of the
law;
PAGENO="0092"
82
Now, therefore be it resolved by the American Road Builders' Association in
Convention assembled at Las Vegas, Nevada, this 14th day of February, 1068,
That we do hereby make the following declarations with regard to equal em-
ployment opportunities in the construction field:
1. That the Association considers it to be a matter of settled national
policy that discrimination in employment practices is inequitable, unjust
and economically unsound.
2. That the Association is already working toward, and will continue to
work toward, the development of an affirmative program to insure equal em-
ployment opportunity in the construction industry.
3. That the Association deplores those equal employment opportunity reg-
ulations and practices including preaward procedures which interfere with
the contractual relationship betw-een the contracting agency and the con-
tractor, those which impose financial burdens on the contractor without
provision for the identification and reimbursement of the costs, and those
which impose upon the contractor unreasonable requirements with respect
to locating and hiring workers who have specific scarce job skills and are
members of a specific minority group.
MARCH 11, 1068.
Mr. EDWARD C. SYLVESTER. Jr.,
Dirdctar, Office of Federal Contract Compliance,
U.,~. Department of Labor. Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. SYLVESTER: We appreciate the opportunity of presenting written
comments on your proposed order which would establish preaward compliance
procedures for Federally involved construction contracts of one million dollars or
more. We will also comment at this time on those parts of the proposed per-
manent regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance which concern
pre-award procedures.
We strongly urge that the low bidder on Federally-assisted highway contracts
not be subjected to a compliance review between the opening of bids and the con-
tract award, as you have proposed.
We believe that such reviews would disrupt sound and well established com-
petitive bidding procedures without significantly improving employment oppor-
tunities for members of minority groups.
To the extent that compliance reviews attempt to change patterns of construc-
tion employment in particular areas they may be lengthy and involve demands
that contractors take action which is costly and contrary to collectively bar-
gained labor agreements.
Such reviews could not be completed within the period of time allowed by
state law for the award of highway contracts in many cases. (Thirty-four states
require that such contracts be awarded within 30 days of the opening of bids and
five of these require awards within 20 days.)
Often the low bidder could not anticipate the costs of recruitment, training or
other "affirmative action" demanded in the compliance review. Refusing to per-
mit the low bidder to change his bid to reflect such additional costs would be
unfair to him. Allowing such a change would be unfair to other bidders.
When labor contracts control the employment of journeymen or apprentices.
the individual contractor_-as low bidder or contract awardee-has little power
to produce change-especially within a 30-day period. Such changes can generally
be made only by agreement between the appropriate contractor association and
union.
While we oppose the pre-war procedure you have proposed, we do not contend
that only post-award compliance procedures are workable in highway construc-
tion. We are firmly convinced that a system of pre-qualification of contractors
could promote equal employment opportunity without damaging our present com-
petitive bidding system.
Pre-qualification of contractors is an accepted part of highway contracting.
Appropriate programs of affirmative action to insure against discrimination in
employment could be added to present requirements for determIning eligibility to
bid on Federal or Federally-assisted projects. These affirmative action programs
could have reasonable variations to fit different areas or conditions and the length
of the period during which bidders are considered qualified could also vary to
meet changing needs.
PAGENO="0093"
83
Contractors meeting such pre-qualification requirements would know exactly
what their affirmative action obligations would be in advance of bidding and
could develop their bids accordingly. Once bids were opened, awards could be
made promptly to the low bidder whose eligibility for equal employment oppor-
tunity purposes would have been previously established,
Periodically, the qualification of contractors could be reviewed to determine if
past performance has been satisfactory and if commitments for the future are
acceptable. If a contractor's performance or commitments fall significantly below
the level required, his qualification to bid for future contracts could be terminated
or suspended by appropriate action.
Pre-qualification would not only protect bidding and expedite contract awards,
it would enable two of the most difficult problems of equal employment oppor-
tunity in highway construction to be dealt with effectively. One of these problems
is qualifications. The other is labor contracts.
Significant increases in the employment of minority group members in the more
highly skilled trades will often be possible only if special training programs
are established. Such programs can usually be most productive if all of the mem-
bers of a contractors association participate in them and if some Federal funding
is provided. (The program of the Florida Road Contractors for turning unskilled
and underprivileged laborers into skilled road equipment operators is an example
of such a program. See attached notice.)
The American Road Builders Association believes that the establishment of
such training programs would be encouraged by the adoption of pre-qualification
requirements. It believes that individual contractors would participate in such
programs more fully under those circumstances than as a result of compliance
reviews on a succession of low bidders.
Pre-qualification procedures would also focus attention properly on any
situations in which joint apprentice programs or exclusive referral arrangements
are considered discriminatory. In such situations the eligibility of all contractors
participating in the program and desiring Federally involved contracts would
be questioned equally and simultaneously. The issue of whether an existing
program or arrangement bad to be changed would thus be raised clearly and
could be resolved through discussions with the union involved. Such an approach
seems most consistent with the position taken by Secretary Wirtz in his recent
letter to President Haggerty of the Building and Construction Trades Department
of the AFL-CIO concerning the cooperation of building trade unions with
affirmative action programs.
We also recognize that in addition to the above situations in which contractor
action can most effectively be taken on a joint basis, there are obligations under
Executive Order 11246 which each contractor can and should discharge
individually. However, we submit that the discharge of such obligations can be
insured as effectively in pre-qualification as in pre-award proceedings.
While we oppose compliance reviews in highway construction work between
the opening of bids and the award of contracts, we are not contending that such
procedures may not be fair and effective in other industries which have different
traditions and needs.
Accordingly, we suggest that paragraph 3 of your proposed order be revised
to provide that agencies may adopt a pre-qualification procedure as an alternative
to the pre-award procedure outlined in paragraph 3(b).
Consistent with the above suggestion, we recommend that Sections 60-1.6(d)
and 60-1.29 of the "Proposed Permanent Regulations of the Office of Federal
Contract Compliance on Equal Employment Opportunity Obligations of Con-
tractors" be revised to specify that pre-qualification reviews are an acceptable
alternative to pre-award reviews.
We further suggest that the pre-award order you have proposed and some
of the special pre-award procedures which might be specified under proposed
Section 60-1.29(b) should be considered "rules and regulations of a general
nature" to be issued by the Secretary of Labor under Paragraph 5.a of the Sec-
retary's Order No. 26-65, 31 F.R. 6921. Section 60-1.2 of the Proposed Permanent
Regulations also reserves to the Secretary the issuance of such general rules and
regulations. We strongly believe that any order affecting a class of contractors
without identifying each by name should be considered a "rule or regulation of a
general nature" which should be issued by the Secretary himself.
PAGENO="0094"
84
Again let me express our apppreciation for this opportunity to state our posi-
tion. We would be happy to suggest specific language to carry out our recom-
niendations and to discuss this matter further at your convenience.
Yours truly,
EUGENE W. RoBBINs,
Managing Director, Contractors Division.
FLORIDA ROAD BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION, Ixo.
Florida Road Contractors are turning unskilled and underpriv~Iedged Iili)O1'ers
into skilled road equipment operators undei~ a bootstrap operation launched ic-
cently by the Florida Road Builders' Association.
The unique program w-ill turn out considerable numbers of skilled workers in
a very short time and at a fraction of the cost of ordinary training programs.
Contractors w-ere pestered with an ever-increasing shortage of equipment op-
erators for years. J. L. Cone, Jr., President of Cone Bros. Contracting Company
of Tampa and Vice President of FRBA. proposed a statewide training program
more than two years ago but an attempt to work it out with federal authorities
was unsuccessful.
Late in 1967. however. Alex Gaither. regional officer of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, revived the idea and the proposal was resubmitted.
This time, the effort was successful and a contract w-as signed under which
120 men would be trained as equipment operators in the following 12 months.
The longest training period for any man is only 20 weeks. with some running
only 13 to 18 weeks. Maximum cost to the taxpayer is only ~136 per trainee and
this is for supervisory personnel. The actual training cost is borne by each Iflhli-
vidual contractor.
Ed Medard, Vice President of Bay Dredging and Construction Company and
Chairman of the FRBA Labor and Wage Rate Committee, said that the program
is aimed at "creating an adequate supply of machine operators in Florida."
`This program is designed to train disadvantaged workers who might not have
any other opportunity to learn a skill." the veteran road contractor said.
"It will also aid highway contractors in complying with federal non-discrimi-
nation and equal opportunity laws and regulations.
`It will enable the contractor to train employees at rates less thami rates paid
to skilled operators on Federal Interstate road building contracts.
"Heretofore, a contractor has been required to pay trainees and skilled opera-
tors the same rate of pay. This has prohmbited such trainng programs in time
past." Medard said.
In operation. the program consists of individual contractors selecting trainees
fromn their own labor force or from unemployed workers, choosing from a list
recommended by tile Florida State Employment Service.
Training is offered in 13 job categories, including highway construction car-
penter and bridge carpenter. and operators of the following types ot equipnent
back1~oes, bulldozers, cranes, derricks or (Iragilnes. heavy earthmovers, front end
loaders both over and under one cubic yarn, motor gradei's. pile drivers, finish
rollers, and tractors over and under SO l~orsepnwer.
The contractors have been enthusiastic over tile shor1ne-~s of rile training
period, which will give them early ad with a long standing shortage of qualified
workers.
The cost is only about one-fourth of rile average on tile job training program.
1 i'- hen ~upe i d ~ ~hc~ `~ I U Elt o~ )1~'nt1ce~- 717) tnd tI i i i
T me 1 1 7~1 tm m 71111 C 101 - tte ( l eii~( b n~ em e d ~`1 I
federal agencies and other states with an eye toward copying it. Tenimes-ee is
reported to be about ready to install ii similar program.
Mancmi 21, IPUS.
Mi'. EDWARD C. SYIXESTEFi. Jr..
Director. Office of Federal Contract (o;apliaiicc.
U.S. Department of Labor. tfasJiiii~jto;i. D.C.
DEAR Mn. SYLVESTEI1: We anprecmate rile opportunity to file tile following corn-
ments on the Proposed Permanent Regulations of the Office of Federal Ccii-
tract Comniirmnce in addition to those flied iii my letter of March 11. 1905. con-
PAGENO="0095"
85
cerning your proposed order on pre-award compliance procedures for construc-
tion contractors.
As stated in my earlier letter, the American Road Builders Association
strongly objects to any requirement or use in the Federal highway program of
the pre-award compliance procedures outlined in your proposed regulations and
orders. We continue to believe that your objective of securing equal oppor-
tunity-whicli we support-can be better accomplished in highway construction
through a pre-qualification procedure. A copy of my earlier letter is attached
for your reference.
The ARBA's further comments on the Proposed Permanent Itegulations are
offered in a cooperative but critical spirit. We fully recognize the need for in-
suring non-discrimination in Federal contract employment. In our judgment,
however, certain of your Proposed Permanent Regulations would place undue
or impossible obligations on contractors and would not adequately safeguard
contractors against arbitrary action by compliance officials.
We are concerned with the scope of the contractor's obligations as indicated
in the Proposed Regulations, the proposed delegations of authority to interpret
those obligations and the proposed procedures for determining compliance and
imposing sanctions on those considered to be in noncompliance.
Our principal concerns with the contractor's obligations as outlined in the
Proposed Regulations are that they do not give sufficient recognition to qualifica-
tions as a proper basis for employment decisions and that they do not deal ade-
quately with situations in which labor contract provisions raise compliance
questions.
Section 60-1.1 of the current Government Contract Employment Regulations,
41 C.E.R. Chapter 00, states that:
"The purpose of the regulations in this part is to achieve the aims of Part
III of Executive Order 10925 and Executive Order 11114 for the promotion an(l
insuring of equal opportunity for all qualified persons . . . ." [Emphasis supplied.]
Section 60-1.20(a) of the same regulations also provides that:
"The purpose of compliance reviews shall be to ascertain the extent to which
the Orders are being implemented by the creation of equal employment op-
portunity for all qualified persons . . . in accordance with the national policy.
They are not intended to interfere with the responsibilities of employers to deter-
mine the competence and qualifications of employees and applicants foi~ employ-
ment." [Emphasis supplied.]
These statements are consistent with the provisions of Executive Orders 1092~,
11114 and 11246 and of Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 14)64. Flow-
ever, the underlined references to qualifications have been omitted fro~n proposed
Sections 60-1.1 and 00-1.20(a).
"Unqualified" Negroes are as much entitled to protection against racial dis-
crimination in employment as "qualified" Negroes, but employers are entitled to
assurance that their contract obligations to take "affirmative action to ensure"
nondiscrimination allow them to employ the most qualified persons available
regardless of race. Similarly employers should be assured that their determina-
tions of necessary qualifications will not be interfered with unless there is
evidence that they are using cualifications to discriminate on racial or other
improper grounds.
The Federal Government has a legitimate interest in promoting the employ-
ment of presently unqualified workers but this should not be made a matter ni
compliance with contract obligations not to discriminate on the basms of race.
Employers can effectively be encouraged and induced to hire hard core mmcm-
ployed through programs such as the National Alliance of Businessmen and with
financial assistance from Manpower Development and Training Act funds and
procurement preferences under Defense Manpower Policy No. 4. Any attempts to
compel such hiring not only are unauthorized by Executive Order 11246 and
contrary to Title VII but may jeopardize the voluntary efforts that are being
unci ertaken.
Accordingly, we recommend that the substance of the language on qualifica-
tions now contaiiied in sections 00-1.1 and 00-1.20 (a) be included in the Permna-
nent Regulations.
In addition we recommend that the substance of the order adoptmng 26 C.F.R.
Part 30 as the standard for resolving compliance questions concerning the ap-
prenticeship programs (41 C.F.R., 00-80.2) be included in the Permanent Regula-
tions. Secretary \Virtz's letter to President ilaggerty of the Building and Con-
PAGENO="0096"
86
struction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, dated February 2, 1968, made clear
that the standards of 29 C.F.R. Part 30 would continue to be applied under
Executive Order 11246 and a reference to this effect in the Permanent Regula-
tions would be informative and appropriate for employers.
Apprenticeship programs and hiring hail systems are common in the construc-
tion industry and are generally governed by agreements negotiated between con-
tractors and labor unions. If the operation of such an apprenticeship program
or hiring hail is considered to raise questions of compliance with Executive
Order 11246, those questions can usually only be resolved with the union's agree-
ment or by litigation. Pressuring the contractor alone to change the labor agree-
ment or to evade its obligations is seldom effective.
Section 60-1.7 of the current regulations has not provided a satisfactory or
effective procedure for dealing with such situations. It simply authorizes best
efforts to secure union cooperation, permits public hearings to be held and al-
lows other agencies to be notified of the compliance problem.
Under the circumstances, we disagree with the proposal to incorporate the
substance of Section 60-1.7 of the current regulations in Section 60-1.9 of the
Permanent Regulations without significant amendment. We recommend two
specific changes:
1. amend Section 60-1.9(b) to provide for unions to participate in any
contract compliance proceeding when changes are considered necessary in
one of their collectively bargained agreements or arrangements.
2. amend Section 60-1.9(c) to provide that full use will be made of Title
VII or other procedures for resolving compliance questions involving labor
agreements or arrangements before Executive Order sanctions are imposed
on contractors.
Two other substantive obligations imposed on contractors by the Proposed
Permanent Regulations seem excessive. Each would make contractors guarantors
that equal rights will not be abridged. The first is contained in Section 60-1.8
and relates to segregated facilities. This section is a restatement of the Order of
the Secretary of Labor which now appears in 41 C.F.R. Chapter 60, Part 60-2.
It requires contractors to "ensure that facilities provided for employees are
provided in such a manner that segregation . . . cannot result." [Emphasis
supplied.] In certain cases the possibility of segregation by employer custom
cannot be ensured against. It is suggested that the sentence quoted be eliminated.
The succeeding sentence makes clear that contractors may not tolerate segrega-
tion by employee custom. This phrasing would at least give contractors a chance
to correct such segregation when it comes to their attention.
Even more extreme is the obligation Section 60-1.32 of the Proposed Perman-
ent Regulations would place on contractors to protect individuals from intimida-
tion or interference. This obligation is literally to take "all necessary steps to
ensure that no person intimidates . . . (etc) any individual for the purpose of
interfering with . . . any . . . activity related to the administration of . . . any
Federal, state or local laws requiring equal employment opportunity." [Empha-
sis supplied.] Intimidation should be discouraged vigorously but this proposal
tries to make super policemen out of contractors. They are expected to take
whatever steps are regarded as necessary to prevent any person (even if not an
employee or applicant) from threatening any other individual (again regardless
of whether or not there is an employment relationship) for the purpose of inter-
fering with any equal employment opportunity proceeding-even one which does
not directly involve the contractor.
It is suggested that Section 00-1.32 be limited to requiring contractors to
take reasonable steps to avoid intimidation of employees and applicants on
company property or work sites, to take appropriate action to discipline com-
pany employees who intimidate or try to intimidate individuals in matters
involving the company and to give advance notice that such disciplinary action
will be imposed.
In addition to the above-mentioned substantive matters, there are a number
of procedural items in the Proposed Permanent Regulations on which we wish to
comment.
1. Section 401 of Executive Order 11246 does not authorize the Secretary of
Labor to delegate the power to issue "rules and regulations of a general nature."
Proposed Section 60-1.3(t) appears to contemplate such a delegation, however,
PAGENO="0097"
87
by providing that rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of
Labor shall include those of his "designee." Such a designation seems incon-
sistent with Section 401 of the Executive Order. Accordingly, it is recommended
that Section 60-1.3(t) as proposed be omitted from the Permanent Regulations.
For the same reasons we recommend that any ruling or interruption of a gen-
eral nature of Executive Order 11246 or of the Permanent Regulations be made
by the Secretary of Labor and not by a designee of his. We recommend that
proposed Section 60-1.44 be revised on this basis.
2. The clause to be inserted in Federally-assisted construction contracts has
been carried over into Section 60-1.4(b) from Section 60-1.3(b) of the current
regulations. However, the current regulations antedated Section 602 of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, which established a statutory procedure to be followed
in connection with any withholding of Federal assistance. Section 303(c) of
Executive Order 11246 recognized and provided for necessary changes in the
Executive Order procedures to accommodate Section 602. We recommend that
the final sentence of the language to be inserted in Federally assisted construe-
tion contracts be revised as follows: "In addition the applicant agrees that if
it fails or refuses to comply with these undertakings, the administering agency
may, in conformity with Fiection 602 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and the
regulations of the admi~iistertng agency or department issued thereunder) can-
cel (etc.)." [Suggested language italicized.]
3. Section 60-1.6(c) as proposed does not provide for publication of agency
regulations for the administration of Executive Order 11246 and the Permanent
Regulations of OFCC. It is suggested that this section be revised to provide for
publication and for an opportunity for public comment in advance of the ef-
fective date of such regulations.
4. Section 60-1.26(b) (ii) provides for hearings when the director of OFOC
proposes to declare a contractor ineligible for further contracts under Section
209 of Executive Order 11246. At times OFCO and its predecessor have directed
that contracts be denied or delayed on the authority of Section 205 or 211 or
their predecessor sections. As indicated in Crown Zellerbach Corp. v. Wirtz
(D.D.C. 1968) Civ. No. 3150-67, such denials are indistinguishable forms of
"blacklisting" from that provided for in Section 209(a) (6) of the Executive
Order and should involve the same right to a hearing before the sanction is
made final. Consequently, Section 60-1.26(b) 2 (ii) should be amended by omit-
ting the reference to Section 209.
5. The provision for designation of a hearing officer in Section 60-1.26(b) (1)
does not establish any minimum qualifications for service in that position. We
suggest that that Secton be amended to provide that the hearing officer selected
shall be one who is qualified under Section 11 of the Administrative Procedure
Act.
6. Section 60-1.28 would authorize the Director to issue a notice requiring a
contractor to show cause why enforcement or other action should not be insti-
tuted against him within 30 days. While the proposed section says that the
Director shall have reasonable cause to believe the contractor is in noncompli-
ance before he issues such an order, it does not require him to set forth the
basis for his belief in his show cause notice to the contractor. We submit that
such a requirement should certainly be added to the proposed section.
7. The Proposed Permanent Regulations contain many significant grants of
authority to the Director of OFCC; the power to withdraw exemptions (60-
1.5(d)), the power to approve agency regulations (60-1.6(c)), the power to
require additional information of bidders (60-1.7(b) (2)), the power to assume
jurisdiction of matters before agencies and to impose sanctions (60-1.25), the
power to review agency determinations (60-1.26(b) (2) (iv), the power to
issue show cause notices (60-1.28), the power to require pre-award procedures
in specific cases (60-1.29). In our judgment these powers should not be re-
delegated. Therefore, we urge that Section 60-1.46 be omitted from the Per-
manent Regulations.
We will appreciate your consideration of these comments and hope that they
will assist you in developing fair and effective Permanent Regulations.
Sincerely,
EUGENE W. ROBBINS,
Managing Director, Contractors Division.
96-030 O-68----7
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88
Onio CONTRACTORS AssociATioN,
Columbus, Ohio, March 18, 1968.
Re objections to proposed Office of Federal Contract Compliance Regulations
under Executive Order 11246-request to substitute a pre-qualification plan.
OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE,
U.S. Department of Labor,
Washington, D.C.
(Attention: Edward Sylvester, Director.)
GENTLEMEN: The Ohio Contractors Association has worked with the Office of
Federal Contract Compliance and its representatives in the implementation of
the "Cleveland Plan" as it affects our members engaged in highway construction
in northeast Ohio. A letter to Honorable Willard J. Wirtz, Secretary of Labor,
dated December 19, 1967 (attached as Exhibit 1), outlined some of the problems
we expected with respect to the "Cleveland PLan" as it would apply to highway
construction. As a result, a preconstruction conference procedure was substituted
for a pre-award conference procedure. Not enough time has elapsed as of this
date to determine what effect, constructive or detrimental, the revised "Cleveland
Plan" will have on highway construction since the first letting which incorpor-
ated the revised plan was held on February 20, 1968. A résumé of what has tran-
spired to date is attached (Exhibit 2).
By re-instituting pre-award conference procedures (Proposed Regs. Sec.
60-1.6(d)), the fruitful negotiations and agreements reached during 1967 would
be nullified without giving the present program an opportunity to be tested.
Pre-award conferences are, in our opinion, unworkable. The cost to the State
of Ohio and the Federal Government, under the "Cleveland Plan", through de-
lays in contract lettings, cancellation of lettings, and delays in construction of
highways for the use of the public, would be incalculable.
The most serious problem to be encountered in the operation of pre-award
conference procedures under the proposed regulations, as under the "Cleveland
Plan," is the probable delay in approval of the contractors' affirmative action
program by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance (aside from its insistence
on preferential hiring contrary to existing union contracts, quotas, and manning
tables). The proposed regulations do not contemplate informing the contractor
what he is expected to do. There are no objective standards. The contractor must
guess what the Office of Federal Contract Compliance wants, submit a plan, and
then wait before being told whether his plan is approved. This practice, which
building contractors have experienced under the "Cleveland Plan," is raised to
the status of law under the proposed regulations, and threatens to destroy the
concept of competitive bidding.
The proposed regulations create even greater possibilities for delay. In Sec.
60-1.7(b) (2), a contractor is required to submit "such information" as the Di-
rector requests prior to the award of the contract after the bid. By virtue of this
provision, contracts could be held up indefinitely without redress to the con-
tractor other than withdrawing his bid and forcing the state to the expense of
asking for new bids. We submit that this creates a situation which has been
impossible under the "Cleveland Plan" and will be intolerable in the future under
the proposed regulations.
The proposed regulations are unclear, ambiguous, and place such unchecked
power in the Office of Federal Contract Compliance so as to make that agency
the czar of all federally-assisted construction, with little or no checks or
balances.
As an example, under Sec. 60-1.26(2) (i) of the proposed regulations, the
Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance has the unrestricted power
to suspend a construction contract, "in the discretion of the Director" if the con-
tractor, in exercising his rights under due process, requests a hearing. There is
no provision for a bond, indemnity or other means to hold the contractor harm-
less in the event the Director's suspension-after possible court litigation--
proves to have been unjustified. Further, as Crowm-Zellerback has shown us, the
threat of cancellation by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance without a
hearing to achieve its ends is a matter of public record.
Tinder Sec. 60-1.29 (a) and (b) of the proposed regulations, upon the request
of the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance, agencies are not
permitted to deal with any contractor until a pre-award complianèe review has
been conducted and the Director has approved a determination that the bidder
will be able to comply with the provisions of the equal opportunity clause. Fur-
ther, upon the request of the Director, the agency may not enter into contracts
PAGENO="0099"
89
with any contractor specified by him "until the agency has complied with the
directions contained in the request."
There are no checks or balances to this delegation of authority to the Director
of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance, to be legislator~ judge and jury. Is
there a time limit on approval of affirmative action programs? Where are the
objective standards that a contractor must follow? How is this procedure to be
administered on the local level? What has happened to due process?
The pre-award conference is untenable, the pre-construction scarcely better.
There must be an alternative to the unreasonable delay caused by the subjective
criteria imposed on contractors under the proposed pre-award procedure. A work-
able alternative would be to specify objective standards for a contractor to be-
come an equal opportunity employer so that a class of contractors would be
pre-quaZifted for bidding on federally assisted construction projects. Pre-quali-
fication for highway contractors exists in Ohio with respect to financial solvency,
responsibility and competency. See Sections 5525.02.09, Ohio Revised Code, and
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. There is no reason why criteria
could not be established-after public hearings-to pre-qualify contractors with
respect to their civil rights obligations. Pre-qualification would remove the un-
certainty in bidding and avoid costly delays.
Racial discrimination cannot and will not be tolerated on public work projects
in Ohio in which the Ohio Contractors Association is involved. Repeated efforts
are being made to induce minority applicants to enter the construction industry.
These efforts will be continued.
The ultimate success of the President's program on civil rights rests upon the
good will and cooperation of those directly involved. The unbridled and un-
checked powers given to the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compli-
ance in the proposed regulations authorize and permit an agency of the Federal
Government to usurp legislative and judicial functions, create an agency un-
controlled by law, and permit the ends desired b~ the Office of Federal Contract
Compliance to be accomplished by whatever means it desires.
The willingness to cooperate and assist in the struggle for civil rights will be
set back considerably by raising the proposed regulations to the force of law.
We urge that they be withdrawn and public hearings be held to investigate a
pre-qualification procedure and the entire problem of civil rights in the construc-
tion industry so that justice to all may be achieved.
Sincerely,
KARL L. ROTHERMUND, Jr.,
E~vecutive Director.
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, if I may, in conclusion, the American
Road Builders Association is in complete sympathy with the philos-
ophy and objectives of equal employment. There is little discrimina-
tion today in our industry. We have pledged our support to this pro-
gram, and we intend to make it good.
The only thing we are asking of the Department of Labor, No. 1,
to give us a hearing, which has been denied up to the present time;
and No. 2, to please give consideration of the practical problems in
the administration's program, and to give industry and the State high-
way departments an opportunity to implement to the best of our
ability the desired objective.
Thank you, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Very happy to hear that.
Mr. Miller, have you spoken with the Secretary of Labor in regard
to these hearings?
Mr. MILLER. The American Road Builders Association filed a formal
petition for a hearing on this subject to the Secretary of Labor, and
the hearing was denied. I do not understand, actually, the legal tech-
nicalities of denial, but presumably the hearing was denied because
these procedures are being carried out under an Executive order, as
distinguished from an act of Congress or a law.
And we therefore, Mr. Chairman, appeal to this distinguished body,
at the earliest possible date, to please grant us an opportunity with
PAGENO="0100"
90
more experience behind us to present this very discouraging problem
in full.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Did you get an answer from the Secretary of
Labor in regard to the hearings you requested?
Mr. MILLER. The answer was in the negative.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. In the negative?
Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir.
Mr. KI~ucz~sKI. Well, I am sure our staff will check into that and
keep you informed.
Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you mean that the Department of Labor would not
grant you hearings on this subject; is that what 1 understood?
Mr. MILLER. Yes. We were in possession of a proposed draft of the
regulations.
Mr. CRAMER. They refused to grant you hearings before the regula-
tions were issued?
Mr. MILLER. That is correct.
Now, the regulation was scheduled to be put into effect February 1
by the Department of Labor through the Chief of the Office of Federal
Contract Compliance, Mr. Sylvester. We recently met with him during
our Las Vegas convention-and Mr. Sylvester did say that he would
delay formal issuance of this order until he had an opportunity to
receive written recommendations from industry. But still, not an
opportunity to discuss before-
Mr. CRAMER. Sit down and discuss with industry, to discuss with
your Government about this proposed FEPC regulation, how it might
affect you?
Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. You were denied that right?
Mr. Mu~r,r~n. Well, yes, but they have invited comments.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, it appears to me, Mr. Chairman, that if there
are going to be hearings on this matter, and from what I understand
of the situation, it is rather serious, and I will ask your opinion, Mr.
Miller or Mr. Holmes, as I understand it, what they have in their
regulations provided is that you have to have negotiations relating to
FEPC before the contract signing; is that correct?
Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir, Mr. Cramer. This is what is referred to as the
pre-award.
Mr. CRA~rr~r~. Pre-award negotiations.
Mr. M1u~i~. Yes, sir. The procedure. very briefly, is: the State ad-
vertises; the contractor, in good faith, bids upon the specifications as
presented. He is announced as apparent low bidder.
Mr. CRA!srrit. Lowest responsible bidder.
Mr. MILLER. By the State highway department.
Mr. CRAMER. Right.
Mr. MILLER. Then after that, and after his bid is in, then they have
this pre-award conference, at which time conditions not in the contract
involving thousands of dollars, to my best information, have been im-
posed upon the contractor after he has bid.
One of the things we are asking for, sir, at a minimum, is definite
information of what the requirements are going to be, so we can in-
telligently bid upon those requirements.
Mr. CRAMER. If you do not have specifications that are certain, there
is no way you can submit a reasonable and fair bid, is there?
PAGENO="0101"
91
Mr. MILLER. We cannot possibly do so.
Mr. CRAMER. There is an uncertain condition after the bid.
Mr. MILLER. Experience to date, most uncertain, yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I would suggest, Mr. Chairman, that although I under-
stand the other body is going to take this matter up, that if it is not
taken up adequately, that consideration be given to taking this matter
up before this subcommittee.
I would like to also welcome before the committee, rather belatedly,
Mr. Türnbull, director of Florida Road Building Association, and I
appreciate his advising us of the effect of this cutback, as it relates
to the State of Florida.
- And we put some evidence in the record yesterday which indicates
that the cutback was rather severely affecting the road building in-
dustry in the State of Florida. That is the effect of your testimony, is
is not?
Mr. TURNBULL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I also understand that there is some question as to what
should happen relating to the Interstate Sy,stem after 1972.
Before I get into that, I will say, Mr. Turnbull, as you know, I have
very strongly opposed the cutback as not being anti-inflationary, but
inflationary feeding, as it relates to the industry, but relating to the
Interstate System.
Now, Mr. Turnbull, I would like to ask you, because you are familiar
with it, do you know of the necessity of providing adequate facilities
between Tampa, St. Pete and Miami?
Mr. TURNBULIJ. Right. That area is one-quarter of the State of
Florida, including Sarasota, Fort Myers-
Mr. `CRAMER. Southeast coast; right?
Mr. TtTRNBULL. That is not serviced by an Interstate System.
Mr. CRAMER. If my memory serves me right, and I can be wrong,
you were involved with the State roads department at the time that
the 1950 act was under consideration and State recommendations were
submitted, were you not?
Mr. TURNBULL. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. And Tampa, St. Pete, to Miami, what I termed was the
missing link, was included in the interstate mileage at that time, was
it not?
Mr. TURNBULL. It was, yes.
Mr. CRAMER. It was turned down, as I understand it, at that time,
because of lack of adequate traffic to justify it?
Mr. TURNBULL. The traffic volume did not warrant it at that time.
Mr. CRAMER. As you indicate, two of the major metropolitan areas in
the United States, let alone in the State of Florida, are the middle west
coast, Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater and Miami, that have no inter-
state connecting link; is that not correct?
Mr. TURNBIJLL. That is correct. One of the primary highways of
Florida in the early days was the Tamiami Trail, which paralleled the
proposed Interstate System.
Mr. CRAMER. What is interesting to me and has concerned me as an
example, there may be similar problems throughout the country, since
t.his system was inaugurated in 1956, there obviously have been sub-
stantial developments in a number of areas, so it appears to me there
obviously is a need for some additional interstate mileage, citing
Tampa, St. Pete to Miami as an example. Do you agree with that?
PAGENO="0102"
92
Mr. TURNBULL. From the standpoint of Florida, I do, 100 percent;
yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. What has been disturbing to me is that AASHO and
some other people have suggested that we should just abandon any
further extension of the Interstate System, or filling of missing links,
or providing of closing of gaps that have come into being since 1956,
which does not make much sense to me. Does it to you?
Mr. TuI~Btrr~I~. No, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I would like to ask Mr. Miller, does the American
Road Builders take the position that there should be no more mileage
on the Interstate System after, whatever the completion date is?
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Cramer, the studies made by the engineers of my
organization indicate beyond any shadow of a doubt the need for
substantial additional mileage of interstate design.
Mr. Cm~IEi~. Whether you call it interstate or call it something else,
whatever the matching formula is?
Mr. MILLri~. That is correct.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Will you suspend just for a moment?
The Chair would like to recognize at this time the gentleman from
New York, Mr. McEwen.
Mr. MOEWEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I call to the attention of you and the members of the committee the
Methodist Youth Group from Clayton, N.Y., my district, who have
just come into the hearing room to listen to the testimony on questions
of this matter.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Will you please rise?
These are the future leaders of America. [Applause.]
Welcome to the Subcommittee on Roads.
Mr. MCEWEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ci~MER. I am glad to yield for that purpose.
Mr. MOEWEN. I thank the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. CRAMER. You were relating to the American Road Builders'
recommendations concerning additional mileage on the Interstate
System.
Mr. Miir1i~. Yes.
I do not have at this time a precise figure. But it is quite evident,
Congressman Cramer, that there is a pressing need for additional
mileage of the interstate design.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, frankly, the problem I have, and it is a very sub-
stantial problem, and it is one I think this committee should be
familiar with, is that there is obviously a need for a highway built at
the interstate standard between Tampa-St. Pete to Miami, and I cite
that as an example, there are probably other examples throughout
*the country.
There are some people who are saying, well, let us not have any
more interstate mileage. There are other people who are saying, in
Florida, well, let us build it as a toll road. There are other people who
are saying, we will never get it as part of the Interstate System.
And I just wanted your concurrence, if you see fit to give it, that in
light of that situation, which could be duplicated in many places
throughout the country, in other words, Florida has to make a deci-
sion this year, are they going to build a toll road from Tampa-St.
Pete to Miami, or are they going to hopefully get an interstate route,
maybe build it now and be reimbursed later.
PAGENO="0103"
93
So under those circumstances and other situations throughout the
country, do you not think this is the year that Congress ought to
make a decision as to what is going to happen concerning additional
mileage on the Interstate System, so the States can plan ahead?
Mr. MILLER. That would very definitely be our conclusion. As the
distinguished Chairman Kluczynski has mentioned, this is the year
of decision.
We feel that should be determined, as well as other important mat-
ters embodying the future of the highway program.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Turnbull, you are familiar intimately with the
State of Florida and its problems. Do you not concur with my judg-
ment relating to the Tampa-St. Pete to Miami missing link on the
Interstate System?
Mr. TURNBULL. I concur 100 percent. The people in that area have
fussed ever since-have commented ever since the beginning of the
interstate program, that they are paying a tax and cannot get to the
Interstate System.
Fort Myers is a large city, and it is 140 miles to the closest Inter-
state System from Fort Myers.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you concur that whatever is going to be done
after 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, whatever it is, that this is the year
that Congress ought to make the decision so that States will know?
Mr. TURNBULL. Right.
Mr. CRAMER. As to what additional interstate mileage there ~ought
tobe?
Mr. TURNBULL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you concur with that, Mr. President?
Mr. HOLMES. Yes, sir; very much.
Mr. KLtrozrNsIu. Any further questions or comments?
Mr. McEwen.
Mr. MCEWEN. I am pleased to hear you gentlemen agree on this
need for the segments that are not now in our Interstate System. I
do not know of any public works program, as I have observed, that
has had more beneficial effects. I believe Chairman Fallon made the
statement not long ago of 4-to-i benefit-to-cost ratio in direct benefits.
And we in this committee in other areas authorize projects where
certainly we do not see a 4-to-i benefit-to-cost ratio. I know my own
State of New York, and in my own congressional district, I have
seen the direct benefits, such as the location of new or expanded
businesses and industries in relation to this Interstate System.
I think, too, the concern we have over the proliferation of toll roads
we are facing now, and I am sure you gentlemen will agree, that it is
not going to be a deterrent to toll roads if it became known that there is
not going to be 90-10 interstate in the future. If the cost sharing in
interstate highways would be on the basis, the same as A B C, but I
think we will see more toll road construction, not less.
I am pleased that you gentlemen concur with the observation of the
gentleman from Florida on these roads.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Any further comments?
Mr. Miller.
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, if I may, in conclusion, sir, add just two
items:
One, the American Road Builders' Association would like to go on
record fully supporting the recommendations of the American Asso-
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94
ciation of State Highway Officials presented at this committee this
morning regarding the drafting of appropriate legislation to guaran-
tee the integrity of the highway trust fimd.
We strongly support that.
We have no specific language to offer; but we believe, in the wisdom
of this great committee, it can and should be done.
Second, in response to the question asked by Chairman Fallon, my
engineering staff has made a little research that might help you, Mr.
Fallon, and we tried to give here an overall picture of just what this
cutback means.
And, as you witnessed from the testimony presented here, it varies
from nothing to extreme hardship.
I would like the record to show that that is so.
Mr. Chairman, for the calendar year 1968, under the cutback pro-
gram as we now stand, this is the reduction of obligations of $600 mil-
lion, it is estimated that the total work available in 1968 will be $8.9
billion.
So we still have a substantial program nationwide, in spite of this
cutback.
Now, that total is arrived at in this manner: There is $4.1 billion of
work carried over from contracts awarded prior to the cutback and
freeze; that plus the freeze level will give us a total program in 1968
of $8.9 billion.
Now, without the cut, and assuming that those States with unobli-
gated balances could place these amounts under contract in 1968, there
is a potential maximum of $10.6 billion as compared to $8.9 billion.
Now, that is a maximum potential, and analysis of it would indicate
that all States could not put their money under contract, which my
engineers estimate would probably give us a level, were it not for the
cutback during the calendar year of 1968 of construction activity on
the Federal-aid system of $9.7 billion; or, in other words, overall the
cutback would represent a loss in construction activity and progress of
approximately $1 billion.
Mr. KLuczl-NsKI. Does that complete your statement, Mr. Miller?
Mr. MILLER. May I ifie this for the record, please, Mr. Chairman?
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Without objection. soordered.
(Table referred to follows:)
Calendar year 1~968-Progi~am under the cutback
Billions
Uncompleted work under contract, Jan. 1, 1968 $4. 1
Estimated 1968 obligation limitation (including matching funds) 4. 8
Total work available, 1988 8. 9
Theoretical martimum work possible, calendar year 1968 (ito cutback)
Billions
Uncompleted work under contract, Jan. 1, 1988 $4. 1
Balance available for reimbursable obligations, Dec. 31, 19671 1.2
Estimated 1968 Federal-aid allocation' 5.3
Total 10. 6
Practical level of construction work which could be performed during
calendar year 1988 9. 7
`Includes matching funds.
NOTE.-Presented as a part of the American Road Builders' Association testimony before
the Subcommittee on Roads, Committee on Public Works, U.S. House of Representatives,
Feb. 21, 1968.
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95
Mr. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of my colleagues, I want to
express our sincere appreciation to this great committee for giving us
an opportunity to present our views.
Thank you very much, sir.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Mr. Miller, we are happy to have you here, and
your statements will be very helpful and beneficial to this committee
when we sit down in executive session. This will be of great help to us.
I want to tell you that the record will be open for at least 2 more
weeks, if you have any further information to give this committee; we
will be happy to have you put it in the record.
Mr. Fallon.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chairman, I would like to note the presence of an
old highway builder in the room today, Mr. Jack Robinson, who used
to be director of highways in Washington, D.C., when they were build-
ing highways in Washington.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. No further questions or comments?
Gentlemen, we want to thank you. We appreciate your presence
here.
We will adjourn until February 27, at 10 a.m.
(Whereupon, at 12 noon, the subcommittee adjourned, to reconvene
at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 27,1968.)
(The following was furnished for insertion:)
MINNESOTA GOOD ROADS, INC.,
Minneapolis, Minn., February 16, 1968.
[From Minnesota Good Roads, Inc.]
STATEMENT OF THE EFFECT OF THE OFFICIAL FEDERAL HIGHWAY CUTBACK AND
UNOFFICIAL HOLDBACK OF FEDERAL HIGHWAY FUNDS ON THE A.B.C. SYSTEM IN
MINNESOTA
For the second time in two years, the State of Minnesota has been forced to
cancel the publication of its annual 5-year construction program. Attempts to
keep our public informed of our highway programs have been completely stymied
by the actual cutbacks, threats of cutbacks and the unofficial holding back of
Federal highway user fees we have been dependent upon.
The official cutback of approximately $8 million is bad, but, during the past
two years quarterly allotments of funds to Minnesota have fallen nearly six
months behind. Our Highway Department has been carrying this deficit forward
with the hope that the Federal Government might eventually catch up. The $600
million cutback has caused our Department to fear the worst. They have been
forced to remove more than $35 million of construction from the scheduled pro-
grams for 1968.
As to the effect on the A.B.C. system, eight very significant projects have had
to be delayed on highways, some of which were built in the late 20's and early
30's, because money has not been available to reconstruct and bring them up to
a modern standard that will reduce the unnecessary slaughter because of the
unsafe conditions on some of these roads. Many towns in our State cannot be
entered by a fully loaded truck or a modern school bus; because of the lack of
funds they cannot be brought up to the 9-ton all-weather road.
By the manipulation of these dedicated highway funds, attempts to publish
construction schedules and completion estimates, to maintain a balanced program
of highway construction and meet the needs of the traveling public have become
meaningless.
Minnesota Good Roads, Inc. is an organization which represents facets of the
economy, including both labor and industry, and we are deeply concerned that
highways we have paid for-through the collection of highway user fees on a
national level-will not be built on time-or at all.
ROBERT M. JOHNSON,
Eccecutive Director.
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96
STATEMENT OF NATIONAL JOINT HEAVY AND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS ON THE ABC HIGHWAY
SYSTEM
Gentlemen, the National Joint Heavy and Highway Construction Committee
is vitally interested in those matters which affect the members of these six
International Unions on highway construction throughout the United States.
These six International Unions are the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America, the International UniOn of Operating Engineers, the
Laborers' International Union of North America, the Operative Plasterers and
Cement Masons International Association of the United States and Canada, the
Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union of America and the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers
of America, who have a total membership of 3.8 million of which hundreds of
thousands are employed and dependent on highway construction for their liveli-
hood. We are pleased with this opportunity to express their views of this nation's
primary and secondary highway systems and their urban extensions known as
the ABC System.
THE IMPORT OF THE ABC PROGRAM
Since 1916, the Federal Government has had a Highway Program; the main
thrust has been towards a highway of an interstate nature. With the passage
of the 1956 Highway Act, this country embarked on the largest public works
project known to man, the National System of Interstate Defense Roads. How-
ever, recognizing that at the completion of the Interstate System, these roads
will carry only 25% of the nation's traffic.
Congress, for the past decade, has progressively increased the annual author-
ized level of Federal Aid Highway Funds to this primary and secondary urban
road system. For the years 1966 to 1969, $1 billion annually will be available to
the ABC Program.
We are pleased with the concern of Congress for the ABC System and es-
pecially for the most recent attention paid to the arban roads. These roads are
necessary to any intergrated system of inter and intrastate highways. We also
concur with the recommendations of Secretary of Transportation, Alan S. Boyd,
that more attention should be paid by all interested parties in developing an
urban road system that is compatible with the social and economic needs of
four urban areas. By 1990, more than 200 million people will be living in this
country's urban areas; this is more than the total population of this fifty states.
THE ABC SYSTEM'S IMPACI' ON EMPLOYMENT
Recognizing our responsibilities as representatives of organized labor, we would
like to emphasize the importance of the ABC System as it is related to
employment.
There will be, through the partnership of the Federal and 50 States' Govern-
ments, in funding for the years 1966 through 1969, a total of $2 billion annually
for the ABC System. Using the 1966 report of the Department of Labor's Bureau
of Labor Statistics on labor requirements for construction of Federal Aid High-
ways, this $2 bfflion wifi generate, annually, employment for 230 thousand people
in manufacturing, transportation, trade, mining and other related industries.
Of these 230 thousand potential jobs, over 40% will be available to construction
workers.
Considering the recommendations of Secretary Boyd, of the nation's needs for
greater attention towards the citizens of our urban areas, let us consider the
needs for greater employment opportunities in the urban areas.
In 1967, one-third of all unemployed workers lived in this nation's fifteen larger
cities. The unemployment rate in our cities is generally greater than the national
average especially among minority groups in unskilled workers. Increased high-
way construction in the metropolitan areas in this country will provide employ-
ment opportunities for this segment of our population, now one of the main
concerns of this country's "War on Poverty." The highway construction industry
can train these people and upgrade them iii the mainstream of this country's
economy.
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97
DAVIS-BACON COVEBAGE FOR THE ABC SYSTEM
During the Eisenhower Administration, Congress wisely included a provision
in Section 115, Title 1 of the 1956 Highway Act requiring the Secretary of Labor
to determine the prevailing wage rates on similar construction in the locality
of proposed interstate projects. This provided highway construction wi5rkers
with the protection of the Davis-Bacon Act and lent to the industries in general,
the stability afforded by predetermined prevailing wages.
Prior to the late 1940's, only construction contracts that were let by the so-
called "procurement agencies" (Corps of Engineers, G.S.A., Bureau of Reclama-
tion and the U.S. Air Force) came under the purview of the Davis-Bacon Act.
This afforded workers with the necessary protection that large expenditures of
their taxes, on Federal construction projects, would not serve to destroy wage
rates which were established and prevailing in their areas.
The Administrations of Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson
have all endorsed the principle of federal and local participation in the financing
of construction projects that are held to be necessary to the needs of this country.
With the innovation of Federal assistance programs whereby the Federal Gov-
ernment, through its various agencies, together with state municipalities or
other local governmental authorities, share the cost of construction projects
under the "National Housing Act of 1949," the "Federal Airport Act," the "Col-
lege Housing Act of 1950," the "Area Redevelopment Act," and the "Education
Assistance Act of 1963."
If there is any single, common denominator among these programs, it is that
the Secretary of Labor sets forth the prevailing wage rates for all construction
workers employed on these projects. This is true whether the Federal Govern-
ment is paying 90% of the project, as in the Interstate Highway Program, or in
the cases of some projects of the Federal Housing Administration, where no
federal funds are expended but the Federal Government acts as the guarantor
of the loan.
We feel that an annual federal disbursement of $1 billion for this ABC has
such an impact on the highway industry that the workers on these projects are
entitled to the protection of the Davis-Bacon Act. Certainly it was the intent of
Congress with the passage of the Davis-Bacon Act to protect workers on all
construction projects in which the Federal Government is involved whether it
be by direct contract or those federal assistance programs with a predetermined
prevailing wage rate. Therefore, we feel Congress should, at this time, act to
place the workers employed on these ABC Highways under the protection of
the Davis-Bacon Act.
SAFETY AND THE ABC SYSTEM
As representatives of organized labor, we feel we have a social responsibility,
both to our members and to the general citizenry, to insist that any highway
program must attempt to halt the alarming fatality rate on our nation's high-
ways. Every single day over 10,000 Americans are injured on our highways and
every week more than 1,000 are killed; the monthly economic loss is well over
$800 million.
Congress is again to be commended for their most recent attempts in passing
the Federal Highway Safety Act to reduce this shocking waste of human lives.
We know that your Committee will continue to consciously search for answers
to our nation's most disgraceful malady.
Again, we are appreciative of the opportunity to address your important Com-
mittee and trust that you will give our views and suggestions careful consider-
ation.
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FEDERAL AID HIGHWAY ACT-1968
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1968
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Su~oo~n~nmE ON ROADS
OF THE COMMITPEE ON Pu~o~ro WORKS,
Washington, D.C.
The committee met at 10:08 a.m., in room 2167, Rayburn Build-
ing, the Honorable John C. Klucz~ynski, chairman `of the subcommittee
presidling.
Mr. KLtJOZYNSKI. The Subcommittee on Roads will please come to
order.
Earlier this year we heard testimony regarding the requirements
of the ABC System. This morning we continue with authorization
of the cost estimate for the Interstate System and with a wide variety
of subjects closely related to the current and future highway policy.
There are some new program proposals in the adminstration's pro-
posed legislation. There are pending before the committee in fact,
not in legislation, such significant questions as relocation policy, ex-
tension of the Interstate System, policy on cutbacks of funds to the
States, and so on.
Today we are going to hear from the Department of Transporta-
tion and the Forest Service. Next week and the following week we
will hear from the Members of Congress, the States, and other inter-
ested witnesses.
With the exception of the legislation dealing with sizes and weights
of trucks, which is scheduled for May 29, the witnesses may cover
any and all of these subjects in one appearance before the committee.
Because many of these subjects have significant bearing on future
highway policy, it seems quite likely that the committee will wish
to ask the Department of Transportation witnesses to return at the
conclusion of these hearings so that the committee may have the bene-
fit of some departmental analysis of what we hear from the other
vitally interested groups.
(99)
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100
9&rii CONGRESS
1 6994
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mkr 2, 1968
Mr. FALr~ox (for himself and Mr. KLtTCZYNsKI) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Public Works
A BILL
To authorize appropriations for the fiscal years 1970 and 1971
for the construction of certain highways in accordance with
title 23 of the United States Code, and for other purposes.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tires of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 SHORT TITLE
4 SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the "Federal-
5 Aid Highway Act of 1968."
6 REVISION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
.7 FOR INTERSTATE SYSTEM
8 SEC. 2. Subsection (14 of section 108 of the Federal-
9 Aid Highway Act of 1956, as amended, is amended to
10 read as follows:
I
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2
1 "(b) AUTII0IuzATI0N oi~ APP1?oPi?IATI0Ns.- For the
2 purpose of expediting the construction, reconstruction, or im-
3 provement, inclusive of necessary bridges and tunnels, of the
4 Interstate System, including extensions thereof through
5 urban areas, designated in accordance with the provisions of
6 subsection (d) of section 103 of title 23, United States Code,
7 there is hereby authorized to be appropriated the additional
8 sum of $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
9 1957, which sum shall be in addition to the authorization
10 heretofore made for that year, the additional sum of $1,700,-
11 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1958, the addi-
12 tional sum of $2,200,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
13 30, 1959, the additional sum of $2,500,000,000 for the fiscal
14 year ending June 30, 1960, the additional sum of $1,800,-
15 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1961, the addi-
16 tional sum of $2,700,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
17 30, 1962, the additional sum of $2,400,000,000 for the fiscal
18 year endh~g June 30, 1963, the additional sum of $2,600,-
19 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1964, the addi-
20 tional sum of 2,700,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
21 ~ 1965, the additional sum of $2,800,000,000 for the fiscal
22 year ending June 30, 1966, the additional sum of $3,000,-
23 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1967, the addi-
24 tional sum of $3,400,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
25 30, 1968, the additional sum of $3,800,000,000 for the fiscal
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3
1 year ending June 30, 1969, the additional sum of $4,000,-
2 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, the addi-
3 tional sum of $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
4 30, 1971, the additional snm'of $4;000,000,000 for the fiscal
5 year ending June 30, 1972, the additional sum of $4,000,-
6 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and the
7 additional sum of $2,225,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
8 June 30, 1974. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed
9 to authorize the appropriation of any sums to carry out see-
10 tions 131, 136, or 319 (b) of title 23, United States Code,
or any provision of law relating to highway safety enacted
12 after May 1, 1966."
13 AUTIIORIZATION OF USE OF COST ESTIMATE FOR
14 APPORTIONMENT OF INTERSTATE FUNDS
15 SEC. 3. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized
16 to make ~the apportionment for the fiscal years ending
17 June 30 1970, and 1971, of the sums authorized to be
18 appropriated for such years for expenditures on the National
19 System of Interstate and Defense Highways, using the
20 apportionment factors contained in table 5 of House Docu-
21 ment Numbered 199, Ninetieth Coi~gress.
22 EXTENSION OF TIME FOR COMPLETION OF SYSTEM
23 SEC. 4. (a) The second paragraph of section 101 (b)
24 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking out
25 "sixteen years'" and inserting in lieu thereof "eighteen
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103
4
1 years'" and by striking out "June 30, 1972", and inserting
2 in lieu thereof "June 30, 1974".
3 (b) The introductory phrase and the second and third
4 sentences of section 104 (b) (5) of title 23, United States
5 Code, are amended by striking "1972" where it appears
6 and inserting in lieu thereof "1974", and such section 104
7 (b) (5) is further amended by striking the three sentences
8 preceding the last sentence and inserting the following:
9 "Upon the approval by the Congress, the Secretary shall
10 use the Federal share of such approved estimate in making
11 apportionments for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1970,
12 and June 30, 1971. The Secretary shall make a final revised
13 estimate of the cost of completing the then designated Inter-
14 state System after taking into account all previous appor-
15 tionments made under this section, in the same manner as
16~ stated above, and transmit the same to the Senate and the
17 House of Representatives within ten days subsequent to
18 January 2, 1970. Upon the approval by the Congress, the
19 Secretary shall use the Federal share of such approved
20 estimate in making apportionments for the fiscal years ending
21 June 30, 1972, Julle 30, 1973, and June 30, 1974."
22 AUTHORIZATIONS
23 SEc. 5. For the purpose of carrying out the provisions
24 of title 23, United States Code, the following sums are hereby
25 authorized to be appropriated:
96-&30 O-68------8
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5
1 (1) For the Federal-aid primary system and the
2 Federal-aid secondary system and for their extension
3 within urban areas, out of the highway trust fund,
4 $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
5 1970, and $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
6 June 30, 1971. Nothing in this paragraph shall be con-
7 strued to authorize the appropriation of any sums to
8 carry out sections 131, 136, or 319 (b) of title 23,
9 United States Code, or any provision of law relating to
10 highway safety enacted after May 1, 1966. The sums
11 authorized in this paragraph for eaeh fiscal year shall be
12 available for expenditure as follows:
13 (A) 45 per centum for projects on the Fed-
14 eral-aid primary highway system;
15 (B) 30 per centiim for projects on the Federal-
16 aid secondary highway system; and
17 (0) 25 per centunl for projects on extensions
18 of the Federal-aid primary and Federal-aid second-
19 ary highway systems in urban areas.
20 (2) For traffic operation projects in urban areas as
21 authorized in section 135 of title 23, United States `Code,
22 out of the highway trust fund, the additional sum of
23 $250,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970,
24 the additional sum of $2~0,000,000 for the fiscal year
25 ending June 30, 1971, the additional sum of
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6
1 $250,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972,
2 the additional sum of $250,000,000 for the fiscal year
3 ending June 30, 1973, and the additional sum of
4 $250,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974.
(3) For forest highways, $33,000,000 for the fiscal
6 year ending June 30, 1970, and $33,000,000 for the
7 fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
8 (4) For public lands highways, $16,000,000 for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and $16,000,000
10 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
11 (5) For forest development roads and trails,
12 $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970,
13 and $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
14 1971.
15 (6) For public lands development roads and trails,
16 $3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and
17 $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
18 (7) For park roads and trails, $30,000,000 for the
19 fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
20 (8) For parkways, $11,000,000 for the fiscal year
21 ending June 30, 1971.
22 (9) For Indiaii reservation roads and bridges,
23 $30,000,000 for the fiscal year endiiig June 30, 1970,
24 and $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
25 1971.
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106
7
I AUTHORIZATiON FOR STATE AND COMMUNITY HIGHWAY
2 SAFETY PROGRAMS
3 SEC. 6. For the purpose of Carrying out section 402 of
4 title 23, Tjnited States Code. there is hereby authorized to
5 be appropriated the sum of S50,000,000 for the fiscal year
6 ending June 30. 1970, and 875,000,000 for the fiscal year
7 endirigJune3o, 1971.
8 ATJTITOHTZATJOX I'()R HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND
9 DEVELOPMENT I~ROGRAMS
10 SEC. 7. For the purpose of CarrYing out sections 307 (a)
11 and 403 of title 23. United States Code, there is hereby
12 authorized to he appropriated to remain available until ex-
13 pended. the additional suni of 830,000,000 for the fiscal year
14 ending June 30, 1970, and the additional smn of $40,000,-
~ 000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
16 ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY
17 SEC. 8. (a) That section 108 of title 23, United States
18 Code, is amended to read as follows:
19 " (a) For the purpose of faeilitating lime acquisition of
20 iights-of-way on any of the Federal-aid highway systems,
21 including the Interstate System, in the most expeditious and
22 econonmical manner, and recognizing that time acquisition of
23 rights-of-way requires lengthy planning and negotiations
24 if it is to be done at reasonable cost; to facilitate the orderly
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8
1 relocation of persons, businesses, farms, and other existing
2 users of property; ~o minimize right-of-way costs by fore-
3 stalling development of land ultimately required for highway
4 purposes, and to achieve a rational development of corn-
5 munities, the Secretary, upon the request of the State high-
6 way department, is authorized to make available the funds
7 apportioned to any State for expenditure on any of the
8 Federal-aid highway systems, including the Interstate Sys-
9 tern, for acquisition of rights-of-way in anticipation of con-
10 struction and under such rules and regulations as the Secre-
11 tary may prescribe.
12 "(b) In addition to funds available under subsection
13 (a.) of this section, the Secretary is authorized to allocate
.14 to each State, subject to the provisions of section 124 (b) of
15 this title, an additional amount equivalent to 2 per centum
16 of the aggregate sums apportioned to it under sectioii 104 of
17 this title for any fiscal year. Within six months subsequent
18 to the allocation to a State of funds under this subsection
19 the State shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secre-
20 tary that it will obligate such funds for the purposes of this
21 subsection. Any funds made available under this subsection
22 with respect to which a State has not made the demonstra-
23 tion required by the preceding sentence shall automatically
24 revert to the Secretary who may, in his discretion, make such
25 reverted funds available for the purposes of this subsection
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9
1 and on the basis of need to any other State requesting such
2 funds and making the requisite demonstration.
3 "(c) Before any funds may be made available to a
4 State pursuant to this section, the State highway depart-
5 ment shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary which
6 shall provide (1) for the reimbursement of the costs of such
7 rights-of-way, and (2) for the actual construction of a road
8 on such rights-of-way, both within a period not exceeding
9 seven years following the fiscal year in which such request
10 is made or by the terminal date of the highway trust fund,
11 whichever occurs first.
12 "(d) Federal participation in the cost of right-of-way
13 acquired under subsection (a) of this `section shall not exceed
14 the Fedcra.I ~ rain share applicable to the class of funds
15 from which Federal reimbursement is made except for ad-
16 vance l)aymeflts that are to be repaid under the provisions
17 of section 124 (c) of this title."
18 (14 That section 124 of title 23, United States Code,
19 is amended by relettering the first paragraph as subsection
20 "(a) ", substituting the word "subsection" for the world
21 "section" in the third sentence of such subsection "(a)" and
22 adding at the end thereof the following new subsections:
23 "(1)) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of
24 section 108 (ii) of this title relating to the allocation of
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10
1 additional amounts to the States for the advance acquisition
2 of rights-of-way, there is hereby authorized to be appropri-
3 ated from the highway trust fund such moneys, iiot to exceed
4 $100,000,000, as may be necessary for the initial eStal)liSh-
5 ment of a fund and for its replenishment on an annual basis,
6 which may be used by the Secretary, upon the request of
7 any State, for payment of the total cost of rights-of-way
8 acquired in advance of construction, including any net ex-
9 penses of property management, on any of the Federal-aid
10 systems. Pending such appropriation, the Secretary may ad-
11 vance from any cash heretofore 01' hereafter appropriated
12 from the highway trust fund to Federal-aid highways (trust
13 fund) for liquidation of contract authority, such sums as
14 may be necessary for payments to the States for the rights-
~-`~ of-way acquired in advance of construction, that appropria-
16 tion to be reimbursed from the appropriations herein author-
17 ized when made.
18 "(c) Before any funds are made available to a State
19 under subsection (b) of this section, the respective State
20 highway department shall enter into an agreement with
21 the Secretary which shall provide for repayment by the
22 State of its pro rata share of funds made available under
23 section 108 of this title. Before actual constniction corn-
24 mences on rights-of-way acquired under section 108 of this
25 title, repayment by the State of its pro rata share of the
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11
1 costs applicable to such project shall be credited to the
2 highway trust fund and the Federal pro rata share of the
3 costs applicable to such project shall be charged to the
4 unobligated balance of regularly apportioned funds available
5 to the State for improvement of the Federal-aid system
6 for which the right-of-way was purchased.
7 "(d) The provisions of subsections (d), (f), and (g)
8 of section 209 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 (70
9 Stat. 374) shall be applicable to section 108 (b) of this
10 title and to subsection (b) of this section."
11 DEFINITIONS OF FOREST ROAD OR TRAIL AND FOREST
12 DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILS
13 SEc. 9. The fourth and fifth paragraphs in section 101
14 (a) of title 23, United States Code, are amended to read
15 as follows:
16 "The term `forest road or trail' means a road or trail
17 wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the na-
18 tional forests and other areas under Forest Service adminis-
19 tration.
20 "The. term `forest development roads and trails' means
21 those forest roads or trails of primary importance for the
22 protection, administration, and utilization of the national
23 forest and other areas under Forest Service administration
24 or, where necessary, for the use and development of the re-
25 sources upon which communities within or adjacent to the
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12
1 national forest and other areas administered by the Forest
2 Service are dependent."
3 FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILS
4 SEC. 10. The first two sentences of subsection (c) of
5 section 205 of title 23, United States Code, are amended to
6 read as follows:
7 "(c) Construction estimated to cost $15,000 or more
8 per mile or $15,000 or more per project for projects with a
9 length of less than one mile, exclusive of bridges and engi-
10 neering, shall be advertised and let to contract. If such esti-
11 mated cost is less than $15,000 per mile or $15,000 per
12 project for projects with a length of less than one mile or
13 if, after proper advertising, no acceptable bid is received or
14 the bids are deemed excessive, the work may be done by
15 the Secretary of Agriculture on his own account."
16 URBAN AREA TRAFFIC OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENT
17 PROGRAMS
18 SEc. 11. Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is
19 hereby amended by adding the following new section 135
20 thereto:
21 "~ 135. Urban area traffic operations improvement pro.
22 grams
23 "(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares it to be
24 in the national interest that each State should have a con-
25 tinuing program within the designated boundaries of urban
PAGENO="0122"
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13
1 areas of the State designed to reduce traffic congestion and
2 accidents and to facilitate the flow of traffic in the urban
3 areas.
4 "(b) To accomplish this objective the sums available
5 for expenditure for the purposes of this section shall be used
6 for projects which include but are not limited to those which
7 directly facilitate and control traffic flow.
8 "(c) The sums available for expenditure for the pur-
9 poses of this section shall be apportioned in accordance with
10 section 104 (b) (3).
11 "(d) The Federal share payable on account of any
12 project authorized by this section shall be that provided for
13 in section 120 (a) of this title. Sums available for expenditure
14 for the purposes of this section shall be used to finance the
15 Federal share payable under this section.
16 "(e) The provisions of chapter 1 of this title relating
17 to the obligation, period of availability, and expenditure of
18 Federal-aid primary highway funds shall apply to the sums
19 available for expenditure for purposes of this section."
20 SEc. 13. The analysis of chapter 1 of title 23, United
21 States Code, is hereby amended by adding thereto, in the
22 appropriate numerical order, the following:
"135. Urban area traffic operations improvement programs".
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113
90Th CONGRESS
2o SESSTON . R. 1 71 34
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 8, 1968
Mr. FALLON (for himself and Mr. KruczrNs1~I) (by request) introduced lie
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Pul)lic Works
A BILL
To authorize appropriations for the fiscal years 1970 and 1971
for the construction of certa.ii~ highways in accordance with
title 2:3 of the United States Code, and for other purposes.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 SHORT TITLE
4 SECTION 1. This Act ma.y be cited as the "Federal-Aid
5 Highway Act of 1968".
6 REVISION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPJIOPRTATTONS FOR
7 INTERSTATE SYSTEM
8 SEC. 2. Subsection (b) of section 108 of the Federal-Aid
9 Highway Act of 1956, as amended, is amended to read as
10 follows:
I
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2
1 "(b) AUTHoRIzATIoN OF APPROPRTATIOXS.-For the
2 purpose of expediting the construction, reconstruction, or
3 improvement, inclusive of necessary bridges and tuxinels, of
4 the Interstate System, including extensions thereof through
5 urban areas, designated in accordance with the provisions of
6 subsection (d) of section 103 of title 23, united States Code,
7 there is hereby authorized to be appropriated the additional
8 sum of $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
~ 1957, which sum shall be in addition to the authorization
10 *heretofore made for that year, the additional sum of $1,700,-
11 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1958, the addi-
12 tional sum of 82,200,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
13 June 30, 1959, the additional sum of 82,500,000,000 for the
14 fiscal year ending June 30, 1960, the additional sum of
15 $1,800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1961,
16 the additional sum of $2,200,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
17 ing June 30, 1962, the additional slim of .92,400,000,000
18 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1963, the additional sum
19 of $2,600,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1964,
20 the additional sum of $2,700,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
21 ing June 30, 1965, the additional sum of $2,800,000,000
22 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1966, the additional sum
23 of $3,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1967,
24 tile additional sum of 83,400.000,000 for the fiscal year end-
25 ing June 30, 1968, the additional sum of $3,800,000,000
PAGENO="0125"
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3
1 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1969, the additional sum
2 of $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970,
3 the additional sum of $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
4 ing June 30, 1971, the additional sum of .$4,000,000,000
5 for the fiscal year endiug June 30, 1972, the additional sum
6 of $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973,
7 and the additional sum of $2,225,000,000. for the fiscal year
8 ending June 30, 1974. Nothing in this subsection shall be
9 construed to authorize the appropriation of any sums to carry
10 out sections 131, 136, or 319 (b) of title 23, Tjnited States
11 Code, or any provision of law relating to highway safety
12 enacted after May 1, 1966."
13 AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF COST ESTIMATE FOR APPOR-
14 TIONMENT OF INTERSTATE FUNDS
15 SEC. 3. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized
16 to make the apportionment for the fiscal years ending June
17 30, 1970, and 1971, of the sums authorized to be appro-
18 priated for such years for expenditures on the National
19 System of Interstate arid Defense Highways, using the
20 apportionment factors contained in table 5 of House Docu-
21 ment Numbered 199, Ninetieth Congress.
22 EXTENSTON OF TIME FOR COMPLETION OF SYSTEM
23 SEC. 4. (a) The second paragraph of section 101 (b)
24 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking out
-f" "sixteen years' " and inserting in lieu thereof "eighteen
PAGENO="0126"
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4
1 years" and by striking out "June 30, 1972", and inserting
2 in lieu thereof "June 30, 1974".
3 (b) The introductory phrase and the second and third
4 sentences of section 104 (b) (5) of title 23, United States
5 Code, are amended by striking "1972" where it appears and
6 inserting in lieu thereof "1974", and such section 104 (b) (5)
7 is further amended by striking the three sentences preceding
8 the last sentence and inserting the following: "Upon the
9 approval by the Congress, the Secretary shall use the Federal
10 share of such approved estimate in making apportionments
11 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1970, and June 30, 1971.
12 The Secretary shall make a final revised estimate of the cost
13 of completing the then designated Interstate System after
14 taking into account all previous apportionments made under
15 this section, in the same manner as stated above, and transmit
16 the same to the Sena.te and the House of IRepresentatives
17 within ten days subsequent to January 2', 1970. Upon the
18 approval by the Congress, the Secretary shall use the Federal
19 share of such approved estimate in making apportionments
20 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1972, June 30, 1973,
21 and June 30, 1974."
22 AUTHORIzATIONS
23 Sue. 5. For the purpose of carrying out the provisions
24 of title 23, United States Code, the following sums are here-
25 by authorized to be appropriated:
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5
1 (1) For the Federal-aid priimuy systeiri and the
2 Federal-aid secondary systeni and for their extension
3 within urban areas, out of the highway Trust Fund,
4 $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
5 1970, and $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
6 June 30, 1971. Nothmg in this paragraph shall l)e con-
7 strued to authorize the appropriation of ~my sums to
8 carry out sections 131, 136, or 319 (h) of title 23,
9 United States Code, or any provision of law relating to
10 highway safety enacted after May 1, 1966. The sums
11 authorized in this paragraph for each fiscal year shall
12 be available for expenditure as follows:
13 (X) 45 pm centuin for projects on the Federal-
14 aid primary highway systelim;
15 (B) 30 peicentum for projects on the Federal-
16 mui(l seeoiidiiry highway sysleni; aiid
17 (C) 25 per cciituiii for ~rojects oii extensions
18 of the Federal-aid primary and Federal-aid secon-
19 dary highway systems in urban areas.
20 (2) For traffic operation projects in urban areas
21 as authorized in section 135 of title 23, United States
22 Code, on extensions of the Federal-aid primary and
23 secondary highway systems in urban areas, the additional
24 sum of $250,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
25 1970, the additional sum of $250,000,000 for the fiscal
PAGENO="0128"
118
6
1 year ending June 30, 1971, the additional sum of $250,-
2 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972, the
3 additional sum of $250,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
4 ing June 30, 1973, and the additional sum of $250,000,-
000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974.
6 (3) For forest highways, out of the Highway Trust
7 Fund, $33,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
S 1970, and $33,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1971.
10 (4) For public lands highways, out of the High-
11 way Trust Fund, $16,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
12 ing June 30, 1970, and $16,000,000 for the fiscal year
13 ending June 30, 1971.
14 (5) For forest development roads and trails, $125,-
15 000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and
16 $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
17 (6) For public lands development roads and trails,
18 $3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970,
19 and $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
20 197.1.
21 (7) For park roads and trails, $30,000,000 for the
22 fiscal year endIng ,Tune 30, 1 971.
23 (8) For parkways, $11,000,000 for the fiscal year
24 ending June 30, 1971.
25 (9) For Indian reservation roads and bridges, $30,-
PAGENO="0129"
119
7
1 000,000 for the fiscal year cndiiig June 30, 1970, and
2 $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
3. ATJTHORTZATION FOR STATE AND COMMUNITY
4 hIGhWAY SAFETY PROGEAMS
5 Si~c. 6. For the purpose of carrying out sectioii 402 of
6 title 23, United States Code, there is hereby authorized to
7 be appropriated tile sum of $50,000,000 for the fiscal year
8 ending June 30, 1970; and $75,000,000 for the fiscal year
9 ending June 30, 1971.
10 AUTHORIZATION FOR hIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND
11 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
12 SEC. 7. For the purpose of carrying out sections 307 (a)
13 and 403 of title 23, United States Code, there is hereby
14 authorized to he appropriated to remain available until cx-
15 pended, the a;dditioiiai siun of $30,000,000 for the fiscal
16 year ending June 30, 1970, and the additional sum of $40,-
1.7 000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971.
18 AUTHORIZATIONS FOR IT1GIIWTAY BEAUTIFICATION
19 SEC. 8. (a) Section 131 (m) of title 23, United States
20 Code, is amended to read as follows:
21 " (iii) rIlli(~r&~ is authorized to J)e appropriated to carry
22 out the provisions of this section, out of any money in the
2) rIlfl~lsi 1 ~V hOt otherwise ilpproplin tcd, iiot to exceed $2( ),000,-
24 000 for the fiscal veai ending June 30, 1966, not to exceed
25 $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1967, not to
96-030 O-68---9
PAGENO="0130"
120
8
1 exceed $5,000,0()U for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1969,
2 iiot to exceed 85.000.000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
3 1970, and not to exceed 85.000,000 for the fiscal year ending
4 Juiie 30, 1971. The provisions of chapter 1 of this title relat-
5 lug to the obligation, period of availability, and expenditure
6 of Federal-aid priniarv highwav funds shall apply to the
7 funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
8 after Juiie 30, 1967."
(b) Section 136 (in), title 23, United States Code, is
10 amended to read as follows:
11 "(m) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
12 out this section, out of any money in the Treasury not
13 otlier~vise appropriated, not to exceed $20,000,000 for the
14 fiscal year eiiding Jane 30, 1966, hot, to exceed $20,000,000
15 for the fisc~il year eiiding June 30, 1967, not to exceed
16 ~j (L000,00() for the fiscal year eiiding Juiie 30, 1069, itot
17 to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Juiie 30,
18 1970, and not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal year
19 ending June 30, 1971. The provisions of chapter 1 of this
20 title relating to the obligation, period of availability, and
21 expenditure of Federal-aid primary highway funds shall
22 apply to the ñuids authorized to be appropriated to carry
23 out this section after June 30, 1967."
24 (c) Section 319 (b) of title 23, United States Code, is
25 amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting in
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9
1 lieu thereof the foflowing: "There is authorized to be appro-
2 priated to carry out this subsection, out of any money in
3 th.e Treasury not otherwise appropriated, not to exceed
4 $120,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1966, not
5 to exceed $120,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
6 1967, iiot to exceed $70,000,000 for the fisea~ year ending
7 June 30, 1969, not to exceed $70,000,000 for the fiscal year
8 ending June 30, 1970, and not to exceed $70,000,000 for
9 tile fiscal year ending Juiie 30, 1971. The provisions of
10 chapter 1 of this title relating to the obligation, period of
11 availability, and expenditure of Federal-aid primary high-
12 way funds shall apply to the funds authorized to be appro-
13 priated to carry out this subsection after June 30, 1967."
14 (d) Funds authorized to be appropriated by this see-
15 tion to carry out the provisions of sections 131, 136, and
16 319 (b) shall be subject to a deduction for necessary ad-
17 niinistrative expenses which shall not exceed 5 per centum
18 of the aggregate total of amounts authorized for any fiscal
19 year.
20 ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY
21 SEc. 9. (a.) That section 108 of title 23, United States
22 Code, is amended to read as follows:
23 ¶` (a) For the purpose of facilitating the acquisition of
24 rights-of-way on any of the Federal-aid highway systems,
1I.R.. 17134-2
PAGENO="0132"
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10
1 including the Interstate System, in the most expeditious and
2 economical manner, and recognizing that the acquisition of
3 rights-of-way requires lengthy planning and negotiations if
~ it is to be done at reasonable cost; to facilitate the orderly
~ relocation of persons, businesses, farms, and other existing
6 users of property; to minimize right-of-way costs by fore-
7 stalling development of bind ultimately required for highway
8 purposes, and to achieve a rational development of corn-
9 munities, the Secretary, upon the request of the State high-
10 way department, is authorized to make available the funds
11 apportioned to aiiv state for expenditure on any of the
12 Federal-aid highway svsteiiis. im'ludiiig the Interstate Svs-
13 tern. for acquisition 1)1 nglits-of-w~iv ill aiiticipation of eon-
14 struction arni under such rules and regubitiomis as the
15 Secreta iv may i )leS('liJ )e*
16 " (b) Iii addition to funds available under subsection
17 (a) of this section. the Secretary is authorized to allocate
18 to each State, subject to the provisions of section 124 (h) of
19 this title. an additional amount equivalent, to 2 per eentum
20 of the aggregate sums apportioned to it under section 104
21 of this title for any fiscal veal. Within six iiionthis sub-
22 sequent to the allocation to a State of funds under this sub-
23 section the State shall (lenlollstrate to the satisfaction of the
24 Secretary that it will obligate such funds for the purposes of
25 this subsection. Any funds macic available under this sul)sec-
PAGENO="0133"
123
ii
1 tion with respect to which a State has not made the demon-
2 stration required by the preceding sentence shall automati-
.3 callv revert to the Secretary who may, in his discretion, make
4 such reverted fIllI(iS ~lVflihuJ)le for the p1111)05(5 of this sub-
5 section and on the basis of need to any other State requesting
6 such funds and making the requisite demonstration.
7 "(c) Before any funds may be made available to a
8 State pursuant to this section, the State highway department
9 shall enter into au agieeiiieiit with the Secretary which shall
10 provide (1) for the reimbursement of the costs of such
11 rights-of-way, and (2) for the actual construction of a road
12 on such rights-of-way, both within a period not exceeding
13 seven years following the fiscal year in which such request
14 is made or by the terminal date of the Highway Trust Fund,
15 whichever occurs first.
16 "(d) Federal participation in the cost of right-of-way
17 acquired undeu sul)section (a) of this section shall not cx-
18 ceed the Federal pro rata share applicable to the class of
19 funds from which Federal reimbursement is made except for
20 advance payments that are to be repaid under the provisions
21 of section 124 (c) of this title."
(b) That section 124 of title 23, United States Code.
23 is amended by relettering the first paragraph as s11l)SeetiOuE
24 " (a) ", substituting the word "subsection" for the word
PAGENO="0134"
124
12
1 ``section" in the tiurd seIltcll(P Of 511(11 5ll1)S('CtiOfl ~` (a) " and
2 adding at the end thereof the following new subsectioiis:
3 " (b) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions
4 of section 108 (b) of this title relating to the allocation of
5 additional amounts to the States for the advance acquisitioli
6 of rights-of-way, there is hereby authorized to be appropri-
~ ated from the highway trust fund such moneys, not to exceed
8 $100.000.000. as may be necessary for the initial establish-
9 ment of a fund and for its replenishment on an annual basis.
10 which may be used by the Secretary. upon the request of
any State. for payment of the total cost of rigl~ts-of-w;Ly
12 acquired in advance of construction, including any iiet cx-
13 penses of property management, on aiiv of the Federal-aid
14 systems. Pending such appropriatioii. the Secretary may ad-
lo vance from any cash heretofore or hereafter appropriated
16 from the highway trust fund to Federal-aid highways (mist
17 fund) for liqthdation of contract authority, such sums as
iuav be necessary for payments to the States for the rights-of-
19 way acquired in advance of construction. that appropriation
to I ~e rem ii )ursed from the appropna tions herein authorized
01
when made.
22 "(e) Before any funds are made available to a State
23 under suhscctioii (b) of this sectionS the respective State
24 hiighwziy department shall enter into an agreement with
~ the Secretary which shall provitie for repayment by the State
PAGENO="0135"
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13
1 of its 1)10 rata share of fuiids iiiadc available under section
2 108 of this title. Before actual construction commences on
3 rights-of-way acquired under section 108 of this title, repay-
4 ment by the State of its pro rata share of the costs applicable
5 to such project shall be credited to the highway trust fund
6 and the Federal pro rat;t share of the costs applicable to such
7 project shall be charged to the irnobhgated balance of
8 regularly apportioned fimds available to the State for im-
9 provement of the Federal-aid system for which the right-of-
10 wa.y was purchased.
11 "(d) The provisions of subsection (d), (f), and (g) of
12 section 209 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 (70 Stat.
13 374) shall be applicable to section 108 (b) of this title and
14 to subsection (b) of this section."
15 DEFINITIONS OF FOREST ROAI) OR TRAIL AND FOREST
16 DEVELOPMENT ROAI)S AND TRAILS
17 SEC. 10. The fourth and fifth paragraphs in section 101
18 (a) of title 23, United States Code, are amended to read as
19 follows::
20 "The terms `forest road or trail' means a road or trail
21 wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the na-
22 tional forests a.nd other areas under Forest Service Admin-
23 istration.
24 "The term `forest development roads and trails' means
PAGENO="0136"
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14
1 those forest roads or trails of primary importance for the pm-
2 tection, administration, and utilization of the national forest
3 and other areas under Forest Service adrniriistratioii or where
4 necessary, for the use and development of the resources U~O11
5 which communities within or adjacent to the national forest
6 and other areas administered by the Forest Service are de-
7 pendent."
8 FOliEST I)EVELOT?ME~T EOADS ANT) T1~AILS
9 SEC. 11. Subsection (c) of section 405 of title 23,
10 Uiiited States Code, is amended to read as follows:
11 " (c) Construction estimated to cost 815,000 or more
12 per mile or $15,000 or more per project for projects with
a length of less than one mile, exclusive of bridges and engi-
14 iieering, shall be advertised and let to contract. If such esti-
15 mated cost is less than $15,000 per mile or $15,000 ler
16 project for projects with a length of less than one mile or.if,
17 after proper advertising, no acceptable hid is received or the
18 bids are deemed excessive, the work may be done by the
19 Secretary of Agriculture on his own account."
20 URBAN AREA TRAFFIC OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENT
21 PROGRAMS
22 Si~. 12. Chapter 1 of title 2%~ Tlnited States Code, is
hereby aniemided by adding the following iiew section 1 35
24 thereto:
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127
15
1 "~ 135. Urban area traffic operations improvement pro-
2 grams
3 " (a) The Congress hereby finds and declares it to be
4 in the iiatioria.l interest that each State should have a con-
5 tinning program within the designated boundaries of urban
6 areas of the State designed to reduce traffic congestion and
7 accidents and to facilitate the flow of traffic in the urban
8 areas.
9 " (b) To accomplish this objective the sums available for
10 expenditure for the purposes of this section shall be used for
11 projects which include but are not limited to those which
12 directly facilitate and control traffic flow.
13 "(c) The sums available for expenditure for the par-
14 poses of this section shall be apportioned in accordance with
15 section 104(b) (3).
16 "(d) The Federal share payable on account of any
17 project authorized by this section shall be that provided for
18 in section 120 (a) of this title. Sums available for expendi-
19 ture for the purposes of this section shall be used to finance
20 the Federal share payable under this section.
21 " (e) The provisions of chapter 1 of this title relating to
22 the obhgatiori, period of ava lahiIit~, and expenditure of
~ Federal-aid priniarv higli~vay funds shall apply to the SUIIIS
24 available for expenditure for purposes of this section."
PAGENO="0138"
128
16
1 SEc. 13. The analysis of chapter 1 of title 23, United
2 States Code, is hereby amended by adding thereto, in the
3 appropriate numerical order, the following:
"Sec. 135. Urban area traffic operations improvement programs."
4 FRINGE PAI~KIXG FACILITIES
5 Si~c. 14. Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is
6 hereby amended by adding the following new section 139
7 thereto:
8 "FEINGE PAIIKING
9 "S~c. 139. (a) It is hereby declared to be in the
10 national interest, in furtherance of the orderly development
U of balanced transportation systems l)ased on a continuing
12 coniprchensive transportation plaiining piocess, to encourage
13 and assist the States iii time development of publicly owned
14 parkimig facilities outside central business districts to reduce
15 tratlie volume and increase time mobility and safe flow of
16 traffic on higliways and streets within urban areas of more
17 than fifty thousand populatiomi.
18 "(b) The Secretary may approve, as a project under
19 this title, the acquisition of land adjacent to the right-of-
20 way on any Federal-aid highway system outside a central
21 business district., as defined by the Secretary, and the con-
22 struction of publicly owned parking facilities thereon or
23 within such right-of-way, including the use of the air space
24 above and below the established grade line of the right-of-
PAGENO="0139"
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17
1 way, to serve an urban area of more than fifty thousand
2 population. Such parking facility shall be located and designed
3 to permit its use in conjunction with existing or planned
4 mass transportation facilities. In the event fees are charged
5 for the use of any such facility, the rate thereof shall not be
6 in excess of that required for maintenance and operation.
7 "(c) The Federal share payable on account of any
8 project authorized by this section shall be 75 per centum.
9 Sums apportioned in accordance with section 104 of this
10 title shall be used to finance the Federal share payable under
11 this section.
12 "(d) The Secretary shall not approve any project under
13 this section until the following conditions have been satisfied:
14 "(1) The State highway department has provided
15 assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the State,
16 or a political subdivision thereof, or a public parking
17 authority, is authorized and capable of constructing,
18 maintaining, and operating the facility;
19 "(2) The design standards for construction of the
20 facility have been concurred in by the Secretary, which
21 shall be developed in cooperation with the State high-
22 way department; and
23 "(3) The Secretary and the State highway depart-
24 ment or other appropriate public agency have entered
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18
1 into an agreement, governing the financing, maintenance,
2 and operation of the facility.
3 "(e) The term `parking facilities', for purposes of this
4 section, shall include access roads, buildings, structures; equip-
5 ment, improvements, and interests in lands."
6 "(f) The Secretary shall not approve any project under
7 this section unless he determines that it is needed for carry-
8 irig out a. plan, completed or under active preparation, for a
9 unified or officially coordinated urban transportation system
10 as part of the comprehensively planned development of the
11 urban area.."
12 SEc. 15. The analysis of chapter 1 of title 23, United
-L~ States Code, is hereby amended by adding thereto, in the
14 appropriate numerical order, the following:
"Sec. 139. Fringe parking."
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Secretary Boyd, it is a pleasure to have you. Will you and your as-
sociates please take the chair and you may proceed.
STATEMENT OP HON. ALAN S. BOYD, SECRETARY OP TRANSPORTA-
TION; ACCOMPANIED BY HON. LOWELL K. BRIDWELL, FEDERAL
HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA-
TION; FRANCIS C. TURNER, DIRECTOR OF BUREAU OF PUBLIC
ROADS; DR. WILLIAM HADDON, JR., DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HIGH-
WAY SAFETY BUREAU; AN]) DR. ROBERT BRENNER, DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HI(+HWAY SAFETY BUREAU
Secretary BOYD. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the
committee, it is always a pleasure to appear before this committee.
This morning I would like to testify on the Federal-Aid Highway
Act of 1968. I have with me Mr. Lowell K. Bridwell, Federal High-
way Administrator, Mr. Francis C. Turner, Director of the Bureau of
Public Roads, Dr. William Haddon, Jr., Director of the National
Highway Safety Bureau, and Dr. Haddon's Deputy, Dr. Robert Bren-
ner.
We have prepared for the record a detailed analysis of H.R. 17134,
introduced by request, which comprises the administration program;
and by reference, H.R. 16994, introduced by you, Mr. Chairman, and
the chairman of the full committee. I shall confine my remarks to a
summary of the significant proposals and the reasons behind some of
the new proposals.
The ABC program continues unchanged from the 1966 level, with
$1 billion annually requested for fiscal years 1970 and 1971 for the
Federal-aid primary and secondary systems and their urban exten-
sion.
We are asking the Congress to extend the completion date for the
Interstate System from 1972 to 1974 and to add $8.340 billion to the
present interstate authorization. That will give us a final cost figure for
the Interstate System of approximately $50.640 billion.
The administration bill would revise the schedule of authorization
of appropriations to make possible the completion of the 41,000-mile
Interstate Highway System. It would increase the amounts for fiscal
years 1970, 1971, and 1972 to $4 billion annually. It also would add
new authorization of $4 billion for fiscal year 1973 and $2.225 billion
for fiscal 1974.
About 6,000 miles of the Interstate System are in metropolitan areas
and about half of that mileage remains unbuilt, partly because of its
high cost and partly because people who live in the cities have asked
us to take another look at the functions of an urban highway from
their standpoint. This we have done and some of the results are evid-
ent in this proposed legislation.
On a more comprehensive basis than ever before, this omnthus bill
recognizes that population trends have made city problems national
problems, and therefore provides Federal funds for various solutions
to urban highway problems.
So what we are proposing are new programs-programs to improve
the traffic capacity of existing roadways, to provide Federal funds for
fringe parking spaces, to permit States to buy land for highways as
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long as `1 years in advance of need, and to expand the new highway
safety programs and supportive research.
Not part of the administration bill, but basic to it is a necessity for
devising a new formula for compensation of homeowners dislocated
by Federal-aid highway construction.
When we sent the authorization bill to Congress, we stated that the
admmistration would present a position on this important question.
This has been done by both testunony and letter by Philip Hughes,
Deputy Director of the Bureau of the Budget. We fully subscribe to
the principles expressed by Mr. Hughes and urge their incorporation
in the Federal-aid highway legislation.
We believe that the Federal Government should require a uniform
system by which decent, safe, and sanitary housing is provided to those
who must be relocated as a result of federally assisted highway
construction..
Federal aid has previously emphasized the improvement of prin-
cipal urban arterials through construction. Our preliminary experi-
mentation with a program known as topics-traffic operations program
to increase capacity and safety-~convinces us that we can increase the
traffic-carrying capability of existing heavily traveled city streets and
highways by 20 to 25 percent through traffic engineering and oper-
ational improvements. They would include projects that directly facili-
tate and control traffic flow in and through urban areas, such as left-
turn lanes and reserve lanes for buses; special turnout areas where
trucks can load or unload; pedestrian overpasses; traffic channeliza-
tions; and installation or modernization of traffic control and surveil-
lance systems.
We are asking for $250 million a year for this program beginning in
foal year 1970 through 1974.
The program will be administered on a 50-50 matching basis, in
much the same manner as the regular Federal-aid ABC programs, fol-
lowing generally the same guidelines previously issued by the Bureau
of Public Roads, but also taking into account new approaches to traffic
engineering as they evolve from research and experience.
To coordinate the urban highway program with the urban mass
transit program being transferred to our Department July 1, we are
proposing for the first time to provide Federal assistance for fringe
parking in large urban areas.
I note with regret that this provision is omitted from the committee
bill.
The administration bill, however, would make it possible for us to
pay 75 percent of the cost of fringe parking spaces if they were tied in
with mass transit systems that would distribute people to the down-
town area. Such parking facilities would have to be adjacent to Fed-
eral-aid highways serving urban areas of more than 50,000 population.
This program will encourage increased use of mass transit by pro-
viding conveniently located, economical parking facilities. Where au-
thorized, the parking facilities can be built on, over, or below the
highway right-of-way. No increase in appropriations is provided ~ut
States have the option to designate land acquisition and facility con-
struction for fringe parking as a highway project by encouraging the
use of mass transit facilities.
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133
The primary purpose in Government financing of inexpensive
fringe parking is to reduce the number of vehicles using overloaded
highways in the downtown area. This could in turn reduce the need
for extensive improvements on these facilities. Available studies in-
dicate that about 10 percent of total downtown work trip demand may
be transferred to fringe parking in cities between 500,000 and 1 mil-
lion population. This would have an added benefit of reducing the
overload on downtown parking and freeing street lanes for vehicle
movement.
The estimated need is for 367,000 fringe spaces by 1975 at a cost
of $387 million.
Another "first" in the bill would make it possible for States to spend
up to 2 percent of their allocation for advance acquisition of prop-
erty for highways. The law now forbids this. As a result, highway
planners often are forced to watch industrial or commercial construc-
tion proceed on land they know is part of a long-range highway pro-
gram. This bill would make it possible for them to buy land as many
as 7 years in advance of actual need. It will cut eventual costs in many
cases and will make it easier for cities to practice effective land-use
planning.
As I am sure you know, we have not yet received authorization for
fiscal 1968 for the highway beautification program. Since it is so late
in the fiscal year, the bill proposes to pick up the program in fiscal
1969 with authorizations of $85 million in each year for 3 years.
This would put these authorizations on the same fiscal year basis
as the biennial ABC highway program authorizations.
The bill would provide $5 million for outdoor advertising control
programs; $10 million for screening junkyards; and $70 million for
landscaping, the purchases of scenic easement;s, and other measures.
Last year your committee held very comprehensive hearings con-
cerning the Highway Beautification Act, with particular emphasis on
outdoor advertising control. These hearings clarified the issues and
removed the uncertainties which had inhibited the implementation of
the program up to that time. Since then we have been making steady
progress.
In the past year some 17 outdoor advertising control agreements
have been signed, and we are close to agreement with a number of
other States. Thirty-one State legislatures have enacted laws provid-
ing for control of outdoor advertising and the legislatures of other
States are presently considering such legislation, or will do so dur-
ing their next regular session, many in early 1969.
This progress has been brought about, I am pleased to say, without
invoking the penalty provision in section 131(b) of the act. The De-
partment stated last year that we had no expectation of imposing any
penalties during the year 1968, or even in early 1969 if a State legis-
lature would not have an opportunity to act during 1968.
Section 8(c) would authorize the sum of $70 million for each of
the fiscal years 1969, 1970, and 1971 for landscaping and scenic en-
hancement of Federal-aid highways.
Of the three titles in the Highway Beautification Act, the land-
scaping and scenic enhancement provision has had the most immediate
and favorable impact upon the public. All States are participating in
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134
the program, and obligations to date total $120 million in Federal
funds, as follows: $31 million for landscaping; $29 million for 5,400
scenic easements, and $60 million for 510 roadside rest areas.
We are requesting an authorization of $33 million for forest high-
ways and $16 million for public lands highways in each fiscal year
1970 and 1971. We are again recommending, however, that these
programs be financed from the highway trust fund rather than the gen-
eral funds since the highways are similar in character and use to
Federal-aid highways and logically should be financed in the same
manner.
Finally, on safety, we are asking for an increase in the budget for
safety research a.nd for a continua.tion of the automobile and highway
safety programs.
These programs are beginning to save lives. But in order to maintain
their effectiveness, we must continue to invest in research. For that
reason, we are proposing a gradual increase in research funds to a level
of $40 million by 1971.
Under the highway safety program we have published standards
covering driver education, vehicle inspection, alcohol, highway design,
and other areas. If you just read the figures in section 6, you might get
the impression that the program tapers off in 1971. What the figures
actually mean is this: Congress has already authorized us t.o obligate
a total of $267 million-$67 million of that authorized for fiscal 1967,
and $100 million each for fiscal 1968 and fiscal 1969. These authoriza-
tions extend for 2 years each, so we now have authorization to obligate
funds through the end of fiscal 1971.
We will have obligated through June 1968 only $27 million of that
mnoney-partiy because of a limit of $25 million that was placed on this
year's budget. So we still have $240 million.
We are asking the Congress to add $50 million in fiscal year 1970
and another $75 million in 1971. I emphasize this because the amounts
requested in 1970 and 1971, if taken by themselves, would seem to
indicate a tapering off of the program. Actually because of the carry-
over of the authorization, we expect to have the authority to obligate
a total of $225 million in 1970.
To qualify for assistance under this program, each State is required
to improve safety programs in conformance. with national standards
promulgated by the Department.
The Department has been pleased with the way the States have
responded to the highway safety program. For example, 34 States
have enacted enabling legislation implementing the motor vehicle
inspection; nine States adopted legislation for emergency medical
services; 10 States have enacted implied consent laws; 13 States have
enacted special motorcycle licensing laws; 26 States and the District
of Columbia have enacted laws to strengthen general driver licensing
statutes; 13 States have enacted laws for licensing of commercial
driver training schools and instructors; and 33 additional States have
adopted motorcycle helmet laws.
Mr. Chairman, this completes my discussion of the provisions of the
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968.
We believe the bill lays out a comprehensive program for attacking
urban highway problems. It is not ours alone. It reflects months and
years of study and thought by the Congress, by highway engineers, by
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135
architects and city planners, by just about everyone concerned with
relationship between transportation and the city.
The shape of the future highway program will depend in large de-
gree on the decisions of the Congress on this legislation. May I re-
spectfully urge this committee to make these decisions in accord with
the provisions of H.R. 17134.
Thank you for permitting me to appear before you. My colleagues
and I are ready for questions.
Mr. KLUCZYN5KI. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for that fine state-
ment.
Mr. Secretary, you refer to a letter and testimony by Mr. Hughes of
the Bureau of the Budget. To whom was the letter sent? Where and
when was the testimony presented? And what did Mr. Hughes say?
Mr.~ BRIDWELL. Mr. Chairman, may I respond to your question?
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Bridwell.
Mr. BRIDWELL. The letter referred to was sent by Mr. Hughes to
the Senate Subcommittee on Government Operations, chaired by
Senator Muskie of Maine.
We will supply for the record a copy of the letter of report on
legislation under consideration by that committee and a copy of the
statement made by Mr. Hughes. We do not have those copies with us.
However, we are prepared to discuss the contents of that.
(Material referred to follows:)
STATEMENT OF PHILLIP S. HUGHES, Dm~t1rv DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF THE BUDGET
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, we `are here to discuss S. 698,
"The Intergovernmental `Cooperation Act," which was introduced by the Chair-
man of `the Subcommittee, and other related measures which `have as their pur-
pose the enhancement of our system of federalism and the improvement of the
quality of American Government.
The purpose of iS. 698 is to make more workable the machinery of our Govern-
ment through achieving the fullest possible cooperation and coordination of
activities at the Federal, State, and local levels in-as the bill phrases it-"an
increasingly complex society." To achieve this purpose the bill as introduced is
designed to: (a) improve the administration of grants-in-aid to the States; (~b)
permit provision of reimbursable technical services by the Federal, Government
to State and local governments; (c) establish coordinated intergovernmental
policy and administration of grants and loans for urban development; (d)
provide for periodic congressional review of grant-in-aid programs; (e) author-
ize the consolidation of certain grant programs; (f) provide for the acquisition,
use, and disposition of land within urban areas by Federal agencies in con-
formity with local government programs; (g) establish a uniform relocation
assistance program, and (h) establish a uniform land acquisition policy for
direct Federal and federally aided programs.
Finally, the measure as recently amended by `Senator Muskie would aim at
improving the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements `asso-
ciated with Federal assistance funds.
The present legislation before this Subcommittee is the direct lineal descendent
of previous congressional consideration over the last several years of intergov-
ermental cooperation acts, all of which have been sponsored by the Chairman of
this Subcommittee.
Last year the Advisory `Commission on Intergovernmental Relations requested
our assistance in developing an intergovernmental cooperation act. After dis-
cussions with the various affected Federal agencies and with the Advisory Com-
mission, agreement was reached on a measure transmitted by the AOIR con-
taining five titles which are identical or substantially similar to corresponding
titles of `S. 698.
My testimony today will also take into account this measure as it relates to
the relevant titles of S. 698.
96-030 O-65-----lO
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136
Previous Bureau testimony in 1965 and 1966 emphasized the growing impor-
tance of cooperative federalism reflected in the significant enlargement of Fed-
eral aid to State and local governments to deal with problems of national con-
cern. In the fiscal year 1969, the total of Federal grant programs dealing with
national goals in a joint endeavor by Federal, State, and local units of government
will exceed $20 billion dollars. In that fiscal period, such Federal financial as-
sistance to State and local governments under existing and proposed programs
will total an estimated $20.3 billion, of which there will be net expenditures of
$15.5 from regular budget accounts and $4.8 from the Highway and Unemploy-
ment Trust Funds.
In ten years, total Federal aid will have more than tripled, rising from $6.7
billion in 1959 to an anticipated $20.3 billion in 1969. It is estimated that, in the
same decade, expenditures by State and local funds also will have more than
doubled.
The fastest growing grants are those to advance the war on poverty, to pro-
vide decent medical care for the needy, to improve the facilities and services
in our urban centers, and to upgrade the elementary and secondary educational
opportunities available to children of low-income families. Between 1965 and
1969, grants administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity will show an
increase of $1.3 billion, and those for the new elementary and secondary educa-
tion program will rise by $1.4 billion. During the 1967-69 period alone expendi-
tures for Medicaid will grow some $949 million, and those for housing and com-
munity development will rise $1 billion.
Total aids for metropolitan or urban areas have risen from $4 billion in 1961
to an estimated $12 billion in 1969. Thus, Federal aids benefiting urban areas
have grown by about $8 billion-nearly tripling in less than a decade.
The effective administration of Federal aid programs has received increasing
attention in the last several years. The Bureau's concern has been both with
the budgetary impact of grant expenditures, and with the means of coordinating
the growing number of grant programs as well as devising measures for the
more effective management of cooperatively financed Federal programs.
The Bureau of the Budget has consistently supported the purposes of an Inter-
governmental Cooperation Act. My testimony will be directed almost entirely
towards those portions of 5. 698 where significant problems or issues arise.
I intend now to turn to discussion of the individual titles of the bill. Title I
deals solely with definitions, and we continue to support Title II, designed to
improved the administration of grants-in-aid to the States.
We also favor the provisions of Title III which would authorize all Federal
departments and agencies to provide speciali~ed or technical services on a
reimbursable basis to State and local governments. We are fully in accord
with the proviso that such services shall include only those which are not
reasonably and expeditiously available through ordinary business channels.
Title IV of S. 698, dealing with coordinated intergovernmental policy and
administration of grants for urban development, differs slightly in language
from the provisions of Title IV of the ACIR bill. it would be our suggestion here
that the provisions of S. 698 be conformed to the Commission's bill.
The Bureau is in accord with the aim of assuring periodic congressional ré-
view of Federal grant-in-aid programs, as is provided for in Title V, and in S.
458 and S. 735~ We doubt, however, either the feasibility or desirability of an
arbitrary five-year termination date for such programs.
Also, I wish to reaffirm our earlier views that t.he Congress itself should con-
duct the periodic reviews. We believe that periodic review of grant programs
by the Comptroller General or other bodies could not be as effective or serve
the same purpose as a review by the relevant congressional committee, and that
any review of grant programs should be initially limited to new programs.
Title VI of the bill would authorize the President to follow a procedure based
on the Reorganization Act of 1949 to consolidate grant-in-aid programs. Thus,
it attempts to deal with one of the most significant problems affecting inter-
governmental relations-the multiplicity of narrow- categorical grants.
Under Title VI, the President would be authorized to prepare plans to con-
solidate individual grant-in-aid programs within the same functional area when
he finds consolidation to be desirable or necessary. Each plan could provide for
a single consolidation and would have to place responsibility in a single agency
and specify the grant formulas for the consolidated pro~ram. Such plans, like
reorganization plans, would be transmitted to the Congress by the President.
Congressional action would be governed by a procedure similar to that under
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the reorganization statute, expect that the Congress would have 90 days to reject
grant consolidation plans rather than the 60 days provided for disapproval of
a reorganization plan.
If Title VI is narrowly interpreted, it adds very little to the authority which
the President already has under the reorganization statute and might conceiv-
ably be construed as a limitation on that authority. Under the reorganization
statute, the President has the authority to propose plans which may transfer
functions involving any number of grant-in-aid programs. For example, Reor-
ganization Plan No. 2 of 1968 transfers authority for a series of urban mass
transportation grant programs from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development to the Department of Transportation. Under Title VI each plan may
deal with "only one consolidation of individual grant programs," and that must
be within the same functional area.
Section 602(a) (2) of Title VI appears to be the only specific addition to the
President's existing authority. It states that each grant consolidation plan "shall
specify in detail the formula or formulas for the making of grants under the con-
solidated program. . . ." If that language is intended to `authorize the President
to include changes in matching and apportionment formulas in a grant consolida-
tion plan, it goes beyond the authority contained in the reorganization statute.
However, that authority by itself may not be useful since program consolidation
would generally also require changes in eligibility, planning, and other require-
ments as well.
In addition, we believe the Committee should carefully consider the use of the
type of procedure set forth in Title VI to deal with matters which go beyond
questions of the internal organization of existing executive branch functions
with which `the President may deal under the reorganization statute. Grant
consolidations, in most cases, would have to involve changes in existing func-
tions and substantive law which are of major concern outside the executive
branch.
While we have reservations about the approach used in Title VI, we share
your concern about the current multiplicity of narrow grant programs. We be-
lieve some consolidation into broader progi~am grants is desirable and have been
working with various agencies to explore the possibility of developing such grants.
Title VII amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act by
adding a't the end thereof a new Title Vill-Urban Land Utilization. This
Title would' require the Administrator of General Services to give advhnce
and "reasonable notice" to a responsible official of local governments before of-
fering for sale any Federal real property located within an urban area as de-
fined in the Act.
The Administrator also would `be required to provide available zoning informa-
tion to prospective purchasers of such property. He would additionally be re-
quired `to the extant practicable to comply with local zoning requirements,
to give advance notice of plans to acquire additional Federal property, and to
consider objections by local governments to proposed Federal acquisition and
use of real property in urban areas.
The Bureau of the Budget generally supports provisions of Title VII of this
bill but believes that the provisions should be conformed to those contained
in `the Advisory Commission's bill
Title VIII of 5. 098 is to establish a uniform policy for the fair and equitable
treatment of owners, tenants, and other persons displaced by the acquisition
of real property by Federal and federa'liy assisted progrsms. This policy would
be as uniform as practicable as to (1) relocation payments, (2) advisory as-
sistance, (3) assurance of availability of standard housing, and (4) Federal
reimbursement for relocation payments under federally assisted programs.
Generally, we believe that Title VIII would establish a workable, uniform sys-
tem for fair and equitable treatment of those displaced by such land acquisi-
tions. However, we believe that it could be substantially improved in `a number of
respects to meet more adequately its objectives. If it is agreeable to `the Com-
mittee, I would like to present for inclusion in the record at an appropriate
point a statement containing detailed comments on Title VIII and at `this time
address our more significant recommendations.
First is the question of the method of financing the cost of relocation ex-
penses for federaliy assisted programs and for programs which require State
agencies to furnish land incident to a Federal public improvement project. This
subject is covered in Sections 804 and 807(b). The net elfect of both pro-
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visions is to require the Federal Government to pay 100 percent of the cost
of relocation in most cases.
We agree that under these programs the same type of relocation payments,
services and assurances as are required for Federal programs should be fur-
nished. However, we believe that the cost of relocation should be considered
as a part of the cost of the acquisition of land and should be borne by the party
responsible for land acquisition. Where acquisition of land is a prerequisite to a
project and the State agency normally would pay for the cost of the land, we
believe that the cost of relocation should be the responsibility of the State
agency. Where the cost of the land is shared on some type of a previously
agreed-ujx~n basis, or prescribed by law. we believe that the costs of relocation
should be shared on the same basis.
Second, section 803(e) (2) requires assurance of the availability of adequate
substitute dwefflngs within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement
for all individuals displaced by the Federal Government. This assurance may
be waived in periods of national emergency proclaimed by the President. We
believe that there may be other cases when it will be in the national interest
to proceed urgently with a land acquisition and that, therefore, the Government
must have some additional flesibility in this regard. For example, we have
been advised by the Department of Defense that there have been a number
of times when it has been necessary to acquire property for urgent national
defense purposes when the President has not proclaimed a period of national.
emergency.
There may well be other situations in addition to the national defense when
the Government must move swiftly to protect individuals or a community. We
recommend revision of Section 803(c) (2) to provide that the President may
prescribe by regulations those situations when such assurances may be waived.
Third, Title VIII does not r~cognize the problem of the owner-occupai~t of
r~al property which is acquired, but for which the fair market value paid is
not sufficient to enable the previous owner to obtain a decent, safe, and sanitary
dwelling adequate in size to meet his needs. This most frequently occurs as a
result of the private market no longer producing a significant volume of new
housing in the price ranges comparable to that being acquired under Federal
and federally assisted programs. We believe this problem should be dealt with
in Title VIII by providing for a payment of up to $5,000 which would represent
an amount which, when added to the acquisition payment, equals the average
price required for a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling of modest standards
available on the private m~rket.
Tourth, Section 802(b) provides that a displaced person who moves or dis-
continues his business may elect to accept an optional payment of up to $5,000.
If, as we understand it, the intent of this provision is to recognize both the cost
of moving and the economic impact of displacement, we recommend that 4t be
clarified by ~tuthorizing the payment of (a) actual moving expenses plus (b)
a payment equal to the average annual net earnings of the business or $2,500,
whichever is the lesser.
Fifth, Section 80S(d) would make three changes in Section 7(b) (3) of the
Sniall Business Act. Under the current law some businesses are eligible for
long `term low interest loans, if they have suffered substantial economic injuries
as a result of displacement by a federally aided urban renewal, or highway con-
struction program, or by any other construction conducted by or with funds
provided by `the Federal Government. Title VIII would extend this loan program
(1) to cover not only small businesses displaced, but also non-clisp1ac~d small
businesses which suffer economic injury, (2) to cover businesses injured not
only by urban renewal and highway or other construction programs, but by
also ". . . any other public improvement progi~am. . ." and (3) to cover not
only businesses injured by Federal or federally aided programs, but also busi-
nesses injured by wholly State or local programs. We are opposed to these
amendments to the Small Business Act. We believe it is impractical to provide
assistance to other than those who are actually displaced, and we believe it
inappropriate for the Federal Government to assume responsibility for reloca-
tion for displacees from other than Federal or federally aided programs.
Title IX of the bill would establish a uniform policy on land acquisition prac-
tices. We concur in the objectives of Title IX; but believe that certain amend-
ments are desirable for purposes of clarification, permitting greater flexibility
and more fully protecting the Government's interest.
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139
Section 901(a) (3) concerns the establishment of a fair and reason'able price
to be paid for property acquired. We interpret this provision as assuring that
the Government will reimburse landowners in an amount which is fair and
reasonable, commensurate with the appraised value of the land, and arrived at
through mutual negotiation. We do not believe that the proviaion is intended
to preclude effective negotiation or to establish a "one price" policy. Since some
of the administering agencies so interpret the s~ction, we recommend that the
legislative history make it clear that a hard and fast "one price" policy is not
intended.
Section 902 provides that when real property is acquired, the fair market value
for such property should be paid therefor unless it is the intention of the seller to
convey the property for less than fair market value. We concur with this provision.
Section 903(c) provides that in determining the extent of real property to be
acquired and the evaluation thereof, we should pay for tenants' improvements
even though the tenant may be required to remove the improvements by a con-
tract with the owner of the land. The Department of Justice and some of the
major land owning agencies point out that the present language might cause
the Federal Government to pay both the property owner and the tenant for the
improvements. We will be glad to provide language to assure that the interest
of the United States will be protected and the objective of the provision
accomplished.
Section 904 provides that an acquiring agency shall reimburse the seller for
all reasonable expenses incidental to the transfer of title to the Government.
We favor the objective of this provision, but recommend certain minor amend-
ments concerning the timing of the payment and limitations on reimbursement
to sellers for mortgage penalty costs. We will provide language to improve this
section.
Section 905(b) details those land acquisition policies that State agencies will
be required to follow after January 1, 1970 to obtain approval of grants, agree-
ments, or contracts for Federal financial assistance where acquisition of land
or of any public improvement is part of the cost. We recommend that this pro-
vision be amended to defer the effective date of the requirement for three years
after enactment to allow State and local governments sufficient time to make
necessary changes in their laws.
Section 905(b) (3) provides for the acquisition of tenants' improvements in
federally assisted programs. The purpose of this section is identical to the purpose
of section 903(c) which is applicable to Federal programs. We have already recom-
mended certain revisions to section 903(c). We believe that the two sections
should be identical.
Section 906 provides that effective January 1, 1970, certain specified sections
of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 are repealed. We have al-
ready recommended that the effective date for the requirements of Federal aid
specified in Section 905(b) be changed to three years after enactment. We would
make the same recommendation concerning repeal of the specified sections of
the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965.
The purpose of Title X is to encourage simplification and improve coordination
of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements of Federal assist-
ance programs, and to provide for a survey of the adequacy and effectiveness of
the accounting and auditing systems of recipient jurisdictions. Additionally, this
title of the bill places new responsibilities upon the Comptroller General of the
United States in respect to the financial administration of grant programs at
the State and local levels, including the promulgation of rules and regulations
for using State and political subdivision accounting and auditing in meeting fi-
nancial management requirements of such programs. This title of the bill would
also require a joint study by the Comptroller General of the United States, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, looking
towards improvement of the financial administration of grant programs at the
Federal and local levels.
We agree that there is need for improving the financial management of grant
programs through more simplification and better coordination of accounting,
auditing, and reporting activities. The Committee may be interested to know that
in 1965 the Bureau of the Budget issued Circular No. A-73, the purpose of which
is to promote improved audit practices and to achieve more efficient use of man-
power through improved coordination of the efforts of Federal, State, and local
government audit staff.
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In this regard the Committee may also be interested to know that just last week
the Comptroller General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the
Bureau of the Budget agreed to launch, under the auspices of the joint financial
management improvement program, an interagency study in this area. We rec-
onimend deferral of legislative action on this title of the bill pending completion
of the interagency study.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I simply reiterate that the Bureau of the Budget
believes the objectives of the intergovernmental Cooperation Act are most meri-
torious and will make a positive contribution to a stronger and more effective
American federalism.
TITLE VIII-UNrFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
Title VIII of the bill would establish a uniform policy for the fair and equitable
treatment of owners, tenants, and other persons displaced by the acquisition of
real property by Federal and federally assisted programs or by related activity
in public improvement programs. Title VIII states that this policy would be as
uniform as practicable as to (1) relocation payments, (2) advisory assistance,
(3) assurance of availability of standard housing, and (4) Federal reimburse-
ment for relocation payments under federally assisted programs.
The House Public Works Committee's Select Subcommittee on Real Property
Acquisition issued a staff report in 1965 which clearly documents the case that
the Federal, State and local governments are faffing far short of equity in treat-
ment of those displaced by governmental programs. The Bureau of the Budget
favors enactment of legislation which would minimize inequities which exist
when land is acquired for use in a Federal or federally assisted program.
Generally, Title VIII would establish a workable, uniform system for fair and
equitable treatment of individuals displa~ed by acquisition of real property in
Federal and federally assisted programs. However, in an effort to improve the bill,
we have a number of recommendations and also offer some technical suggestions.
Section 802(b) provides that under certain circumstances, a displaced person
who moves or discontinues his business may elect to accept an optional payment of
up to $5,000. We understand thaat the intent of this optional payment is to cover
both (1) the cost of moving and (2) a readjustment aflowance payment to assist
small businesses in making up for the economic: impa~t of displacement. If this
is in fact the intent, we recommend that Section 802(b) be revised to treat these
two purposes more clearly by providing for two separate payments; one for actual
moving expenses and one for economic readjustment. Accordingly, Section 802(b)
should be amended as follows: Delete the first sentence in Section 802(b) be-
ginning on line 19, page 33 "If" and ending on line 2, page 34 with "lesser." Sub-
stitute the following for this sentence: "In addition to the payment authorized
by Subsection (a) of this section an additional payment is authorized for any
displaced person who moves or discontinues his business provided the average
annual net earnings of the business are less than $10,000 per year. This payment
shall be in an amount equal to the average annual net earnings of the business or
$2,500, whichever is the lesser."
Section 802(c) (3) provides that should a displaced person who moves from a
dwelling select an optional payment in lieu of reimbursement for fair and reason-
able expenses. as provided by 802(a), he would receive $300 in addition to the
allowances provided by 802(c) (1) and 802(c) (2) if he purchases a dwelling for
purpose of residence within one year from the date of actual displacement. This
payment would be made only if the displaced person selects the optional payment.
We would like to invite the Committee's consideration of whether or not this
payment should also be made to a displaced person who elects to receive fair
and reasonable relocation payments as provided by Section. 802 (a).
The provisions of Title VIII fail to recognize the problem of the owner-occu-
pant of real property which is acquired, but for which the fair market value paid
is not sufficient to enable the previous owner to obtain a decent, safe and sunitary
dweffing adequate in size to meet his needs. This most frequently occurs as a result
of the private market no longer producing a significant volume of new housing in
the price ranges comparable to that being acquired under Federal and federally-
assisted programs. Accordingly, we invite the Committee's consideration of the
following amendment to be inserted as subsection 802(f), with the present sub-
section (f) redesignated (g).
"(f) (1) In addition to amounts otherwise authorized, the head of such Federal
agency may make a payment to the owner of real property which is acquired for
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the project and which is improved by a single- or two-family dwelling occupied
by. the owner for a period of not less than one year prior to the initiation of
negotiations for the acquisition of such property. Such payment, not to exceed
$5,000, shall be an amount which, when added to the acquisition payment, equals
the average price required for a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling of modest
standards adequate in size to accommodate the displaced owner, reasonably ac-
cessible to public services and places of employment and available on the private
market: Provided, that such payment shall be made only to a displaced owner
who purchases and occupies a dwelling within one year subsequent to the date on
which he is required to move from the dwelling acquired for the project.
"(2) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall make the
determinations under this subsection on the prices prevailing in the locality for
dwellings meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) above for all agencies
makng such payments."
Section 802(f) of the bill would make all functions performed under Sec-
tion 802 subject to the provisions of the Act of June 11, 1946 and judicial review.
The Department of Justice and the major real property acquiring agencies ad-
vise that this provision would unnecessarily burden property acquiring agencies
with the expense of making a record upon which defense of their determinations
may be based and will add to the litigation load of the Department of Justice.
Furthermore, it appears that under Section 802(f) only the publication, public
inspection, and judicial review provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act
would' be applicable, although the "all functions performed under this section"
language carries the implication that administrative determinations must be
made in accordance with all the requirements of the Administrative Procedure
Act. In the latter circumstance the expense to agencies would be considerable,
and delays in making payments would detract from some of the intended benefits
of the bill.
The primary purpose of Section 802(f) is to give recognition to the principle
that the payments authorized by Section 802 should be viewed as rightful com-
pensation of persons displaced by Federal programs. The need for this provision
would appear to be more theoretical than practical. The Department of Defense
advises that during 15 years it has administered thousands of applications for
payments for relocation costs under its broad authority (10 U.S.C. 2680) with a
negligible number of appeals from displaced individuals to the Department. We
believe that the objective of this provision can be achieved by making clear that
the provisions of Section 802 as regards relocation payments would represent
congressional policy and that the heads of agencies would be responsible for its
faithful execution. For the language now in Section 802 (f) we recommend
substituting:
"Any person aggrieved by a determination as to eligibility for a payment
authorized by this section, or the amount of a payment, may have his application
reviewed by the head of the agency, whose determination shall be final, and no
provision of this section shall be construed to give any person a cause of action
in any court."
Section 803(a) of the bill provides for a relocation assistance program not only
to individuals actually displaced from the acquired property but also to those
who occupy property adjacent to the acquired property and who are caused
~ubstantial economic injury by the acquisition.
We believe it is impractical to determine where to stop Government assistance
if indirect effects of Government acquisition are to be considered. For example, a
business operating one block (or farther) from the property taken might be
affected more than one adjacent to it. Suppliers or customers of businesses
adjacent to such property may also be adversely affected if those businesses move
or cease operations. Moreover, it wouuld often be impossible to determine whether
the decreased profits or losses suffered by an adjacent business were actually
caused by the property acquisition or by other factors. We are convinced that aid
to those indirectly affected should be confined to that generally available, such
as loans and advisory services from the Small Business Administration or as-
sistance under the Manpower Development Training Act. We therefore recom-
mend that the balance of Section 803(a) beginning with "If the head of such
agency" on line 18, page 38, be deleted.
Section 803(c) (2) would require Federal agencies to assure the availability
of adequate substitute dwellings within a reasonable period of time prior to
displacement. The last clause of Section 803(c) (2) provides for waiver of the
assurance requirement in periods of national emergency proclaimed by the
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President. We believe that there may be other cases when it will be in the
national interest to proceed with a land acquisition project even though the
Government cannot assure comparable housing within an individual's financial
means. For example, we have been advised by the Department of Defense that
there have been a number of times when it has been necessary to acquire real
property for urgent national defense purposes when the President has not for-
mally proclaimed a period of national emergency. This situation arose during
the Cuban crisis when it was necessary to obtain certain properties and thou-
sands of cableline easements were urgently required for the installation of
Minute Man Launching Sites and easements for the control of such launching
for the protection of this Nation. Under the then existing world situation, any
delay which would have resulted to enable assurance of housing could have re-
sulted in incalculable dangers or risks.
There are other situations in addition to the national defense of the country
when the Government must move swiftly to protect individuals or a community.
Some of these may be caused by natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes,
or sometimes it has been our experience when excavations are made for the
basement and piles are driven for the new building, large timber supporting
footings of adjacent buildings are endangered. Such is the case surrounding the
new Foley Square Courthouse, an office buildiig in New York City, New York.
We believe it is desirable to provide sufficient flexibility in the relocation re-
quirements of the bill to enable a distinction to be made when circumstances
similar to those described above may arise.
Therefore, we recommend revision of this section to provide that the President
may provide by regulations situations when such assurances may be waived.
This can be accomplished by deleting the balance of Section 803(c) (2) begin-
ning with "such assurance" on line~ 18, page 39, and substituting the following:
"the President may prescribe by regulation situations when such assurances
may be waived; . ."
Section 803(d) would make three changes in Section 7(b) (3) of the Small
Business Act. Under the current law, small businesses are eligible for long term,
low interest loans if they have suffered substantial economic injury as a result
of displacement by a federally aided urban renewal or highway construction
program or by any other construction conducted by or with funds provided by
the Federal Government. Title VIII would extend this loan program (1) to cover
not only small businesses displaced, but also non-displaced small businesses
which suffer economic injury, (2) to cover businesses injured not only by urban
renewal and highway or other construction programs but also by ". . . any other
public improvement program . . ." and (3) to cover not only businesses injured
by Federal or federally aided programs but also businesses injured by wholly
State-run programs.
The Bureau of the Budget is opposed to these amendments to the Small Busi-
ness Act. As noted in our comments on Section 803 (a), we believe it is imprac-
tical to provide assistance to other than those who are actually displaced. Fur-
ther, we do not believe it is appropriate for the Federal Government to assume
responsibility for relocation for displacees from other than Federal or federally
assisted programs. Accordingly, we recommend that Section 803(d) be deleted.
~ectiom 804 provides that when lands are acquired by a State agency for a
Federal public improvement project, such acquisition shall be deemed to be
an acquisition by the Federal agency having authority over the project for pur-
poses of providing relocation payments, assistance and assurances. The staff
report of the House Public Works Committee's Select Subcommittee on Real
Property Acquisition included a bill with such a provision. That report states
that the reason for this provision is to assure relocation assistance for individuals
displaced when local interests provide the necessary lands for Federal projects, as
in the case of flood control projects. The Corps of Engineers requires localities to
furnish lands, easements, rights of way, and relocation of utilities in these and
certain other water resource projects.
We agree with the intent of Section 804 to provide relocation assistance for
displaced individuals in public improvement projects. as in the case of acquisi-
tions of property by a Federal agency. However, when land is furnished incident
to a Federal public improvement project, relocation should be the responsibility
of the State agency as a prerequisite to the acceptance of the properties for
project purposes. Relocation expenses should be considered an essential cost
of the acquisition and borne by the party responsible for land acquisition.
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In addition, we do not believe that the present arrangements for cost sharing
should be disturbed because the study of the Water Resources Council (estab-
lished by P. L. 89-80) on this subject is no.t complete. Pending the outcome of the
Council study, present cost sharing arrangements should not be disturbed and
the relocation expense should be considered part of the land acquisition cost for
Federal public improvement projects and be borne by the local agencies.
Accordingly, we recommend that the following be substituted for Section 804:
"Sec. 804. Whenever real property is acquired by a State agency for a Federal
Public improvement project, the Federal agency having authority over such
project may only accept such property in those cases in which the acquiring
State agency has made relocation payments, provided relocation assistance, and
provide assurance of availability of housing as required in the case of acquisitions
of real property by a Federal agency, such payments and assistance to be con-
sidered a part of the real property acquisition cost."
Section 805 would authorize the President to make such rules and regulations
determined necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act and also would
prescribe minimum legislative guidelines. Section 805(a) (2) (A) would limit
reimbursement to acual and reasonable expenses in searching for a replacement
farm to those individuals who are displaced from a farm operation. The De-
partment of Defense advises that it has followed the policy of reimbursing per-
sons in locating all types of replacement property and can find no reason to limit
the reimbursement to farms. The General Services Administration also recom-
mends reimbursement for searching for all types of replacement property. Ac-
cordingly, we recommend that this provision be amended on page 42, lines 5 and
6 by deleting "in the case of a farm operation," and on page 42, line 7 by
substituting "property" for "farm"..
Sectioi~ 805(a) (2) (B) would authorize a payment to businesses and farm op-
erations which dispose of their personal property and replace such at the new
location. This payment would be made whether or not any expense is actually
incurred by displaced persons. The Department of Defense, under its present
authority to make relocation payments, only authorizes the payment of the
difference between the sale price and the cost of comparable replacement prop-
erty, but not in excess of the cost oct moving the property or its market value,
whichever is less. Under the present language, the owner would be entitled to
an amount equivalent to the full cost of moving irrespective of any difference
between the disposal and replacement amounts. A displaced person who would
dispose and replace personal property of a very low value, which is very bulky,
heavy and costly to move might receive an unintended "windfall" if the present
language r~mains in the bill. We believe that the present practice of the Depart-
ment of Defense should be made applicable to all programs and We recommend
that this provision be amended to read as follows:
"(B) if he disposes of personal property on moving his business or farm opera-
tion and replaces such property with comparable property at the new location
at a price exceeding the sale price, the amount of the difference of such prices,
not to exceed, however, the estimated cost of moving the property or its market
value, whichever is less."
Section 807 details the requirements for approval of contracts or agreements
State agencies must meet for Federal financial assistance, the type of relocation
payments and assistance to be provided, and how the program is to be financed.
Section 807(a) (2) requires State agencies to make fixed relocation payments
in the same amount and under the same terms and conditions as are required
to be made by a Federal agency by subsection 802(b), (c), (d), and (e) of this
title.
We believe there should also be authorized for federally assisted projects the
payment for owner-occupants which we recommended as a new subsection 802(f).
However, we understand that several States are considering legislation which
would permit such payments as a part oct the acquisition price under eminent
domain rather than as a separately determined relocation payment. We believe
this bill should prevent the possibility of double payment without, however,
eliminating an area of experimentation. This can be accomplished by a provision
prohibiting Federal assistance for a payment under this section if the owner-
occupant receives a payment under state law which the head of the Federal
agency determines to have the same purpose and effect and for which Federal
assistance is available. Accordingly, we recommend the following language be
inserted as subsection 807 (a) (5)
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"(5) A payment for owner-occupants under the same terms and conditions
as are required to be made by Federal agencies by subsection 802(f) of this
Act: Provided, That no such payment shall be required or included as a proj-
ect cost under subsection 807(b) if the owner-occupant receives a payment re-
quired by State law of eminent domain which is determined by the head of the
Federal agency to have substantially the same purpose and effect as subsection
802(f) and to be part of the cost of the project for which Federal financial
assistance is available."
Section 807(b.) provides in the case of federally assisted projects that costs
of relocation would be included in project costs and Federal financial assistance
would be provided to the same extent as other project costs, except that the
Federal agency would contribute the first $25,000 of the cost of providing a relo-
cation payment to any displaced person. The effect of the proposal would be to
have the Federal Government assume almost all relocation payments.
We believe that relocation payments are an essential element of project cost
and see no reason to exempt the first $25,000 from the usual sharing requirements.
Moreover, these relocation provisions will be administered by local agencies. They
can be expected to administer the provisions more economically and efficiently if
they are also required to bear the same portion of these costs as of other project
costs involved. We believe strongly that relocation payments should he shared as
other project costs. Accordingly, we recommend that the comma after "project
costs" on line 24, page 45, be changed to a period and the balance of the sentence
on lines 24 and 25 of page 45 and 1 of page 46 be deleted.
We believe that a new section should be added to this title to provide for the
effective date of this title. This amendment is necessary to provide sufficient time
for the assignment of responsibility and for drafting of regulations for direct
Federal programs and to allow State and local governments sufficient time to make
necessary changes in their laws and possibly their constitutions to permit the
agreements required as a condition of Federal aid. We recommend the new Sec-
tion 811 should read as follows:
"This Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment, except that Sections
807, 808, and 810(a) (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) ,and (10) shall become effective
three years after enactment; Provided, that, commencing 180 days after enact-
ment, the provisions of Sections 807 and 808 shall be applicable with respect to
any contract, grant to, or agreement with a State agency, where such State agency
is able under State law or local ordinance to agree to the requirements set out
in Section 807(a) and the provisions of law governing relocation payments and
assistance otherwise applicable to the provisions of Federal financial assistance to
such State agency shall be superseded by this Act."
BUREAU OF THE BUDGET PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 903(c) ~i~D 904
SECTION 903(0)
Change the period at the end of1~he section to a comma and add as follows:
"which determination of fair value and method used by the agency head shall
be final and conclusive. Provided, (1) that payment hereunder will not result in
duplication of any payments otherwise authorized by law; (2) that the fee owner
of the land involved disclaims any interest in the improvements of the lessee;
and (3) the lessee in consideration for such payment shall assign, transfer and
release to the United States all his right, title and interest in and to such im-
provements; Provided further, that no provision of this section shall be con-
strued to deprive the lessee of his right to reject the payments hereunder and to
obtain payment for his property interests of just compensation as otherwise de-
fined by law."
SECTION 904
(1) On line 1 of Section 904(a) after "agency," delete "not later than" and
substithte "as soon as practical after."
(2) On line 14 of subsection 904(a) (2), after "property" delete "; and" and
add as follows: "provided that such mortgage shall be of record as required by
law on the date the official announcement of the project is made by the authorized
Federal agency; and"
Mr. KLuczri~s1TI. What did Mr. Hughes say in the letter?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Hughes stated a position for the administration
on a uniform relocation assistance policy to be applicable to all Fed-
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eral or Federal-aid programs throughout the Federal establishment.
The testimony and the position as expressed by Mr. Hughes had the
following principal points: No. 1-and I will address this, if I may,
Mr. Chairman, in terms of the highway program,- rather than all
Federal or all Federal-aid programs. Even though Mr. Hughes' testi-
mony was addressed to all Federal or Federal-aid programs, I would
prefer, if I may, to put it in the context of the highway program.
He stated the following principal points: That each State would
be responsible for assuring that it will provide fair and reasonable re-
location payments, rent supplements, and replacement housing pay-
ments prior to the approval of projects by the Secretary under sec-
tion 106, that relocation assistance programs would be offered-that
is, relocation assistance in the form of advice, help to individuals in
finding replacement housing. And that a State highway department
could rely upon any other State or local organization having an estab-
lished organization for conducting relocation assistance programs to
carry out this responsibility. That the Federal share of the cost of
this program would be in the same proportion as, in this instance, the
highway program to which it applied.
The Secretary would have the authority to establish criteria for
decent, safe, and sanitary housing for relocatees, and that would deter-
mine the eligibility for any one of the assistance programs-namely,
rent supplement or a replacement assistanc~ amount. The replacement
assistance amount would be limited to a maximum of $5,000, and the
amount that a relocatee could claim would be that amount of difference
between what he received for the purchased or condemned property
under the traditional fair market system and the amount that he would
have to pay for a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling.
In the instance of a tenant as distinguished from an owner-occupant,
the Secretary would be authorized to supplement rents up to a maxi-
mum of $500 per year for 2 years; again the amount would be based
upon the difference that he paid in rent for the place from which he
was removed and the amount that he would have to pay for a new
residence under the criteria of decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Those are the principal modifications from the report which we
previously submitted last year to the committee in response to its
direction to make a study of right-of-way acquisition and relocation
assistance policies and practices.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Mr. Bridwell, you are talking about the relocat-
ing of tenants, families, and businesses?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Also businesses. What is the amount toward the
business for relocation?
Mr. BImmwELL. The business is actual moving cost up to a maxi-
mum-it is actual moving cost and in addition to that, an additional
payment would be authorized for any displaced business, the owner
of which has an average annual net earning of less than $10,000. And
that the additional payment to the business for this group would be
an amount equal to the average annual net earning of the business or
$2,500, whichever is less.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Did you say $2,500?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, sir. So it is actual moving cost plus up to $2,500
extra payment for businesses, the average annual net earnings of which
are $10,000 or less.
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Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Tinder the urban renewal and HTJD, isn't there
a HUD figure of $10,000 for the relocation of business?
Mr. BRIDWELL.: Under existing law, you are correct, Mr. Chairman,
that under the urban renewal program there is a maximum of $25,000
for the relocation of a business. This is what we are pointing out is
different in this sense, that instead of saying a maximum of $25,000,
Mr. Hughes testified before the committee that the Federal Govern-
ment should pay the actual moving cost and then, in addition to that,
for businesses which earn net earnings of less than $10,000 a year, they
should pay up to $2,500 in addition.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Thank you. Mr. Bridwell, it is my understanding
that the future before any further construction can get underway
within urban areas you plan to be in a position to have persons or
businesses who would be forced to move as a result of such construc-
tion already moved completely out of the way before any construction
is undertaken. Would you explain to the committee how you intend
to operate this phase of the program?
Mr. BRIDWELL. I believe, Mr. Chairman, you are referring to a sec-
tion in which the Secretary, by statute, would be required not to ap-
prove any project until he received a series of assurances.
These assurances would be that fair and reasonable relocation pay-
ments, rent supplements, and replacement housing payments would be
offered to those persons, families, businesses, which meet the criteria
established in the proposed legislation; that relocation assistance in
the form of advice, service, that type of thing, would be offered to
these persons; that the State or its agency operating under contract
would provide a feasible method for the temporary relocation of fam-
ilies and businesses required to move, and that over a reasonable period
of time there would be available in areas not generally less desirable
decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings as defined by the Secretary.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Now, Mr. Secretary, I note you spoke about "I
note with regret that this provision is omitted from the Committee
bill." That is on the fringe parking. True, the chairman of the full
committee and J introduced H.R. 16994 on May 2 and we deleted the
fringe parking and the beautification from the bill sent to us by the
administration. On May 8, Mr. Fallon, chairman of the full conmut-
tee, and myself had introduced H.R. W134, and we included beautifica-
tion and fringe parking.
Now Mr. Secretary, fringe parking is completely a new program
and a new concept. Would you care to elaborate in further detail
beyond your prepared statement what is intended by this program?
Secretary BoIYD. What is intended by this program primarily, Mr.
Chairman, is to help the viability of cities particularly during the
periods of peak-hour congestion.
There are two parts to this highway transportation system. One
is the highway and another is a place to park the automobile. And
there is rather severe shortage of parking facilities in most cities of
this country today.
There is an opportunity to provide through this program we are
submitting substantial parking facilities on the fringes of the cen-
tral business district, or of the urban area, where primarily buses can
pick up the people who park their cars there, get them downtown,
without having all of the congestion which those cars would other-
PAGENO="0157"
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wise cause on the street, and provide them with a better service than
they will be able to get if they continue to use their automobiles, as
they are doing m increasing numbers, in the central business district.
In addition, the fact that the streets are being so heavily overused
now and increasmg the costs of maintaining those streets, we feel that
this would provide both a better service to the public and, second,
reduce by some extent the expenses of maintaining the existing city
street system because of this heavy overuse.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Secretary, we have heard some talk about,
having in the future construction of highways, a separate lane for
buses only. That is just in the talking stage?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. But I wonder if you could elaborate on that?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir. This is included as one of the areas that
would ~ pursued under the TOPICS program, which is also men-
tioned in my testimony.
To give you a specific example, we have been talking to the New
York Port Authority and the State of New Jersey about the possibil-
ity of reserving a lane in the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hours for
the movement of buses. This would increase very substantially the
number of people who can get in and out of the city within a specified
period of time over the number of people who could move strictly by
private automobile.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. That was my next question. Another program
you presented to the committee was the so-called Topics program.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland at this time.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.
Mr. Secretary, I have a question with regard to your discussion of
fringe parking in the suburban areas of the city. Are you aware of an
experiment that was made in Baltimore several years ago just out of
the central city area where the Baltimore Stadium is located? They
have an area there around the stadium where you can park about 5,000
cars, `and because the ball games are mostly played at night, except on
weekends, this great big parking area was available for the experiment.
They could bring their cars from the north and northeast into the sec-
tion of the city which is very heavily populated by thousands and thou-
sands of cars in the inner city each day. The city provided free parldii~g
and the transit company buses were available there to take Them into
different parts of the central city.
When it was first inaugurated it looked like it was going to be a
success but gradually fell `off. It fell off to a point where the transit
company couldn't afford to furnish the buse~ any longer. So what you
are talking about, we have extperimented with and failed.
I am wondering if it is not going to be the same, after these areas
are built, `if people are still going to want to use their automobiles, like
they have, from their homes closer to the business where they won't
have to get on a bus, and walk four or five squares, and back to the bus
in the evening. It didn't work out in Baltimore. What makes you think
it will work out any place else?
Secretary BoYD. I am glad you raised that point, Mr. Chairman.
The fact of the matter is not only did it fail in Baltimore, it failed
in Los Angeles, Calif., where they attempted the same thing at Holly-
PAGENO="0158"
148
wood Bowl which has a tremendous parking lot. I don't know the
capacity. Aiid it failed in Miami, Fla.
Now, there are several reasons for the failure, as best we can identify
them. First and foremost, in a number of these cities, what happened
was that you on would drive to the parking lot, many times in an air-
conditioned automobile, and we would get out, and we would wait a
few minutes, maybe have to walk several blocks; and then we would
get on an old junker of a bus which burned gasoline and stunk to high
heaven, wasn't air conditioned, was hot and dirty, with a driver who
was sweating under his collar and very much upset about the world in
general; and the frequency of the service was not the way it should be
because people don't like to wait. Incidentally, though, this same thing
is working very well in New York. The New York Port Authority has
a tremendous parking lot just across the river in New Jersey from the
Lincoln Tunnel and that parking lot, which holds-I don't know;
several thousand cars-ifils up early every morning. Then buses take
those people directly into the Port Authority Bus Terminal. So it is
working in some cities.
Now this, I think, really gets to the heart of what is important about
the Department of Transportation and it gets to the heart of what we
have been talking about-a total transportation system.
There has got to be comparable service provided if people are going
to use this service. Comparable service, in my mind, means buses that
are clean, that are air conditioned, that have comfortable seats, and
that moves with frequency.
Now with the transfer of the Urban Mass Transit Administration
from the Department of Housing and Urban Development into the
Department of Transportation, if we are able to get these fringe park-
ing programs set up, we will be able, simultaneously, to work out the
kinds of support for the community which will permit this kind of
bus service to operate.
Mr. FALLON. Well, Mr. Secretary, I don't know the conditions of the
buses in Baltimore, but from observation at the time the buses seemed
to be a little bit more adequate than the buses you described. I have
passed there many mornings-I wasn't going downtown but I was
going to the railroad station-but from observing the buses they
seemed to be new buses, air conditioned, and very comfortable.
Secretary Bo~m. May well be.
Mr. FALLON. I don't think that was the reason in Baltimore. I think
the reason was after the persons got off the bus, they didn't want to
walk three or four squares to their office when they were used to parking
much closer.
Secretary Bo~n. Well, thatmay well be, Mr. Chairman, but I think
the facts are also that if we continue to rely on the private automo-
bile, these people are going to be walking three or four squares any-
way, as new office buildings go up with insufficient parking space and
no office building to my knowledge is putting in the parking space
sufficient to take care of, (a) the tenants in the building, and (b), the
business visitors to the building today.
Every time our chamber of commerce goes out and brings in new
business and generates new downtown construction, they are making
it more and more difficult for the individual to get in and out of
town in his own automobile.
PAGENO="0159"
149
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Secretary, getting away-
Secretary Boin~. Would you mind, sir, Mr. Bridwell wants to shore
up what I said.
Mr. FALLON. We will hear from Mr. Bridwell.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Chairman, I am not personally familiar with
the demonstration project that was attempted in Baltimore. We per-
haps can obtain information On that and find why it didn't work.
Presumably there is a reason why it didn't work.
We are, however, familiar with a number of cases where it has
worked and worked quite well. Two particular instances that I would
cite, Mr. Chairman, are in Cleveland, Ohio, and in Milwaukee, Wis.
However, without taking a lot of the time of the committee to go
into them in detail, we do have documents which explain the fringe
parking program and its combination with public transportation
services for both Cleveland and Milwaukee, and I would like to offer
them for reference if I may, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman wants to ask unanimous
consent to furnish the material.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Without objection it will be made a part of the
subcommittee files.
(The material Teferred to may be found in the subcommittee files.)
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Secretary, I understand the reorganization plan
is about to go through the Congress in the near future, the reorganiza-
tion plan No. 2.
Secretary Bon. Yes, sir.
Mr. FALLON. And there will be no objection to it?
Secretary Bo~rD. Yes, sir.
Mr. FALLON. At least the time has already expired for objection?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. FALLON. What effect will the transfer from HUD to DOT have
on the urban highway program? I mean, will it remain under the
Federal Highway Administrator or will something else be set up
to take care of it?
Secretary Bo~m. The only effect of reorganization plan No. 2 is
to transfer elements from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development into the Department of Transportation. There is no
reverse flow.
Mr. FALLON. Well, will the transfer and the people that make up
that complement, both in HTJD and in the Bureau of Public Roads-
will that be put under the Administrator?
Secretary Bon~. The people who are in the Bureau of Public Roads
will remain in the Bureau of Public Roads.
Mr. FALLON. I mean the supervision, the authority?
Secretary Bow. There is no change within the Department of
Transportation, Mr. Chairman, except for the fact that we are creat-
ing a new administration which is the Urban Mass Transit Adminis-
tration. And all of the positions of the Urban Transit Administration
of the Department of Housing and Urban Development will transfer
en masse into the Urban Mass Transit Administration of the Depart-
ment.
Mr. FALLON. Including the highway program in urban areas?
Secretary Bo~. There is no highway program in the Urban Mass
Transit Administration in HUD.
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150
Mr. FALLoN. Well, will there be?
Secretary Born. No, sir. That urban mass transit program is author-
ized under the omnibus housing bill and has no provision for highway
design, acquisition, or construction. It is strictly an urban mass transit
program and it is related primarily to two things, to two operations.
One is grants and loans for operation of bus systems; one is grants
and loans for operation of rail rapid transit systems. In addition,
there is provision in the authorization for research into urban. mass
transit technology.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Secretary, in a letter to me on October 2.5, you
stated that HUT) would certify to the Department the adequacy
of the continuing transportation planning processes in urban areas,
that certification to your department by RUT) would be advisory only.
Secretary BoYD. That's right.
Mr. FALLON. And you would not be bound by the recommendation
of HUD.
Secretary BoTim. That is correct.
Mr. FALLON. Secretary Wood testified before the Government Oper-
ations Committee just 3 days before in which he made several state-
ments that certification by HTJD was the requisite and no plan could
go forward without that certification.
Now there seems to be a conifict there in-
Secretary Borr. That is incorrect. The fact of the matter is that the
certification of the continuing comprehensive planning process is a
requisite but it is a statutory requisite in the Federal Highway Act
and there is no jurisdiction being transferred by the reorganization
plan No.2 from the Department of Transportation to the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
Mr. FALLON. Let me see if I get that clear. That means that although
it is not certified by HUD, the planning and the building of highways
is continuing on under the Federal Highway Administrator without
that certificatiop?
Secretary Boyn. That is correct, but I want to go on and make very
clear that we expect HUD to participate with us in looking at this
whole area of activity.
Mr. FALLON. Well, in what manner? How far does that go?
Secretary Bom. It does not go to certification. It is an advisory
situation.
Mr. KLTTCZYNSKI. Thank you very much. The gentleman from Flor-
ida, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. Ci &MER. Mr. Secretary, on that same subject, we presently have
the highway planning agencies established under the existing law,
which you just mentioned. They have been certified as planning
agencies.
H1JD, of course, in some instances, has now certified areawide
planning agencies.
*Are the presently certified-by-your-department_planning agencies
going to continue to have that function? Does HUD have to recertify
those same agencies?
Secretary BoYD. No. No. However, where there are different agencies
involved I expect to try, in conjunction with HUD, to get our opera-
tion so that we are dealing with the same planning agency for the
area.
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151
Mr. cRANER. Well, that is exactly what I am concerned ~hç~it.~Pinel-
las County has, as you know, under your authorization, a planning
agency in existence, statutory, as a matter of fact, by State law Then
there is an areawide planning agency certified by HTJD Who is going
to have the final say so relating to, No 1, which agency shall be
certified for highway planning and, secondly, on the local level, which
agency shall have the authority?
Secretary BoYD. There is nothing, I repeat, in reorganization plan
No. 2 changing any of the responsibility or authority of the Depart-
ment of Transportation. However, I must say that the local planning
agencies, whether they be HIJD certificated or BPR certificated, are
dealing with the same general responsibility, which is land use plan~
ning, and transportation within that land use planning concept. And
there are not, to my knowledge, many instances where we have dif-
ferent agencies dealing with these two things.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I gave you a specific example where, under sec-
tion 204, of the model cities approach, an areawide agency has been
established for the west coast of Florida, certified by HTJD.
Secretary Bom. I understood what you told us.
Mr. CRAMER. We have Pinellas County-wide area certified by Trans-
portation. Who is going to make a decision?
Secretary Boiro. As it stands, they each make their own decisions
and I think this puts the Federal Government in a fairly ridiculous
situation if we get into conflict.
Mr. CRAMER. It sure does.
Secretary BoYD. I would hope this is the sort of thing that we can
work out. I do not see the relationship of transportation and land use
planning as being one of~onstant confrontation.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I would hope that those agencies which have
been certified or operational or financed or statutorally established
have been working. I would hope that they would be given an opportu-
nity to continue that certification and that work without having piled
on top of that another agency, areawide, that also has to review and
certify or submit plans already certified by the county agency. It looks
to me like it is going to end up with endless redtape and nobody is
going to have the final say-so. The areawide agency isn't even tooled
up with finances or personnel qualified, in my opinion, to do the job.
Secretary Bom. Of course I was just checking with Mr. Bridwell-
my recollection is that section 204 today provides for review by the
agency of the highway planning projects.
Mr. CRAMER. I would trust you would look into that matter and
give it some pretty careful consideration, because otherwise we are
going to have so many review agencies we won't get any construction
done.
Secretary BoYD. This is already in the law, Mr. Cramer. And I
agree with you that we ought not to have a proliferation of agencies.
I do not think the Federal Government ought to be sending out and
supporting field organizations whose main purpose in life is to fight
each other.
I think that what I have told the Department of Housing and
Urban Development is this: That there should be a great deal of
commonsense applied to how we go about relating land use to
transportation.
90-030-68-----ii
PAGENO="0162"
152
Now, actually t lot of this stuff we are talkmg ibout is just `i bunch
of hurrah, because if the job is done right it is gomg to be decisions at
the local area on what kinds of communities they want and what kind
of transportation system they want. And, so far as I am concerned,
the Federal Government has got. little business sitting up here in
Washington and trying to figure out whether a boulevard should go
northeast or southwest in Clearwater. Fla. I think the people in Clear-
water who are elected andY who decide on their own planning agency
should have that decision and we would be well advised to get out
ofit.
Mr. CRAMER. It is too bad you don't administer 204 as well, that
beingyour attitude. As you know, I have raised this question before,
and I trust that now that you have this mass . transit authority and
so forth that. you will continue the same attitude.
Mr. BRThWELL. Mr. Cramer, may I introduce just one additional
comment here.
Mr. CRAMER. Yes.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I am sure you are aware that under section 204 the
designated transportation planning agency in any given urban area
has only the authority to review and comment upon any project sub-
mitted to it under the highway program or any other program~ And
that it has no decisive authority or, in effect, veto authority.
Mr. FALLON. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CIi~rER. Yes. I will yield.
Mr. FALLON. Just that point, we have been getting correspondence
from several States. As a matter of fact., all but. four States have asked
the Congress to fully explore it. What is apparently happening is that
the executive branch no longer accepts the concept. of the relationship
that has been going on for years between the local level and the Fed-
eral level. They seem to be exercising their will and control more and
more all the time to a point where the States are complaining that it
impedes progress of not only location bu~ construction, ~ nnmg, and
engineering.
Are you aware of that, Mr. Secretary, of this feeling among many
of the States in the country?
Secretary Bo~m. I don't know to whom you are referring as States.
Mr. FALLON. I am referring to the State highway officials.
Secretary Bo~rn. My conversations are normally with the Governors
of the States and to this date I have had no complaint from any
Governor.
Mr. FALLON. Well, I might say mine hasn't come from the Governor
but from the people who have to do the job, the State highway officials,
their engineers, their planners.
There certainly is not. the same relationship there wa~s in the past
that many decisions are made at the local level now are being held up
to he. reviewed and decided at the Federal level.
Secretary Born. We have been very deeply involved in some local
situations, there is no question about that. We have been directly in-
volved in a situation in San Francisco. We have been directly involved
in a situation in Nashville, Tenn., I believe at the request of the
Governor. I won't say that for sure, but I believe so.
We have been directly involved in a situation in New Orleans, and
in Memphis, Baltimore, San Antonio, Boston, Chicago, and several
PAGENO="0163"
153
others, either at the request of the Governor or at the request of the
city.
Now, my philosophy is one that I want to make very clear-as long
as I am Secretary of Transportation, I expect to pursue this philos-
ophy-that is that insofar as transportation in a city is concerned, the
mayor and city council have a definite voice in what that transporta-
tion should be.
Mr. FALLON. I found that out in Baltimore.
Secretary Bori. I have asked in every case where we have become
involved in these local situations for the Governor to provide us with
his views because I believe that, no matter what I happen to think
about the wisdom or unwisdom of any particular design, location, or
anything else, the people who are going to use it and live with it
should have the final say.
Mr. FALLON. Well, I am glad to hear you say that, Mr. Secretary,
because I think what happens is the communication is between the
highway officials and the Bureau.
Secretary BoYD. Part of it is, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. FALL0N. I think what they told me to do, when the highway
departments have a complaint, is go to the Governor, because the
communication with you is only with the Governor.
Secretary Boirr. That is because the highway officials who told you
this haven't bothered to get in touch with me.
One of the things that I must admit that scratches me a little bit
is some highway officials in this country put out information about
what I do and what I think which has no relation to the fact and they
never come talk to me about it. And my belief has been and is, very
simply, this: If I have got a complaint with you, I am going to knock
on your door and say I would like to talk to you about it. I am not
going to go tell Lowell Bridwell what I think about George Fallon.
Mr. FALLON. I know, Mr. Secretary, but you couldn't deal with all
these problems, in lower positions, minor problems. They are irritating
and they tend to slow up the work in States.
Now, I have had lots of complaints but I imagine they were to the
district offices and so forth and they were not properly complying
with the intent of Congress, the relationship that Congress wants
between the Federal level and the State level.
Secretary BOYD. Let me say this, Mr. Chairman-
Mr. FALLON. Yes.
Secretary Bom (continuing). I spent a great deal of my time in the
city of Tallahassee, Fla., the State capital, between 1955 and 1959, and
I was not officially but I was directly and deeply involved in the oper-
ations of the State highway department during that period of time
under a completely separate Federal administration. And a great deal
of that time I spent sitting talking to the chairman of the State road
board and State highway engineer, who were complaining about the
trouble they were having with the Federal Government. So this is
nothing new. It is just we have a new cast of characters here.
Mr. FALLON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you. The gentleman from Florida~, Mr.
Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. In how many instances have you, in dealing with the
cities, in the areas you suggested, overruled the recommendations of
PAGENO="0164"
154
the State road board relating to a location of the highway or those
highway problems?
Secretary Bore. I would have to submit that for the record I do
not at this moment recall a single instance
(The following was received )
CASES WHERE STATES WERE OVERRULED ON LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS (IN
FAVOR OF CITY RECOMMENDATIONS)
In practice, the Bureau of Public Roads does not dictate the location of high-
ways, although it can withhold approval of a particular State proposal and, by
refusing to approve route alternates, indirectly influence State location decisions.
In a few instances, the Bureau has been quite infiuentiai in the determination of
locations favored by cities rather than by States. The extent of any such action is
quite small considering the number of new highway improvements within urban-
ized areas each year. Excluding the freeway problems in Washington. D.C., with
which the committee is already familiar, there are several cities throughout the
country where State proposals are not being fully advanced principally because
of Public Roads or Federal Highway Administration's rulings which could be
construed to favor a particular city. Recent examples are:
MASON CITY, IOWA
The Bureau of Public Roads required restudy of a 90-mile section of Interstate
Route 35 from Williams, Iowa, to Albert Lea, Minnesota. The location ultimately
approved was similar to that recommended by Mason City, Iowa.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
The Federal Highway Administration requested additional study of the nec-
essity for the Boston Inner Belt (1-695) after the State submitted its recommen-
dation for a route through Cambridge opposed by city. This study is now
underway.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
The Pennssylvania Department of Highways has been recently requested by
the Bureau of Public Roads to abandon planning and right-of-way acquisition for
an interchange between the proposed Crosstown Expressway and 1-95 which in
effect could defer construction of the Crosstown Expressway indefinitely. This
expressway has been strongly opposed by Philadelphia officials because of
displacement problems.
SAN FRANCISCO, OALH'OR~1A
This controversy involves a 4.2-mile segment of 1-280 in San Mateo County
through watershed lands along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir which are
owned by the City of San Francisco. The disagreement is between the California
Highway Commission and the City of San Francisco. Issues include water pollu-
tion, costs, scenic and recreational values, highway-user benefits and safety. The
Federal Highway Administration recently withdrew a 1958 Bureau of Public
Roads location approval and asked the California Division of Highways to
recommend an alternate location for its consideration.
* * * * * * *
Section 134 of Title 23 provides for a "continuing comprehensive transportation
planning process" in urban areas over 50,000 population, and Section 128 provides
for hearings to be conducted by State highway departments on projects involving
incorporated or unincorporated communities of any size. The effective use of
these highway planning and hearing processes promotes a measure of review and
cooperative planning with local governments.
Pursuant to the urban transportation planning requirement, the Bureau
requires each highway department to execute a memorandum of understanding
with local governments in the urban area. This is not intended to create a local
veto over location decisions. If there is an unwillingness on the part of a local
political unit to participate in the transportation planning process in such area,
the Bureau makes determination as to whether the percentage of the urban area
affected is such to negate an effective planning process for the whole area.
PAGENO="0165"
155
Under secondary road procedures the State highway departments must comply
with section 103(c) of Title 23, U.S. Code, regarding cooperation with appropriate
local authorities. The manner and extent of such cooperation are to be deter-
mined by the State. Where all public roads and highways in a county or other
political subdivision of a State are under the control and supervision of the State
highway department, the State highway department is considered the local road
authority and cooperation with other local authorities of such political subdi-
visions is not required.
In Montana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, the State highway departments may
exercise their powers in an incorporated town subject to the consent of the
municipal government.
In Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, and North Dakota, the State
highway departments are authorized to lay out limited access highways "pro-
vided that within cities and towns such authority shall be subject to such
municipal consent as may be provided by law."
In Minnesota and Washington, arbitration procedures are available to munici-
pal governments when agreement cannot be reached on freeway locations.
In California and Oregon, municipal consent is based upon statutes which
require the highway departments to reach agreement with municipality to close
off local streets for freeway construction.
Mr. CRA~iER. How about the Tennessee situation?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, I will respond to that, if I may, by
relying upon memory and not upon any documents before me.
In terms of location of a highway, to the best of my knowledge
there has not been any instance in which a location has been dis-
approved; that is, a recommendation from a State highway depart-
ment has been disapproved in favor of one recommended by a city.
There are perhaps two or three cases that I can recall offhand which
remain unsettled in which there are very decided differences of opinion
between the State highway department and the city on location. But
at this point, of those decided, to the best of my recollection there
has not been any instance in which a recommended location by the
State has been overridden in favor of a location or of a location pro-
posed by a city. There have been several instances-
Mr. KLTJOZYNSKI. Pardon me just a moment.
We have a call to the floor. We obtained unanimous consent to sit
this afternoon. So some of us will leave and vote on this and we will
continue the hearings.
(At this point, Mr. Edmondson assumed the chair.)
Mr. CRAMER. With regard to final say of the local area, I guess
Washington, D.C. would be one exception to that rule.
Secretary BOYD. Yes, yes.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I said of the ones decided, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. I see. We have understood there was to be a report
submitted of the future highway needs on April 1.
Secretary BOYD. That is overdue. It is in the process of what is
euphemistically called "executive coordination." We hope to get it
out very shortly.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you think it might be out before we have a mark-
up of the bill?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I am sure you are aware of the interest of a number
of members ~ ho sent out `~ request to a number of States concerning
additional mileage on the Interstate System `md many States replied
they had additional mileage they were interested in. I trust the report
will include that aspect of future highway needs?
PAGENO="0166"
156
Secretary Boyn. I believe there is* a rather comprehensive state-
ment-there will be a comprehensive statement of the administration's
views of future requirements and the approaches to them.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, do you contemplate it will recommend addi-
tional mileage to the Interstate System?
Secretary Born. I would rather not speculate on that, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. You are going to have to make a decision now. You
haven't made up your mind yet; is that the present position?
Secretary Born. The executive coordination is a very interesting
procedure. [Laughter.]
I wouldn't want to leave any inferences, but it is an interesting
procedure.
Mr. CRAMER. As you know, as do other States we have a pretty
serious problem that. needs to be looked into and hopefully some direc-
tion result in the very near future. I am sure you are familiar with
the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Miami missing link on the interstate. You
are familiar, also, with the fact there is a contemplated bobtail toll
ioad section being discussed?
Secretary Born. Yes, sir.
Mr. Cita~r~n. Research, surveyed. I am sure you realize under those
circumstances it is extremely important to the State of Florida, for
instance, and there are other instances, to have some guidance as to
what is going to happen relating to the possibility~ of that becoming a
part of the Interstate System, at least after the present system is
completed.
Secretary Born. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Now do you think this study you have underway and
expect a report on will give some guidance relating to that problem?
Secretary Born. We certainly hope so.
Mr. CRAMER. I would hate to see a toll road constructed on a bob-
tail basis when there was the prospect, which I trust there will be, of
it becoming a part of the Interstate System.
On this subject that was discussed previously concerning the reloca-
tion problem, is it your preference we not dally with this subject at
all in this legislation contemplating maybe something will be done in
general legislation concerning all fields?
Secretary Born. This is something that is certainly up to the good
judgment of the committee.
Mr. CRAMER. You wouldn't be adverse, then, to our considering the
matter as relating to this legislation and under your discretion and
control and not that. of HTJD relating to highway relocating?
Secretary Born. We certainly would not like to be responsible for
suggesting the committee inhibit its areas of activity.
Mr. CRA~rER. Sir?
Secretary Born. I am not sure I can repeat that. [Laughter.]
We would not want to be responsible for suggesting that the com-
mittee inhibit its areas of activity.
Mr. CRAMER. That is pretty clear. [Laughter.]
You suggest that on April 20, in a submission to the committee, to
the Congress, relating to the authorization bill, and I quote, we expect
to submit a draft bill on this subject, meaning relocation, to the Con-
gress in the next 2 weeks to implement objectives of the "Highway
Relocation System."
PAGENO="0167"
157
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir, that was our contemplation at that time.
Mr CRAMER What has happened since
Secretary BOYD. Mr. Hughes, for the administration, has taken a
position before the Government Operations Subcommittee in the Sen-
ate as outlined by Mr. Bridwell, and we fully subscribe to the prin-
ciples and the statements made in Mr. Hughes' testimony.
Mr. CRAMER. Where would the money come from for the relocation
cost?
Secretary BOYD. As I understand it, Mr. Cramer, the statements
made by Mr. Hughes were broad general statements about all grant
programs and the assumption would be that the relocation costs for
each program would come from the authorized funds in that program.
Mr. CRAMER. In other words, the trust fund in this sense?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Was any estimate made, to your knowledge, of what
that contemplated cost would be under Mr. Hughes' suggested ap-
proach?
Secretary BOYD. I have no knowledge. I will examine the tran-
script and advise you.
(The following information was received:)
The Federal Highway Administration estimated the annual cost of the high-
way relocation provisions recommended by Mr. Hughes for the Administration
to be $173 million. This estimate consists of the following items:
$75 million for replacement housing assistance (21,000 eligibles averaging
$3,500)
$19 million for rental assistance payments (38,000 units averaging $500)
$14 million for cost of transferring property to the State (56,000 units aver-
aging $250)
+$5 million for business relocations in excess of amounts recommended in
Highway Relocation Assistance Study
$60 million for recommendations of Highway Relocation Assistance Study
$173+ million total
These costs should decline in the next several years as land acquisition for the
Interstate System tapers off.
Mr. CRAMER. Were you not asked for advice concerning what might
that cost be concerning highway relocation?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, as you are aware, we made a study which
we submitted to the committee last year in response to a statutory
request for such a study. We did estimate the costs of the recommenda-
tions contained in that report.
The position taken by Mr. Hughes, representing the executive
branch before the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee, is not
identical with the recommendations in the study which we submitted
to the Congress at the request of this committee, so that the estimates
of cost are much less firm for the modifications advanced by Mr.
Hughes.
However, recognizing that the estimates are not as definitive, we
can give some information to the committee-if I can find it among
all these blue tabs-on the estimated costs. Under the existing pro-~
gram-that is, the one that was enacted in 1962-and then projecting
that type of assistance in the States, the 37 States and the District of
Columbia which have implemented it, we estimate the cost to be about
$12 million annually. In other words, that is approximately what we
believe the cost will be under existing law, and assuming no additional
PAGENO="0168"
158
States opt for implementing it, and then prOjecting that against th~
needs-needs in the sense of the number of relocatees or dmsplacees-
Mr~ CRAMER. That is the $200 for moving costs?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Three thousand for businesses.
Mr. CRAMER. Three thousand businesses, present cost, right?
Mr. BRIDWELL. And then projecting against the recommendations in
the 1967 report and using the same estimates for dislocatees, we are
estimating that the cost would be about $60 million annually.
As I say,, we have less firm costs relating to the modifications sug-
gested by Mr. Hughes, but we believe that the additional cost would be
something slightly over $100 milliOn per' year.
Mr. CRAMER. Additional cost?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. So it. would be approximately $160 million a year; is.
that right?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes. I would not place too heavy reliance upon those
figures, Mr. Cramer, because they are pretty rough.
Mr. CRAMER. All right. And that, too, would come out of the. trust
fund?
Secretary Bo~. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. So we obviously are swiftly running into problems of
what we are going to do for more money in the trust fund. Actually,
that is coming out of the Interstate System, isn't it? Because ABC
is fixed and surplus goes to Interstate so anything else that goes to
ABC has to come out of Interstate; is that correct?
Mr. BRIDWELL. That is correct.
Secretary Bon. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. So what are we going to do about more money for
the trust fund? There has been a recommendation, I understand,
by the administration for more taxes.
Secretary BoIYD. We have submitted proposals for additional user
charges, Mr. Cramer. So far there have been no hearings.
Mr. CRAMER. There has not really been considerable drive for en~
act.ment, even to the extent of getting hearings?
Secretary Bom. Well, it certainly does put in perspective some
of the "vaunted" power of the executive branch of the Government
when we look at our ability to get hearings on various pieces of
legislation.
Mr. CRAMER. Am I wrong in my observation there hasn't been
a real drive to request hearings?
Secretary Bom. I don't Imow what you mean by a "rea.l drive."
I have sought hearings personally.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, they have considerable drive behind t.he 10-
percent surtax. I don't see that kind of drive behind the request
for trust funds. That is my observation.
Secretary BoYD. A matter of priorities.
Mr. CRAMER. Relating to the Topics program, traffic operat.ions
program to increase capacity and safety, that is $250 million a year,
1970-74, also to come out of the trust fund; right?
Secretary Bom. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Therefore, also to come out of the Interstate System?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir.
PAGENO="0169"
159
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, this may be a matter of semantics, but
the trust fund will obviously suppirt the authorization of $250
million a year for the years requested in addition to the `uithorizations
~s e are ~recommendmg for the Interstate System So in that sense it
does not take away from the Interstate S~ stem
Mr. CRAMER. Well, you have to reduce what you are requesting
for Interstate because you are requesting all those other things;
right?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Well, that logically follows, then, if you take away
ABC you can make more money available for Interstate.
Mr. CRAMER. Let's get to ABC. That is an interesting subject. A.
lot of States have asked for increases in the authorization for ABC
and we did have $25 million for a considerable period of time. V\Te
got to the billion. Your recommendation is against an increase re-
lated to ABC system; is that right?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Would you oppose this committee increasing ABC
authorizations?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Isn't it true that is where some of the chronic prob-
lems are, and it is obvious that ABC has been downgraded for years,
as compared to Interstate, for instance?
Mr. BRIDWELL. We, of course, are asking in effect for an increase in
ABC, Mr. Cramer, by the request of the $250 million for TOPICS pro-
gram, because that would be applied to what we usually refer to as
primary, secondary, and urban extensions of primary and secondary.
That got kind of fouled up. Let me say that again. The $250 million
would be for the urban extensions of primary and secondary. So it is
an increase in funds for ABC.
Mr. CRAMER. Your bill, of course, would permit expenditure of
funds on any city street even though it is not a part of the Federal-aid
system; right?
Mr. BRIDWELL. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. So actually that is another-could be termed another
diversion from the trust fund so far as it relates to Federal-aid high-
ways presently designated?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir, if one desired to so characterize it. I am
at a loss to understand this business of diversion from the trust fund
because the trust fund, as I understood it, was set up for the Federal-
aid highway system. And the Federal-aid highway system is a part of
a national system and the whole purpose of the Topics program is
to increase the utilization and efficiency of that highway system.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, these roads are not on the system that we are
talking about and as I recall, the funding act that sets up the trust
fund spectfically restricts expenditure of those trust funds to Federal-
aid highways. How are you going to get around that?
Secretary BoYD. Designation as a part of the system.
Mr. CRAMER. As I read your bill it doesn't provide any such
designation.
Secretary BoYD. I will have to provide you an answer for the record.
I am sure legal counsel has advised us on this.
PAGENO="0170"
160
(The information is as follows:)
Our proposal contemplates that the "TOPICS" funds would be expended on
the Federal-Aid systems, but that arterial city avenues and streets in need of
capital improvements not now on the existing urban extensions of a Federal-
aid system would be eligible for future inclusion on a system and thereby be able
to benefit from this new program. This explains why no amendment to expend
highway trust funds off Federal-aid systems is included in our proposal.
Mr. CRAMER. Have you recommended an amendment to the High-
way Trust Fund Act to permit expenditure of undesignated highway
trust funds?
Secretary Bo~. No.
Mr. CRAMER. I suggest you take a look at the language-I am not
trying to be argumentative; I am trying to be helpful-because I
think the language submitted would not get around the restriction
on the fund for Federal highways.
Secretary Boirn. We will do so.
Mr. CRAMER. You have to designate-
Secretary Bo~m. That. is what I suggested we were prepared to do.
Mr. CRAMER. I see. Relating to fringe parking, you suggest $387
million by 1975. Where is that going to come from?
Secretary Bo~m. The trust fund.
Mr. CRAMER. That poor old Interstate System is really going to
suffer, is it not., if all these extra trust fund expenditures are used for
other purposes?
Secretary Bo~. We live in an aura of eternal optimism, Mr. Cramer,
and believe that the Congress will rise up in it.s wisdom one day and
assess additional user charges.
Mr. CRAMER. I would like to see the administration put some real
fire. behind that effort.. It. might. be successful.
Why should not some of this cost. of the fringe parking come out
of mass transit? It benefits mass transit just as much as it does high-
way users, does it not?
You are going to shift these people from the roads, parking to mass
transit?
Secretary Boim. I do not think it benefits mass transit at all. I think
mass transit is not something that you should look at in the light of
either being benefited or injured.
I think mass transit is an essential link to the life of the city. I
furthermore do not think that mass transit is going to be a money-
making proposition in the. cities in this country. But I do thmk it pro-
vides a.n essential service and will become more essential as our popula-
t.ion grows.
Mr. CRA~rER. I think it is quite obvious it is intended to encourage
people not to drive into the cit.ie.s, but to park in the fringe areas.
Secretary Bo~. No question about it.
Mr. CRAMER. And take other tra.nsportation facilities. It so states
at page 17.
Secretary Bo~i. That is the stated purpose of it.
Mr. CRAMER. "Such parking facilities shall be located and designed
to permit its use in conjunction with existing or planned mass trans-
portation facilities." So you would not contemplate any of that c.ost
coming out of anything other than the highway trust fund?
Secretary BoYD. That is correct, sir.
PAGENO="0171"
161
Mr. CRAMER. Now; this advance acquisition of right-of-way, do you
contemplate $100 million as the annual authorization for advance
acquisition?
Secretary Boyn. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. That too will come out of the trust fund?
Secretary Bo~m. Yes, sir; but for later reimbursement.
Mr. CRAMER. Now, are you setting up a revolving fund concept or
just reimbursement to a general trust fund?
Secretary BOYD. We contemplate a revolving fund.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, the language you submitted I would suggest
does not accomplish that. The reason I suggest that is I drafted a
bill, and introduced it, that does specifically set up a revolving fund,
and your language in my opinion does not accomplish that.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, we would be glad to look at the lan-
guage of the bill you introduced. The concept, of course, is to authorize
an amount, and when any land acquired in advance of project status,
goes to project status, the land acquisition cost is transferred to the
project cost and that amount credited to the advance acquisition fund.
Mr. CRAMER. Does the revised section 108 (a) pertaining to right-
of-way acquisition authorize the advance of cash Federal funds to the
States, or does it merely authorize the obligation of a portion of
Federal-aid funds to the right-of-way acquisition?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, no. I think the language specifies that
2 percent in addition to the apportioned amounts will be available to
the States up to a period of 6 months, and that if a State does not
choose to use that additional 2 percent within the 6 months, then it
can be allocated to other States which do request it.
Mr. CRAMER. I think you are talking about 108(b) and my question
was with reference to 108(a).
Mr. BRrDWELL. I believe my response is the same. It is an additional
amount equivalent. On line 19 of the bill, Mr. Cramer, it says:
an additional amount equivalent to 2 per centum of the aggregate sums appor-
tioned to it under section 104.
Mr. CRAMER. Subsection (b) says:
addition to funds available under subsection (a) of this section.
I am talking about subsection (a), which is the found which the
2 percent is in addition to.
The reason I am concerned is that subsection 108 (a) is the revision
of the amendment that I wrote into the law some time ago providing
for 7-year acquisition of right-of-way. It says:
(Provision referred to was read by Mr. Cramer.)
Mr. BRIDWELL. Well, it is obligational authority in the same sense
that obligational authority is really what is apportioned to the States,
and this obligational authority can be liquidated in the same sense
that obligational authority can be liquidated for a contract.
Mr. CRAMER. The reason I asked the question is why do you require
reimbursement on line 8, page 11, subsection (c), "Before any funds
may be made available to a State pursuant to this section," meanino
(a) and (b), "the State highway department shall enter into an ao~re~
ment with the Secretary which shall provide for the reimburse~ient
PAGENO="0172"
162
of the costs .of such rights-of-way." Now, you do not have to reimburse
under that 7-year provision. =
Mr. BRIDWELL. I will have to provide an answer for the record,
Mr. Cramer. I have not gone over this specific language in the sense
you are asking it.
Mr. C~R. Well, I also find it very difficult to understand subsec-
tion 0(a) at all as compared to the present 7-year advance acquisition
law. 0
Secretary Bo~ri. The .conèept as I understand it, Mr. Cramer. is to
provide a revolving fund for the stated limitations from which the
States can borrow without. interest against the date. when they under-
take the project, which must be within 7 years. At the time they under-
take the project, any moneys that they have utilized in that fund for
that project must be credited back to the fund. That is the concept..
Now, the language creates some problems perhaps in how it is
worked out, but that is what we are trying to accomplish.
Mr. CRAMER. It would be my observation the bill as drafted does not
accomplish that and it is sufficiently confusing that, frankly, I cannot
understand it. I read it half a dozen times. Well, let me ask you this
question: Does subsection (a) authorize an initial hundred percent
advance of right-of-way acquisition?
Mr. BRThWELL. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. I know (b) does, but does (a) as well?
Mr. BIUDwELI4. Yes.
(At this point Mr. Kluczynski resumed the chair.)
Mr. CRAMER. Why does it not say so? You say so in (b), but you do
not say so in (a). I wish you would look into that.
Secretary Bo~rn. All right, sir. Do you have any other questions rela-
tive to these sections?
Mr. CRAMER. Yes. What I am going to do is submit some questions
in writing. I will write a series of. questions if the Department will be
kind enough to supply us with some answers.
Secretary Born. Right, sir.
(The following was received for the record:)
TUE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION,
Washingon, D.C.. July 2. 1968.
Hon. Wn~LIAM C. CRAMER,
House of Representatives, 0
Washington, D.C. 0 0
DEAR Mn. CRAMER: Thank you for your letter of June 7, 1968, to which you
appended a series of questions related to recent hearings by the House Roads
Subcommittee. 0
The attachment provides replies to each of the questions in your letter.
Should there be any additional materials whieh you would wish from us, or
more extensive discussion of any particular subjects, please let me know.
Sincerely,
ALAN S. BOYD.
REsPoNsEs TO QUEsTIoNs IN YOUR LETTER
1. Would section 108(a), pertaining to right-of-way acquisition as it would be
revised by section 9 of H.R. 17134, authorize the advanc~e of cash Federal funds
to the States, or would it merely authorize the obligation of apportioned Federal-
aid funds for right-of-way acquisition? 0
Answer: No. The provisions of section 108(a) would be broadened by the
insertion of the following phrase immediately after the words reasonable :".
to facilitate the orderly reloctalon of persons, businesses, farms, and other exist-
PAGENO="0173"
163
ing ~üser~ of property; th minimize right-of-way costs by forestalling development
of `land~ultimatèly r~qiiired forhigh~*ay lihrposes, md to achieve a rational
development of commimities. .. ."
2. Would revised section 108(a) authorize initial 100% Federal financing of
right-of-way acquisition?
Answer: No. The financing provisions as now contained in existing law would
remain in effect.
3.. Could money under section 108 (b) be used for making payments on account
of relocation costs of displaced persons?
Answer: Yes.
4. I would appreciate your clarification of section 14 of H.R. 17134 with
respect to fringe parking facilities:
(a) Reference is made in the proposed new section 139 of title 23, United
States Code, to the "established grade line of the right-of-way." In practical-
ly all instances there is no established grade line of the right-of-way, although
there is an established grade line of the highway structure itself. Should sec-
tion 14(b) be amended to refer to the established grade line of the highway,
rather than the right-of-way.?
Answer: Yes.
(b) If a proposed fringe parking area is located equi-distant from a Federal-
aid primary highway and an Interstate highway, how will it be determined
whether the funds for the construction of such fringe parking facility will be
taken from Federal-aid primary apportionments or from Interstate apportion-
ments?
Answer: This would be determined by the route that the transit service is ex-
pected to use in reaching its final destination.
(c) The proposed new section 139 would authorize the use of Federal funds
for the construction of fringe parking facilities upon the right-of-way of a high-
way, or upon property acquired for that purpose. Would this narrow language
preclude the use of Federal funds to aid in the construction of a parking facility
upon land which may have been previously owned by the State or municipality
involved, or may be received as a gift or otherwise?
Answer: We do not interpret the language as prohibitive of the use of lands
acquired for highway or other purposes for fringe parking provided the other
requirements of this section are met.
5. Section 131, title 23, United States Code, as enacted by the Highway Beau-
tification Act of 1965, provides a penalty for failure to control outdoor adver.
tising through the means of reducing the apportionment of Federal-aid high-
way funds. Federal-aid funds for fiscal year 1970 will probably be apportioned
in late summer or early fall of this year. You are on record as stating that there
will be no penalty for failure to comply with the requirements of section 131
during 1968. Funds authorized for fiscal year 1971 are expected to be appor-
tioned in the late summer or early fall of calendar year 1969.
(a) If the prescribed penalty is imposed upon a State would it be done at
the time of apportioning funds authorized for fiscal year 1971 or at some other
time?
Answer: Section 131(b) provides in substance that Federal-aid highway funds
apportioned on or after January 1, 1968, to any State which the Secretary
determines has not made provision for effective control of outdoor advertising
shall be reduced by amounts equal to 10 percentum of the amounts that would
otherwise be apportioned to such State under Section 104 until such time as the
State shall provide for such effective control. However, the Secretary, whenever
he determines it to be in the public interest, may suspend for such periods as he
deems necessary the application of this subsection to a State.
The language of this section provides sufficient latitude for the Secretary to
reduce the State's apportioned funds by 10 per .centum of the amounts appor-
tioried. either at the time of apportioning or at~ some later date when the Secre-
tary. determines that such action may become necessary.
(b) If a penalty can or may be imposed at a time other than the time of ap-
portionment of funds authorized for fiscal year .1971, in what manner and by
what means would such a penalty be imposed? .
Answer: If a 10 per centum reduction in apportioned funds becomes neces-
sary at the time of apportionment of funds authorized for fiscal year 1971 or
at any other time, the manner and. means employed to institute such a reduction
will be in accordance with Section 131 (1) which, in addition to various other
~detai1ed. procedures, provides that not less than. sixty days before .making a
PAGENO="0174"
164
final determination to withhold funds from a State under subsection (b) of
this section, the Secretary shall give written notice to the State and shall pro-
vide the State an opportunity for a hearing on such determination.
S. 2658-VEHICLE WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
- 1. Itis'clear.is it.notthat:"~ . . `. .~ S
(a-) S. 2658 and H.R. 14474 aptly' only to the `Interstate-System; amd
(b) the States would not have to permit the operation of vehicles `having
the weight and dimensions set forth in those bills, b9t could establish lower
limits? S
Answer: S S 5
(a) It is clear that S. 2658 and H.R. 14474 would apply only to the Inter-
state System, and S
(b) that the States would not be required to come up to the maximum
specified limits but could do so at their option.
In this regard, Senate Report No. 1026 on 5. 2658, stated:
"The committee most emphatically reaffirms `that the responsibility for legal
maximum allowable limits and control of sizes and weights of vehicles operating
on the Interstate System, as well as on all the other road systems of the United
States, rests with the individual States." S
2. 5. 2658, as passed the Senate, would increase the weights of vehicles per-
mitted to operate on the Interstate System from 18,000 to 20,000 pounds on one
axle. from 32.000 to 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle, and would change the
overall gross-weight limit from 73,280 pounds to a weight determined by a
formula based on the number and spacing of axles.
(a.) As the bill is written, there is no maximum limit on the overall gross
weight of vehicles which would be permitted to operate on the Interstate System.
Does this present a danger to structures on the Interstate `System?
Answer: The bill as written, with no maximum limit on the overall gross weight
(or on overall length of vehicle or combinations) would' present no danger to
the H-20S-16 structures on completed sections of the Interstate System, since
the equation controls permitted weight on axle groups in relation to their spacing.
(b) Do you think the bill should be amended to include a limitation on the
maximum overall gross weight?
Answer: No, as per the preceding answer.
3. The bill as written contains no limit on the maximum length of vehicles.
Would this create a problem with respect to negotiating on and off ramps at
interchanges?
Answer: The omissiOn of length control, as noted in 2(a) above, could pose
operational problems on ramps with certain types of equipment.
4. The length of vehicles has a bearing on highway safety. Taking for example,
`an automobile travelling at 70 miles per hour passing a truck travelling at 60
miles per hour, if the truck is 65 feet long, the passing maneuver can be completed
in 18.92 seconds and over a distance of 1,942.5 feet. If the truck is 98 feet long
`(the length of some combinations currently `being operated), the time to com-
plete the passing maneuver is 21.16 seconds and the distance will be 2.172.5 feet.
The difference between the passing time and distance in this example is 2.24
seconds and 230 feet.
(a-) Would this increase the potential safety hazards on four-lane highways?
Answer: The passing maneuver on four-lane divided highways with access
control would not appear to have a significant effect on safety hazards.
(b) There is still a considerable mileage of two-lane highways on the Inter-
state System. Would the additional time and distance to complete a passing
maneuver of a 98-foot long combination of vehicles unduly increase the hazards
on `these highways?
Answer: The longer combination would materially influence both safety and
capacity on two-lane, two-direction highways, both adversely. In our opinion,
such operation should be restricted to completed segments of the Interstate System
or equivalent S
(o) During recent hearings of the Special Subcommittee on the Federal-aid
Highway Programs, we heard considerable testimony about inadequate signing,
particularly advance signing of exits. In a congested urban area with inter-
changes closely spaced, would this additional time and distance required to com-
plete a passing maneuver create a safety hazard?
Answer: If exit signing is inadequate due to insufficient lead time. it does not
appear that this deficiency would be made worse by the longer combination as
contrasted to lesser vehicles hauling the same tonnage. Much of the criticism
PAGENO="0175"
165
of urban interchange signing may possibly be attributed to the maintenance of
rural speeds in urban environments At 60 miles per hour a vehicle w ill traverse
the distance between two interchange exit ramps spaced at one-eighth of a mile
in less than 8 seconds.
(d) Depending upon the height of the vehicle and the location of signs, it
might be that a motorist would not be able to see the sign ~lesignat1ngthe exit
he wants to take. How can this problem be solved?
Answer: It does not appear that vehicle height would deter motorists' vision of
properly located signs unless he is travelling too fast or tailing too close behind
a maximum height vehicle He can always slow down to avoid over shooting
his exit destination Advance consultation of maps can be helpful to tourists in
strange environments. Additional audio means to supplement visual aids are being
extensively researched as part of the problem of what kind of information the
motorist needs in what circumstances and how it may best be imparted to
him. Broadly included in the problem are the elements of route guidance,
emergency alert, and advisory information as to the availablity of traffic-oriented
services.
5. Do you think the bill should contain a limitation on:
(a) vehicle length?
Answer: No, not at this time. Further studies are necessary on the economic
and safety implications in the various regions of these United States.
(b) vehicle height?
Answer: Yes, a height limit of 13 feet, 6 inches is desirable to ensure safety
margins in the vertical cleararree of overhead structures, with due allowance for
resurfacing requirements, :SflQW and ice accumulation, and the like. Even more
compelling is the maintenance of vehicle s1~bi1ity, inherent in the preserva-
tion of a limiting height to width ratio.
6. The present law limits the weights and dimensions of vehicles permitted
to operate on the Interstate System to either specified limitations or limitations
established by State law or regulations in effect on July 1, 1956, whichever is
the greater. S. 2658, as it passed .the Senate, would permit the operation of vehicles
on the Interstate System which could be operated on the public l~ighuays under
laws or regulations in effect on January 1, 1968.
(a,) How many States have increased the weights or dimensions permitted
to operate on public highways other than Interstate Highways since 1956?
Answer: Numerous States have made changes. in limits on other than Inter-
state highways since Fuly 1, 1956, many by specific exception of certain products,
on certain designated highways, and by. special permit authorization, such as
would preclude a precise answer to this part. Five States have increased width for
certain vehicles on certain highways beyond the 96-inch limit of Sec. 127, Title 23.
All but twenty States have increased the height* limit, not restrained by Sec.
127. Length limit increases tabulate as follows:
States
Truck 14
Bus 23
Truck tractor semitrailer 34
Other combination 30
Nine States have increased either smgle or tandem axle limits acro~s the
board or in limited application in excess of the Sec 127 restraint for either desig
nated or non-Interstate highways. One State increased axle limits permitted on
the Interstate System. These axle limit increases suggest that the nine States now
permit gross weights on non-Interstate highways in excess of those permitted on
the Interstate System. All States that were below the Sec. 127 gross weight limit
of 73,280 pounds have come up to that limit for operation on the Interstate and
the generality of highways. Tables of permitted sizes and weights as of July 1,
1950, and December 31, 11167, are attached.
(b) According to the Senate Report on S. 2658 (Senate Report No. 1026) 15
States allow the operation of motor vehic'es with axle weights over 20,000 pounds.
24. States allow the operation of vehicles having a tandem axle of over 32 000
pounds, and 8 of these States allow tandem axle weights over 36,000 pe~nds.
Would this create a problem for those States which*have lower weight 1imit~ ~jrn~?
Answer: All States would retain the prerogative to deny legal entry of such of
such vehicles of the 15 States enumerated as permitting axle limits in excess of
proposed Interstate limits, or for that matter, of all vehicles with . axle loads in
excess of those in accord with the determined capability of their highways.
PAGENO="0176"
166
7 S 2658 does not define the term axle or tandem axle Do you think tht~'
bi1L~ho~tjbea~nended.to definetjiese terms?
Tn~iöOr~ItiO Our vi~w that all such required d~finitions má~ be included,.
appropi~iatelyiu Sec. 101 of.Title 23, andthe,bffl should be amended tc~ provide.
S. ~The bill provides for measurement of weight to the nearest 500 pounds
Do yOu think it wOuld be helpful, to provide for iiieasurement of Iength "totbe
nearest!oot?'?
A~wer,~Yes, bOth the weight and the, measurement of length. it should be
made `clear. thO~t~the teihn "L" in the gi~Oss weight* equation i~ defined' as the
diztaiicé in' feOt betweefi the centers of the eitreme~ axles of any grotqi. of two
ormore consecutive axles, measured to the nearest foot.~
9~ If a State violates the weight and size limitation of State and Federal law,
inadvertantly or otherwise. it can be penalized 100 percent of its Federal-aid~
highway funds, although the weight and dimension limitations apply only to the
Interstate System. Do you think an adjustment in this penalty provision is
needed?
Answer: A State does not violate State size and weight limitations although it
may, inadvertantly or otherwise, permit or condone violations. If we,are to secure
enforcement by letting the punishment fit the crime, some adjustment may be
needed in the penalty provision.
QUESTIONS ON H.R. 17134
~$ection 2-Revision of Authorization of Appropriations for Interstate, ,S'ystem'
1. Section 2 of the bill would increase the total amounts authorized for the'
Interstate System from the $42.3 billion authorized by existing law to $50.64
billion (an increase of $8.34 billion) to reflect the increased Federal cost indi-
cated in the 1968 cost estimate.
Is that right?
Answer: Yes.
2. Can the Highway Trust Fund support expenditures resulting from these
increased authorizations, together with other required expenditures, from reve-
nues provided by existing law?
Answer: Revenues provided under existing law through the present termina-
tion date of the Trust Fund, September 30, 1972, would not be adequate. However,
if the Trust Fund termination date is extended by 33 months to June 30, 1975,
to receive revenues from the sources and at the rates provided by existing law,
recepits would be adequate to cover complete disbursement of all funds authorized
for fiscal year 1975 and prior fiscal years for programs presently financed and
proposed to be financed from the Fund, including the $50.64 billion cost of the
Interstate System.
3. Last year the Administration recommended legislation to increase the re-
ceipts of the Highway Trust Fund, but the Congress took no action. On April 22,
1968, the Administration again transmitted to the Congress recommended legis-
lation to provide additional revenue for the Highway Trust Fund and to extemi
it for two years, but no action has been taken, no hearings have been held. and
none are scheduled.
(a) What are the prospects for enactment of the Highway Trust Fund legis-
lation this session of Congress?
Angwer: (a) The prospects are slim at this date.
(b) What affirmative action is being taken by the Administration to assure its
enactment?
Answer: (b) Representatives of the Department have discussed the proposed
legislation with Chairman Mills `and members of his staff.
4. The cost estimates indicate that the Federal share of the estimated `cost of
completing the Interstate System has increased from $42.0 billion in 1965 to
$50.64 billion in 1968-an increase of $8.64 billion or 20.57%. Can you tell me
how there could be this wide disparity in estimates made just three years apart?
Answer: The increase in the estimate between 1965 and 1968 is attributable
to many factors including changes in unit prices, increased allowance for reserve
mileage, costs of engineering and right-of-way, change in legislation requiring
a minimum of 4 lanes throughout the system, additional interchanges, crossing
structures, traffic lanes, pavement design, safety features, and other elements
which reflect the great increase in use of this system as completed sections are
opened to traffic. The cost differences between the estimates for thésé itémg
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167
1965 1968
Item
lotal cost Federal share Total cost Federal share
1 Interstate mileage in State estimates
1965 estimate (40,886 miles):::: 44, 744 40,100
1968 estimate (40,969 miles) 54, 234 48, 538
2. Remaining system mileage:
1965 estimate:
Reserved forspecific routes (93 miles) 465 420 -
Held for final measurement(21 miles) 105 95
1968estimate: Held for final measurement (31
: miles) 310 280
Subtotal, 41,000-mile system 45,314 40, 615 54, 544 48, 818
3. State highway planning and research 640 579 790 704
4. Public roads adrtiinistration and research 511 511 663 663
5. Contingencies , 335 295 503 455
Grand total 46, 800 42, 000 56, 500 50,640
The 1968 estimate total cost is shown in table 7 to be $56.5 billion as compared
to $46.8 billion reported in the 1965 estimate. The difference in cost, $9.7 billion,
includes `a $310 million allowance for reserve mileage totaling 31 miles which had
been estimated in 1905 at $5 million per mile-an increase of $155 million. Also
included in the estimate differences is an increase in the allowance made in
this estimate for State Highway and Public Roads planning, administration, and
research and for contingency items. The increase in the 1908 estimate for these
categories is $470 million. The remaining net increase in preliminary engineering,
right-of-way, and construction items totals $9,075 million.
The following is a brief `summary and tabulation of the costs which make up
the differences between the 1965 and 1968 estimates.
[In millions of dollars}
Unit price chauge~:
(a) Ohange in cost due to the increase in unit prices between the base
year 1963 and the year 1966 1, 875
Added construction items:
(b) Additional interchanges and grade separation's, plus improvements
in design of ramps and structures-costs not included in 1965
estimate 990
(c) Additional lanes over those reported in 1965 estimates but not in-
cluding the conversion from 2 to 4 lanes in item (k), an increase
to meet greater traffic needs 340
(d) Heavier design of roadway base surface and shoulder areas to
accommodate heavier traffic volumes and increased `load factors,
reflecting changes in design knowledge and procedures over 1965
estimate data 1, 045
(e) Extra stage of pavement structure on earlier opened sections of
Interstate System to `adequately accommodate design year
traffic 200
(.f) Added landscaping, erosion control features, roadside rest areas,
`and rest area facilities, not included in 1965 estimate, and not
subsec. 319(b) costs 555
(g) Additi~nal safety features on work under construCtion, or work
remaining to be obligated-including flatter slopes, wider
bridges, additional guardrail, safety posts, and light standards-
not a part of 1965 estimate 845
(h) Added `safety features on segments previously opened to traffic_.~. 685
Subtotal 4, 660
are shown in House Document 199, 90th Congress, 2d'S6s~iot,O~'p~ges 11 and
12 The cost items are repeated below for ct3nvensent reference
TABLE 7.-COMPARISON OF'TFIE l9~5 AND THE 1968 ESTIMATES OF TOTAL C0STO~ THE 41,000-MILE I~4TERSTATE
SYSTEM
[In millions of dollarsj
96-030-68----12
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168
Preliminary engineering and right-of-way:
(i) Increase in right-of-way costs over 1965 estImate for segments not
included in items (1) and (k)___~.~~ 890
(j) Increase in preliminary engineering costs over 1965 estimate, for
segments not included in items (1) and (k) plus overruns in
preliminary engineering and right-of-way projects previously
considered fully financed for 1965 ~stimate purposes 385
Subtotal 1,275
Four-lane minimum design requirement:
(k) Added cost to provide a minimum of 4 lanes for previous 2-lane
segments of the Interstate Sy~stem, in accordance with sec. 5 of
the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1966
System changes:
(1) System additions and significant system adjustments, including
deleted system segments, total $1,345,000,000 which is offset by
an allowance of $5,000,000 per mile for 83 miles included in the
1965 estimate-Increase 030
Grand total__ - 9,075
5. According to the 1968 Cost Estimate, some $4.66 billion of the increase, more
than half, is attributable to added construction items not included in the 1965
estimate.
(a) Why were these items not included in the 1965 Cost Estimate?
Answer: The 1965 Estimate was prepared on the best judgment then available
to State and Bureau people as to the needs of the system to provide the service
expected to be rendered for transportation requirements. It was not apparent in
1964 that these needs would be as great as they were shown to be in 1967 when
the new estimate was being prepared. The Bureau and the States are constantly
being requested to approve new interchanges, to provide crossing for local service
roads, to provide new service ramps, to provide additional lanes, etc. As more and
more of the system is completed these needs become more established and the later
estimates reflect this change in concept. In addition, it has been recognized the
early pavement designs in many instances were not capable of carrying the
traffic loads to be imposed by 1975 and later years. Further, there is obvious need
now for changes involving added safety features needed to give optimum protec-
tion t~ the traveling public. All of these elements are included in the $4.66 billion
increase and are itemized in the listing under Question 4.
(b) Can we look forward to comparable additional construction items in the
next cost estimate?
Aflswer: These items of additional construction needs should be minimized by
the time of the next estimate since this is a "pick-up" really, of earlier oversight
or miscalculation as to the real impact of the Interstate System on traffic service
requirements and demands. There will be some increase, of course, but it is our
judgment this will be a diminishing factor as the system draws nearer to a status
of total completion.
6. The 1968 Cost Estimate was based on calendar year 1966 prices. We have
now passed the first quarter of 1968.
(a) How much have prices increased since ealendar year 1966?
Answer: The Bureau of Public Roads quarterly report on construction price
index shows the following trend during 1967 and early 1968. The four quarters of
calendar 1966 are shown for comparison purposes.
Composite
Year: inder
1957-59 (base) _~:2~i~~
1966:
1st quarter 109. 0
2d quarter 113. 7
3d quarter 6
4th quarter 112.8
Year averaa~e 113. 0
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169
lear: Composite
1967: index
1st quarter 113. 2
2d quarter 112. 3
3d quarter 123. 0
4th quarter 119. 2
Xear average 117 6
1968: 1st quarter - 120.. 6
(b) Would you recommend that the authorizations for the Interstate System
be revised to reflect that increase?
Answer: In the Appendix to the 1968 Estimate report (House Document 199)
the following information was furnished regarding bid price escalation during the
remaining program period.
The 1968 estimate cost summary, shown in tables 6 and 7, does not contain any
factor for future trends in highway unit prices. It is based on 1966 oalendar year
weighted average unit .prices in each State.
In re~,ponse to the request of congressional committees for an estini'tte of the
additional future cost which may be in~o1ved in completing the Intetstate System,
an effort has been made to project prices for construction and materials and for
right-of-way in order to anticipate increased needs which may be met, and which
are not a part of the State reports.
The Bureau of Public Roads price trend since 1960 shows a steady increase
exceeding 21/2 percent per year. This increase in construction cost has been ac-
companied by an increase in the cost of preliminary engineering at approximately
the same rate. Right-of-way costs, meanwhile, show an increase of from 5 to 10
percent per year. The combination of these trends for use in forecasting an
escalation in total costs is, of course, speculative. However, if an increase were
to occur in the cost of preliminary engineering, right-of-way and construction
from January 1967, through the remaining years of the program based on cur-
rent revenues, at the rate of 3 percent. per year compounded annually, the result-
ing cost increase would be estimated to be $3,350 million.
We would recommend the authorization for completing the Interstate System
include allowance for this item.
7. The 1968 Cost Estimate includes $555 million for "added landscaping, cr0-
sion control features, roadside rest areas, and rest area facilities, not included
in the 1965 Estimate. and not subsection 319(b) costs".
(a) It is true, is it not, this $555 million would come out of construction funds
and does not include amounts appropriated to carry out the Highway Beautifica-
tion Act of 1965, which provides for financing of control of outdoor advertising,
control of junkyards, and landscaping and scenic enhancement, out of the Gen-
eral Fund?
Answer: This is true. The $555 million reported here is for items of erosion
control, landscaping, rest areas, and rest area facilities-which are a normal
part of the highway construction and paid for from highway funds.
(b) These expenditures would be for highway beautification items not included
in the 1965 Cost Estimate. Please give me the present estimated cost of beautifica-
tion items which were includedin the 1965 Estimate.
Answer: These estimated expenditures ($555 million) are identified as "added
landscaping, erosion control features, roadside rest areas, and rest area facilities.
not mcluded in the 1965 Estim'ite In the 1965 Estimate there was included
.a line item of cost identified merely by L-ine Item i3-Ro~4side Improvement.
This item included costs for all features of roadside improvement beyond the
cost of the basic grading reported under Line Item 5. These costs included top
soil, sodding, seeding, and slope treatment for erosion control. Also included in
this item were safety rest area costs. There was no breakdown for separate iden-
tification of costs. The total costs reported by all States in 1965 for Line Item 13
costs was $445 million.
In the 1968 Estimate the format for State reports was modified to include a
breakdown of Line Item 13 costs Into the following categories-(a) Erosion
Control (b) Landscaping (c) Rest Areas, and (d) Scenic Overlooks. The States
reported costs to complete the system in these categories totaling $984 million
in the 1968 Estimate.
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70
On. request to the States for information regarding cost comparison betss~een
the. two estimates for landscaping and rest areas, the total reported was the
$555 million itein'shbwn'in House Document 199:
8. The "1967 Highway Beautification Program" submitted to the Congress in
January 1967 (Senate Document No. 6), suggests alternative program~ for land-
scaping and scenic enhancement: Program A would involve only "top qua1ity'~
work, and the report states that, "Obtaining maximum benefit for minimum cx-
penditure was the overriding concern in selecting this prOgram'work". Program
B would include all work considered "desirable and feasible", and the report
states that Program B: "could be considered as an ultimate program". The totat
estimated cost ror Program A for the Interstate System is abOut' $506 million.
The estimated cost of Program B for the Interstate System is about $876 million.
Excluding the estimated cost of acquiring, scenic strips adjacent to the right-of-
way of Interstate highways (to be financed largely, if;no,t entirely, by funds
appropriated to carry out the Highway Beautification Act of 1965), the estimated
cost of landscaping and scenic enhancement on Interstate Highways would be
about $462 million under Program A. and about $800 million under Program B.
According to the 1968 cost estimate. the estimated Federal share of the cost
of highway beautification items (including those `items. `which were and those
which were not included in the. 1965 ëost estimated) is about $984 million.
Can you tell me why the estimated cost of beautifications items for the Inter-
state System under the 1968 Cost Estimate is so much higher than the estimated
cost of both Program A and Program B as set forth in the "1967 Highway
Beautification Program"?
Answer: There is no valid comparison which can be made between these two'
reports since the instructions which covered the two estimates were totally
different, the estimates were for different purposes, and the variables which con-
trolled the ultimate costs reported in each case were many and different. As
stated under Question 7 the Line Item 13 costs for the 1968 Estimate covered
erosion control, landscaping. rest areas and facilities, and scenic overlooks. We
can report a breakdown of the $984 million as follows:
Erosion control $331. 000, 000
Landscaping 353. 000, 000
Rest areas and facilities 284, 000, 000
Scenic overlooks 16, 000, 000
Total 984. 000, 000
These values reflect the increased emphasis on landscaping and erosion control
within the highway right-of-way, and the increased need for safety rest areas
along the Interstate System. The great use being made of rest areas on com-
pleted sections of the Interstate System points up the public need for these
facilities. As shown in the tabulation. the cost of scenic overlooks reported by the
States is not a large part of the total Item 13 costs.
SECTION 4-EXTENSION OF TIME FOR COMPLETION OF SYSTEM
1. Under existing law, the 1968 cost estimate is to be used for apportioning
funds authorized for fiscal year 1970, and the final cost estimate is to be sub-
mitted in January 1969 for use in apportioning funds in fiscal years 1971 and 1972.
Section 4 of the bill would provide for the 1968 cost estimate to be used for
apportioning funds for both fiscal years 1970 and 1971, and would require the
next and last cost estimate to be submitted in January 1970 for use of that cost
estimate for apportioning funds for fiscal years 1972, 1973, and 1974.
(a) If the price increase trend continues and the 1970 cost estimate is to be
used for apportioning funds for three fiscal years, wouldn't it be badly out of
date by the end of the program?
Ansic r: Assuming a price increase, as reported in the appendix of House Docu-
ment 199, is included in development of the new authorization schedule for com-
pleting the Interstate `System; and assuming there are no major system changes
which, require adjustment of apportionment factors-the 1970 Estimate should
not be badly out of date if used for apportionment of funds for three fiscal years.
(b) In the view- of the extension of time for completing the Interstate System,
shouldn't an additional cost estimate be submitted to the Congress?
Answer: The number of additional estimates needed to provide equitable ap-
portionment factors for completing the Interstate System depends, of course, on
the length of program time extension required. The Act provides for an extension
to fiscal year 1974 with the 1970 Estimate used for apportioning funds for 1972,
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1973, and 1974. It might be preferable that there be made provision for admin-
istr tti~ c re~ ision of appoitionment factors during the final two years of the
Intci ~tite piogram period with the Secretary authorized to adjust program bal
ances betw een St'stes as necessary to assure a proper distribution of available
funds to complete the system.
SECIION ~- ~TJTHORIZ &TIONS ron ABC PROGRAM Ai~ D PUBLIC DOMAIN ROADS
1 Duimg heaiings of this Subcommittee in Februiry of this year it was
pointed out that there has been no increase in Federal-aid ABC authorizations
since 1964. HR. 17134 would continue the practice of authOrizing funds for the
ABC program at a $1 billion annual level. It was recommended by the American
Rood Builders Association that, in view of price increases and relative neglect
of tho ABC program because of emphasis on the Interstate program, the annual
authorizations for the ABC program be increased to $1.5 billion for each of the
fisco~ years 1970 and 1971.
Would you comment on this please?
Ansuer: Annual authorizations for the ABC highways were increased con-
.sideraldy under the expanded highway program inaugurated in 1956, from $700
million authorized for the fiscal year 1956 to a $1 billion level beginning with
the fiscal year 1966. This $1 billion authOrization level was continued for the
fiscal years 1967 through 1969, and is further proposed for the fiscal years 1970
and ItYZ1.
During the fiscal years 1970 and 1971 the major effort under the Federal-aid
iiigbi~vay program will still be directed toward completion of the Interstate
System, involving recommended authorizations of $4 billion annually. In addi-
tion, a new TOPICS program is being recommended to supplement the ABC
program, involving additional authorizations of $230 million annually for im-
provement of the Federal-aid primary system in urban areas. In view of these
circumstances, it is recommended that the ABC authorizations be continued at
the $1 billion annual level for each of the fiscal years 1970 and 1971.
2. Section 5 of H.R. 17134 would authorize the appropriation of $250 million
for each of five fiscal years, a total of $1250 billion, for "traffic operation projects
in urban areas". H.R. 17134 would limit expenditure of these funds to extension
of the Federal-aid highways in urban areas. I understand, however, that the
Administration recommends that the money be appropriated out of the Highway
Trust Fund, but without any requirements that the money be spent only on roads
and streets on the Federal-aid system.
(a.) It that correct?
Answer: No. The TOPICS funds would be expended only on an approved Fed-
eral-aid system within urban areas.
(b) Isn't this a diversion of Highway Trust Funds from the purposes now
prescribed by law?
Ass wer: Arterial highways, major streets and most of the streets in the down-
town areas would be eligible for addition to the Federal-aid primary system.
All expenditures would be in accordance with the provisions of current Federal-
aid highway legislation.
3. The bill would authorize the appropriation of funds for parkways and park
roads and trails for fiscal year 1971 but not for fiscal year 1970. Why is this?
Answer: This question should be referred to the Department of Interior since
it relates to the programs and responsibilities of that Agency.
4. The authorizations for all public domain highways and park roads would
be held at about the present levels or reduced, except for Indian reservation
roads and bridges. Under existing law, $19 million was authorized for fiscal year
1965, and $23 million authorized for 1969 for Indian reservation roads and
bridges. HR. 17134 Would increase this to $30 million for each of fiscal years
1970 and 1971. Why this increase?
Answer: This question should be referred to the Department of Interior since
it relates to the programs and responsibilities of that Agency.
5. Under section 204(g) of the Highway Revenue Act of. 1956, apportionments
for the Interstate System must be reduced if the apportionment would result in
expenditures which, together with all other expenditures from the Trust Fund,
would exceed its receipts. In other words, all programs financed out of the
Highway Trust Fund take priority over the Interstate program.
(a) If enacted as recommended by the Administration, the $1,250 billion
"traffic operation projects" would take priority over the Interstate System
under the existing law, would it not?
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Answer: LTnder `existing, law (Section :209(g) of the Highway Revenue Act
of `1956) `the- TOPICS' program as recommended for financing' `from the' Highway
Trust Fund would take priority over the Interstate System program if Highway
Trust Fund revenues were inadequate to finance all programs at the authorized
levels.
(b) Was this fact taken into account when it was decided to not limit the pro-
grom to streets and highways on the Federal-aid system?
Answer: The TOPICS funds would be expended only on Federal-aid system
routes. TOPICS-type improvements on streets and highways comprising the
Federal-aid system are urgently needed to expedite traffic in urban areas, and
this was the major consideration in submitting recommendations for the TOPICS
`program.
(c) Under these circumstances, I would like to have your views as to the desir-
ability of making the authorizations for the new traffic operation projects pro-
gram and the provision for financing forest highways and public lands highwayn
out or the Highway Trust Fund conditional upon enactment of legislation pro-
viding revenues for the Highway Trust Fund in excess of that required to' com-
plete the Interstate System.
Answer: The Administration proposal for the continuing highway program is'
for a complete package involving completion of the Interstate System, continua-
tion of the ABC program, authorization of a TOPICS program, and continuation
of the Forest Highway and Public Lands Highway programs, all to `be financed
from revenues accruing to the Trust Fund under present and proposed legislation.
No priority other than as prescribed by Section 209(g) of the Highway Revenue
Act of 1956 has been established for one program over another-all are needed~
and it is recommended that all be financed from the Trust Fund.
Revenues accruing to the Trust Fund under present legislation would be ade-
quate to finance all of the programs at recommended levels for a period of several
years in the future. The programs are needed now, and the necessary authoriza-
-tions should not be conditioned upon enactment now of legislation to provide
-revenues for the Highway Trust Fund in excess of that required at a later date-
to complete the Interstate System. The Interstate System itself cannot be com-
pleted except as there is legislation to provide additional revenues in the Highway
Trust Fund.
Section 6-Auth orizations for State and comm unity Ii igliway safety programs
1. Even if appropriation of money for this program is authorized by the Con--
gress, the funds cannot be apportioned to the States. The apportionment formula
set forth in the existing law loes not apply to fiscal years after 1969. The Secretary
is required to submit recommendations to the Congress by January 1, 1969 regard-
ing `a non-discretionary apportionment formula. and until this is done and the-
Congress acts, the funds cannot be apportioned.
l's there any reason why we should not defer authorization of funds for this'
program until the Congress considers the recommendation of the Secretary
regarding the apportionment formula?
Answer: Public Law 89-564, the Highway Safety Act of 1966, requires the-
Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress his recommendations for a
nondiscretionary apportionment formula for State highway safety programs on~
or before January 1, 1969, and this will be done. The Department currently is
studying various formulas which could be used for apportionment of authoriza-
tions for fiscal year 1970 and thereafter.
Authorizations are needed well in advance of usage so that the States may'
comply with Section 105. Chapter I, Title 23, U.S.C-Highways, by submitting'
a program or programs of proposed projects for, the utilization of funds. Enact-
ment of the fiscal year 1970 and 1971 authorizations this year will permit the'
States the latitude they need for advance planning.
Section 7-Authorization for h igli way .satety. research and development programs
1. I notice that section 7 would authorize $30 million for fiscal year 1970 and
$40 million for fiscal year 1971 for highway safety. research and development pro-
grams. This compares with ~20 million and $2i million antborizel for 1i~al
years 1968 and 1969 respectively.
(a-) Why does the Administration ask for an increase in this research program
while many of the other aspects of the highway program are to bt reduced?
Answer: The answer to this question must first speak to the thesis that the
other aspects of the highway safety program are in fact not being reduced. If
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the ares on .S~ction: 6are taken a1bne,~you'would~ get the impression th~.t the
program tapers off in 1971. What those figures actually mean is this: Congress
has already authorized us to obligate a total of $267 milllon-$67 million of that
authorized for Fiscal 1967; and $100 million each for Fiscal 1968 and Fiscal 1969.
These authorizations extend for two years each, so there now exists the authori-
zation to obligate funds through the end of Fiscal 1971. We will have obligated
through June 1968 only $27 million of that money, partly because of a limit of
$25 million `that was placed on this years' budget. Thus, there remains $240 mil-
lion authorized, $100 million of which is available for obligation through 1970
plus $100 million of which is authorized through 1971.
We are asking the Congress to add $50 million in Fiscal Year 1970 and another
$75 million in 1971. This is emphasized because the amounts requested in 1970
and 1971, if taken by themselves, would seem to indicate a tapering off of the
program. Actually because of `the carry-over of the authorization, if the request is
enacted we will have authority to obligate a total of $225 million in 1970.
Secondly, the requested increase in R & D funding is directly rela:ted to the
large variety of R & D requirements, in a field where basic exploratory effort
has only been accomplished to date. Our initial, comprehensive research program
undertaken and planned for FY67, 68 and 69 was intended to-
Define the nature and magnitude of the problems to be addressed,
Upgrade the understanding of these highway safety problems.
Therefore, at the conclusion of this exploratory phase we must move to the
applied and experimental phase of (1) developing systems, techniques, and
devices to improve highway safety, and (2) to testing and demonstrating the
systems. techniques, and devices in the laboratory and highway environment.
As with any R & D program, when you move from pencil and paper to actual
design and operation of a system or systems, you are experiencing increased
funding requirements.
(b) Can you give us a list of the Research Projects that have been undertaken
under the Highway Safety Act of 1966 and those you would propose to under-
take with these additional funds?
A nswer: The attached Documents provide a listing of the projects undertaken
during FY 67, 68 and planned for FY 69. These are contained in Attachments
2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Attachment 5 contains the FY 70 and 71 program areas
in which effort will be undertaken to expand upon the base established in the
exploratory phase. The specific projects for FY 70 and 71 have not been refined
at this point in time.
~Scction 8-Ant/i orization S for highway beantificat ion
1. Section S of H.R. 17134 would authorize the appropriation of $85 million
for each of the fiscal years 1969, 1970, and 1971 for carrying out the Highway
Be~iutification Act of 1965.
Is the Administration seriously proposing that the Federal Government ex-
pend $2~5 million for highway beautification purposes in addition to the $984
million included in the 1968 Interstate cost estimate, in view of the Vietnam
war and the absolute necessity of curtailing nonessential government spending?
Answer: It is expected that during the period in which the Interstate Systeth
is to be completed, construction of the items represented in the $984 million
reported in Line Item 13 of the 1968 Estimate will have been accomplished.
These are the estimate costs for regular items for erosion control, landscaping,
rest areas and facilities, and scenic overlooks; and during the remaining con-
struction period we would expect this work to be completed.
The concurrent program for highway beautification, for which authorizations
are requested in Section 8 of H.R. 17134 is a separate consideration from the
Interstate program and the items covered in these authorizations are those re-
quired to carry out the provisions of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
2. I have before me a copy of a letter dated March 29, 1968, from Secretary
of Transportation Alan S. Boyd to a Mr. F. J. MacDonald, Chairman of the
Governors Commission on Arizona Beauty. The letter addressed itself to the
question of imposition of the 10% penalty for failure to comply with the High-
way Beautification Act of 1965 in the event the Arizona Legislature failed to
enact the laws necessary for compliance at its 1968 session. Mr. Boyd states, and
I quote,
"For these reasons, we feel that the Arizona Legislature will have, during
its current session, ample opportunity to consider appropriate action. In the
absence of some unforeseen development, I can see no reason to delay further
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the imposition of the penalty beyond January 1, 1969, should the legislature tail
to act to provide effective control during 1968."
As I understand this letter, Secretary Boyd has informed the State of Arizona
that if its Legislature fails to act to come into compliance with..the Highway
Beautification Act of 1965,' Arizona will be penalized 10% of its Federal-aid
Highway funds apportioned in 1969. . ` . .
(a) Is this correct? . . . . .
Answer: The Secretary. stated, during the hearing on May 23, 1968, that at
the end of 1968, the Federal Highway Administrator will prepare .for him a re-
port on the status of the various States relative to the Highway Beautification
Program. This report will contain recommendations which will be reviewed by
the Secretary's staff. The Administrator and the Secretary will thereafter decide
what is to be done to carry out their requirements under the law.
(b) The Legislatures of Puerto Rico and 23 States met during calendar year
1968. Is it the intention of the Administration to impose the 10% penalty of those
States whose Legislatures have met and failed to Act?
How about those States whose Legislatures did not meet in 1968?
Answer: The answer to Question 2(a) relates to how the question of the
penalty with respect to all States will be handled. In addition, the Secretary
in response to questions of Mr. McEwen stated that the possibility exists that
the State of New York would lOse 10 percent of its Federal highway money
unless it enacted outdoor advertising control legislation. This possibility exists
for any State whose Legislature met in regular session during 1968 and failed
to act during that session or prior thereto. With regard to those States whose
Legislatures did not meet in 1968, the Secretary has previously stated that in
such cases the suspension of the penalty will continue until the adjournment
of the next regular session of the State's Legislature, presumably in early 1069.
3. Suppose a State that has entered into the bonus agreement provided for in
section 12 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1958 does not come into com-
pliance with the 1965 Act until say 1970 or, 1971. Would that `State remain
eligible for the bonus payments on those projects completed before it complied
with the 1965 Act? In other words, would the State lose its eligibility for the
bonus on these projects entirely or would the bonus simply be deferred until
the State is in compliance?
Answer: Section 131 (j) provides that a State shall `be entitled to receive bonus
payments as set forth in its bonus agreement, but no such State shall be entitled
to such payments unless the State maintains the control required under such
agreement or the control required by Section 131, whichever control is stricter.
Section 131(b) of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 authorizes the
Secretary to suspend for such periods as he deems necessary the application of
this subsection to a State whenever he determines it to be in the public interest.
The Secretary is fully authorized to suspend any sanctions against a State
for failure to provide for "effective control" of outdoor advertising under
Section 131(b) of the Act until such time as the State Legislature has had
a reasonable opportunity to act on the basis of explicit information.
This also applies with regard to the suspension of bonus payments under
Section 131(j). Bonus States which continue to carry out their obligations to
control outdoor advertising along the Interstate System in conformity with their
existing bonus agreements may thus be entitled to receive bonus payments when
the State has enacted appropriate legislation and entered into a suitable agree-
ment to fully implement the 1965 Act.
Section 131(j) further expressly provides that "The provisions of this sub-
section shall not be construed to exempt any State from controlling outdoor adver-
tising as otherwise provided in this section."
Bonus States as well as non-bonus States are therefore required to implement
and fully comply with the provisions of the' Highway Beautification Act of
1965, regardless of whether or not the bonus State elects to .remain eligible to
receive bonus payments as provided by Section 131 (j).
Additionally, if the Legislature of a bonus State has `not had a reasonable
opportunity to act, prior to January 1, 1968, and the State acts administratively
by entering an agreement under the 1965 Act contingent on later ratification or
approval by the State Legislature the State's eligibility to receive bonus payments
would be preserved without question. Bonus payments, however, would be
deferred in such circumstances until the State Legislature actually ratifies or
adopts a mutually satisfactory agreement.
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* 4. The Vermont Legislature recently enacted a statute which, in effect, social-
izes the outdoor advertising industry in the State of Vermont. Briefly speaking,
that statute (Chapter' 333, `Laws 1968) would prohibit all outdoor advertising
signs except on-premise signs in areas adjacent to all highways within the State.
In lieu of private enterprise outdoor advertising, the State Highway Department
would erect and maintain official business directional signs, presumably upon
the right-of-way of public highways. Each business within the~ State would
be entitled to a maximum of four official business directional signs'. I am informed
that there are approximately 10,000 registered businesses within the State of
Vermont. `
(a) I would like to have your comments on the safety aspects' of erecting
this clutter of signs within the highway right-of-way.
Answer: `One of the stated purposes of' the 1968 Vermont law is~ to promote
highway safety. The law contains specific safeguards with regard to the erection
of official business directional signs. Provided the basic guidelines and goals of the
law are followed in the administration and implementation tereof, we can foresee
no ` traffic hazard resulting from the erection of these official signs'.
(b) I would like to have your further comments on the aesthetic value of
putting this clutter of signs within the highway right-of-way.
Answer: One of the `main purposes of the Vermont law is the preservation of
its scenic resources. Properly administered, following the goals of the laws itself,
we fail to see how the official business directional signs will have an adverse
effect on esthetics.
(e) In view of the criticisms which have been directed toward the "fuel, food,
lodging" signs erected on the Interstate highway, I would like to have your
comments `as to whether adequate information can be communicated to highway
users through this socialized advertising sign program.
Answer: The official business directional sign system is only one means of
communicating with the motorist provided for or contemplated under the Ver-
mont law. Others include information centers or sign plazas, guide books, etc.
We fail to `see that there will be any serious problem of lack of communication.
(d) Should publicly ~owned highway rights-of-way be used for advertising
private businesses?
Answer: The official business directional signs are not advertising in the com-
mon meaning of the term. They provide directional information and are similar
in basic form and purpose to the signs authorized under Section 131 (f) of the
Highway Beautification Act. This' section permits the erection and maintenance
of these signs within the rights-of-way of the Interstate System.
5. I have before me `a leter dated February 12, 1968, from Federal Highway
Administrator Lowell K. Bridwell to Governor Hoff of Vermont concerning this
recent Vermont outdoor advertising law. Mr. Bridwell comments in part as
follows:
"We commend the Legislature of Vermont for considering this farsighted
proposal. It is certainly consistent with the' overall objectives' of the Highway
Beautification Act of 1965 and the' highway beautification program. We look
forward to observing its development and implementation."
In hearings before the Subcommittee on Roads in May of 1967, Mr. Bridwell
testified with regard to the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, as follows:
"It specifically recognizes the rightful place of outdoor advertising by stating
that it shall be permitted and, in fact, promoted, within zoned and unzoned
commercial and industrial areas subject to certain liinitatioi~s mutually agreed
to between the Secretary and the States."
(a) In view of this, and in view of the many pronouncements of Members of
Congress to the effect that outdoor advertising is a legitimate business, which
should be regulated and controlled `but not eliminated, how can it be consistent
with the overall objectives of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 to pass a
law which would socialize `the outdoor advertising industry and prohibit all
outdoor advertising visible from any road or highway except on-premise signs
and signs erected by the State?
Answer: One of the specific provisions of the Highway Beautification Act is
that nothing contained therein shall prohibit a State from establishing stricter
limitations with respect to outdoor advertising than those established under
Section 131. In effect, the Act provided minimum standards of control which
were expected of every State. A number of States have enacted legislation ex-
ceeding the requirements of the Federal Act; several have virtually eliminated
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off-premise outdoor advertising. Provided the State Legislature finds that this
is in the best interest of the State, there is nOthing inconsistent with such ac-
tion insofar as the objectives of the Federal Act are concerned.
(b) In view of this commendation of the Legislature of Vermont for "consid-
ering this farsighted proposal" would it be your policy to encourage other~ States
to enact similar legislation?
Answer: It is our policy to encourage all States to enact the necessary legisla-
tion to comply with the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
The initiative for action similar to Vermont's must comefrom the State, and
specifically the State Legislature, as it did in Vermont. If the State Legislature
of any State felt that such action would promote travel and tourism by the pre-
servation of its natural beauty, w-e feel that such action would be commendable.
6. If the Congress refuses to authorize additional funds for carrying out the
Highway Beautification Act of 1965, what will be your position with respect to
imposing the 10% penalty in 1969 against States which cannot comply with the
requirements of the 1965 Act?
Answer: As the Secretary stated to Mr. McEwen at the May 23 hearing, the
threat of the 10 percent loss exists whether or not the Congress appropriates
Federal funds for carrying out the Highway~ Beautification Act. See also the
answers to questions 2(a) and (b).
7. Suppose that a State compiles with the junkyard control provision of the
Act, but fails or refuses to comply with outdoor advetrising control provisions.
Will a penalty be imposed upon such a State and, if so, in what amount?
Answer: Should a State clearly and finally refuse to comply with Title I of
the Federal Act, there is no question but that the penalty of 10 percent will
be imposed.
8. Suppose that a State fails or refuses to comply with both the outdoor
advertising and junkyard control provisions of the* Act, and penalties are im-
posed. Will the penalty be 10% or 20% of the State's Federal-aid highway ap-
portionment?
Answer: Since most States have already provided for compliance with Title
IT of the Act, and there has been very little opposition thereto, we cannot fore-
.see that any State will be penalized for failure to comply with this section of
the Act. For this reason, we think the question is academic and would prefer to
defer an answer until such time as a specific situation of the nature described
may arise.
9. It is my recollection that 25 States entered into agreements under the bonus
provision of section 12 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1958. Is this correct?
Answer: That is correct.
10. I understand that only 17 States have entered into agreements under the
Highway Beautification Act of 196.5.
(a) Is this correct?
Answer: Eighteen States have signed agreements under the Highway Beauti-
fication Act of 1965.
(b) Could you give us the names of those States?
Answer: Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Hawaii, District of Columbia, Con-
necticut, New York, Kentucky, Minnesota, Maine, Utah, Puerto Rico, California,
Maryland, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Iowa.
11. I have been informed that of the 17 States which have entered into agree-
ments, 4 of these have signed agreements not authorized by State legislation.
These 4 States are : Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
Is this correct?
Answer: Five States have signed agreements pending ratification or approval
by the State Legislature. These are Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Pennsylvania,
and Iowa.
12. In 4 of the remaining 13 States which have entered into agreements, the
agreements will result in the removal of a grand total of 155 signs.
A table based upon information supplied by the Bureau of Public Roads, which
I inserted at page 910 of the hearings of this Subcommittee in hearings on ~Re-
view of Highway Beautification-1961" shows the following with respect to off-
premise advetrising signs existing on October 22, 1965, which would have to be
removed under the Administration's standards:
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Interstate
State System
~
Other Federal-
aid primary
highways
0 96
1 20
1 29
Alaska
Hawaii
Puerto Rico
DistrictotColumbia
Total 2 153
Grand total
It seems to me that the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 is not accomplish-
ing much, at least in these States. Would you care to comment on this?
Answer: It is true that compliance with the Highway Beautification Act of
1965 will result in tile removal of a relatively `small number of signs in the States
mentioned. This i.s because *the States already had restrictive legislation and
few if any signs were located in tile areas prohibited by the Federal Act.
13. It appears that of the 17. agreements entered into so far under the 1965
Act only 9 offer definite possibilities ~for results under. existing~ State laws.
As I mentioned earlier, 25 States entered into agreements under the bonus
provision of the 1958 Act. This indicates to me that the `bonus approach is a much
more workable, acceptable way of handling thi:s than the penalty or `big stick"
approach. Would you care to comment?
Answer: The 25 agreements entered into under the bonus provision of the
1958 Act were signed over a period of about 7 years wheis that Act was in effect.
`The 18 agreements signed to date under the 1965 Act have been negotiated and
completed during a period of less than one year. The Department anticipates
moreover that a number of additional agreements will be executed within the
next few months. We feel strongly that the present Act is superior to the bonus
approach.
14. When the Federaheid highway laws were codified a.s title 23, TJnited States
Code, in 1958, it was intended to incorporate in title 23, only the substantive
provisions of the law and not temporary provisions such as authorizations of
appropriations. In the event the Congress should authorize appropriation for
highway beautification, would it not `be preferable to enact that as a separate
provision and not as part of title 23, United States Code?
Answer: We think it would make no substantial difference whether the author-
ization for highway beautification is contained in a sej)arate provision or included
in title 23, United States Code.
~Section 9-Advance acquisition of rig/its-of-way
1. Subsection (.b) of section 9 of HR. 17134 would authorize appropriation
from `the Highway Trust Fund for such money "not to exceed $100 million as
fimay be necessary for the initial establishment `of a fund and foUr it's replenish-
merit on an annual basis", to finance an advance right-of-way acquisition
program.
The language used in this subsection is not clear. Is it your intenti'on to limit
total appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund to $100 million, or is this a
limitation on the amount which is authorized annually?
Answer: It is the intent of this language to authorize the appropriation from
the Highway Trust Fund not to exceed $100 million to establish the fund and
not to exceed $100 million `annually for its replenishment. This amendment fol-
lows the concept of 23 U.S.C. 125 on emergency relief (repair and reconstruction
of highways) and 23 U.S.C. 320(d) ,on bridges over Federal dams.
2. The bill `provides that "The provisions of subsections (d), (f), and (g)
of section 209 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956" shall `be applicable to the
advance right-of-way acquisition program. Section 209 of the Highway Revenue
Act of 1956 has to do with the creation and other aspects of the Highway Trust
Fund, and it would seem to me th'at section 209 would apply without expressly
so providing.
(a) Will you please comment on this?
Answer: The provisions `of section 209 of the Highway Revenue Act would
apply to the advance right-of-way acquisition program. It may `be unnecessary
to expressly so provide, as you suggest.
(b) The bill refers to subsections (d), (f), and (g) `of section 209, but does
not `refer to the other `subsections. I have specifically in mind subsection (e) of
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section 209, which relates to management of the Trust Fund. It seems to me~
that failure to mention these subsections raises the implication that they do
not apply. Would you comment on this?
Answer: If the conclusion is that section 209 applies in its entirety, nothing
further is needed.
(a) As I read the bill, if 209(g) is applicable in its entirety, portions of the
amount equal to 2% of the apportionments to be allocated to a State that is con-
strued to be "authorized to be appropriated for the construction, reconstruction,
or improvement of the Interstate System" could not be made available if the
Highway Trust Fund is inadequate to permit the apportionment of all author!-
zations. In other words, this right-of-way fund would not take precedence in its
entirety over Interstate System authorizations. Is that correct?
Answer: Yes.
3. Subsection (b) of section 9 contains the following sentence.
"Within six months subsequent to the allocation to a State of funds under
this subsection, the State shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary
that it will obligate such funds for the purposes of this subsection."
I have read the bill several times with considerable care and have been unable
to find any statement as to the "purposes of this subsection." Would you please
tell me what a State would have to demonstrate to the Secretary that it did not
have to demonstrate under subsection (a), for example, which is a modification
of the advance acquisition section which has been in the law for several years:
and was included by an amendment which I offered?
Answer: The reference to "subsection" should be changed to read "section".
4. Subsection (c) of section 9 states that before any funds may be made avail-
able to a State pursuant to this sention, the State Highway Department must
enter into an agreement which shall provide for the reimbursement for the costs
of such rights-of-way and for the actual construction of a road on such rights-
of-way within a period of 7 years. As I read it, this subsection would require
the State to reimburse the Federal Government for 100% of the funds advanced
even though a road is actually constructed thereon within 7 years, and even
though the project is one in which the Federal-aid funds would normally partic-
ipate in the cost of right-of-way acquisition at the applicable pro rata share.
Can you explain this to me? Should the reference be to "subsection (b)" rather
than "this section"?
- Answer: First Part-Subsection (c) of section 108 [9] is intended to require an
agreement by the State to reimburse the Federal share of costs of the right-of-
way and to commence actual construction within seven years whether the financ-
ing is under section 108 (a) with 100 percent financiiig from the State's funds or
under section 10~ b) with 100 percent financing from Federal-aid funds pro-
vided by the proposed additional 2 percent allocation from the trust fund. Under
section 108(d) Federal participation in projects financed under section 108 (a)
cannot exceed the Federal pro rata share applicable to the class of Federal funds
involved, thus the State is reimbursed for applicable Federal share which the
State originally supplied. For projects financed under section 108(b) the appli-
cable provision as to Federal participation is in section 124(c) which requires.
before actual construction commences on rights-of-way acquired, repayment by
the State of its pro rata share of the project costs for credit to the trust fund.
Second Part-No, for the reasons given in the first part.
5. As I read this bill, the money paid back by a State would not go into any
advance right-of-way acquisition fund and, in fact, it is not a revolving finid
such as you recommended be established in your report entitled "Advance Acqui-
sition of Highway Rights-of-Way Study". Is that correct?
Answer: Yes. The funding procedure for advance acquisition of right-of-way
is patterned after that for emergency relief in section 125. Section 124(b) pro-
vides for appropriation of not to exceed S100 million from the trust fund to
establish the fund and for replenishment on an annual basis. Under section 108
(b) the repayment by the State of its pro rata share goes to the trust fund not
to a so-called advance acquisition fund. When projects are under section 108 ( a),
the Federal pro rata share would be provided as at present.
6. Do you agree that the language of this- section is garbled, and that it should
be rewritten? -.
Answer: No, see the answer to Question 5, above.
7. Are you familiar with H.R. 16622, introduced for myself and the other
Minority Members of the Committee on Public Works, relating to an advance
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right-of-way acquisition program? Briefly speaking, H.R. 16022 would establish
-a right of way revolving fund for advance acquisition purposes and has as its
objective what I assume to be the same purpose as section 9 of H.R. 17134.
Would you please comment on the diferences between section 9 of this bill, and
H R 16622 and may I also have youi comments as to ~ hether H R 16622 might
not be an acceptable substitute for section 9 of H R 17134'~
An~wei It is our view that H R 16622 would not establish an effective re
~ oh nig fund Appropi iations under that proposal would be authorized only for
fiscal years 1970, 1971, and 1972. For the fund to become truly revolving, ad-
varices made `from those appropriations would have to be repaid in order for
additional advances to be made. However, under H.R. 16622 repayments could
be delayed for seven yeais Hence it is not unlikely that the fund would be
exhausted in three years and conceivably little or no funds would be available
for advance acquisition for the next four years until the first advances would
have to be repaid. `At the very least, the proposal of HR. 16622 `would make it
difficult to know ahead of time just how' much would be available for advance
acquisition and, accordingly, would make planning difficult.
Section 12-Urban Area Traffic Operations Improvement Programs
1. A's I understand it, under the Administration's proposal, projects financed
under the so-called "TOPICS" program would not have to be located on any
Federal-aid highway system. I~ other words, Federal monies made available for
this section could be expended upon any street or highway within an urban area.
Is that right?
Answer: No. Federal monies made available under Section `12 would not be
expended on any street or highway within an urban area, but would be re-
.stricted to the Federal-aid highway systems. The limited right-of-way available
for major highway improvements and the increasing influence of the high volume
intra-urban traffic has demanded a change in the traditional administrative pro-
cedures~ for selecting streets for the Federal-aid primary system. Th'us since
February 1967 the `States have been encouraged formally to select urban areas
and study their needs on an area and network basis,' and to recommend additions
to the existing Federal-aid primary system. These additions to the Federal-aid
primary system would not include all streets but would be limited to: arterial
highways and major streets not already on a Federal-aid system; most or all
of the street grid in the downtown area; and, a limited street grid in other
areas having particularly heavy concentrations of traffic. Similar restriction is
contemplated in the administration of the subject proposed legislation.
2. The Administration has proposed that funds to carry out this section would
be authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Isn't it true
that under existing law projects not located on a Federal-aid highway system
could not be financed out of the Highway Trust F'und since the Trust Fund is
available only for expenditures "which are attributable to Federal-aid highways"?
Answer: Existing law does not authorize the financing of projects from the
Highway Trust Fund which are not on a Federal-aid highway system.
(a) Wouldn't an amendment of section 209(f) of the Highw'ay Revenue Act
of 1950 be necessa'ry tO permit financing of the "TOPICS" program out of the
Trust Fund?
Answer: No. It is not intended to finance projects not on a Federal-aid system
from the trust fund. H.R. 17134, section 5(2) specifically provides `that traffic
operation projects in urban areas authorized by section 135 are to be on exten-
sions of the Federal-aid primary and secondary `highway systems in urban areas.
3. Isn't authorizing the expenditure of Federal-aid highway funds on projects
not on a Federal-aid highway system entirely inconsistent with the concept of ex-
pending limited Federal funds on a limited interconnected system of highways
having national and regional significance?
Answer: TOPICS funds would be available for expenditure only on Federal-aid
system streets with heavy concentrations of traffic, such as arterials and major
streets and streets in the downtown grid network.
4. It seems to me that permitting the expenditure of Federal-aid highway funds
on projects not on a Federal-aid system would be a step away from developing
a more rational and meaningful highway system classification.
In the "1908 National Highway Needs Report," on page 31 of the Senate Com-
mittee Print, it is stated that, "Fundamental to a larger Federal role in helping
solve urban transportation problems, then, would be an expansion of size and a
change of definition of the urban network on which Federal highway funds may
be applied."
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Section 12 of the bill contains no definition at all of the "urban network" On~
which funds authorized for that section may be expended. Can you tell me why
it does not?
Answer: Federal-aid highway funds would not be expended off of the Federal-
aid system. The Type I Federal-aid primary system comprises priority primary
routes approved under traditional procedures. The Type II Federal-aid primary
system is made up of tho.se streets of lessef priority, but of significance primarily
because of their area and network influence. Federal-aid primary, Type I, and
Federal-aid secondary systems will be revised, and Federal-aid primary, Type II,.
systems will be added on a rational and meaningful basis.
The Bureau of Public Roads in cooperation with the States is preparing for a
complete rural and urban highway reclassification, but the effort has not ad-
vanced sufficiently to propose legislation for an "urban system." The TOPICS leg-
lislation should not be deferred until a reclassification is completed. The system
approval procedures and network study requirements for the TOPICS program
should expedite the reclassification efforts.
5. Subsection (e) of section 12 of the bill states that, "The provisions of
chapter 1 of this title (title 23) relating to the obligation, period of availability,.
and expenditure nf Federal-aid primary highway funds shall apply to the sums~
available for expenditure for the purpose of this section."
What about the applicability of the other provisions of chapter 1, title 23?
I have particularly in mind the provision of section 116 which requires that
projects he properly maintained. There are other sections, including section
106 relating to approval of plans, specifications and estimates, section 10~
relating to standards, section 112 concerning letting of contracts, and section
114 having to do with construction.
Would all or any of these sections apply miderthe language of the bill?
Answer: Subsection (c) of Section 12 was included in the bill in order to
indicate specifically the intent of Congress that the contract authority pro-
visions of the Federal-aid highway legislation should apply to the TOPICS pro-
gram. All other provisions of Chapter 1 would likewise apply to the TOPICS
program. including Section 106 relating to approval of PS&E, Section 100
relating to standards, Section 112 concerning letting of contracts, Section 114
having to do with construction, and Section 116 relative to maintenance.
6. The bill states that funds available for expenditure for the purposes of
the program, "shall be used for projects which include but are not limited to
those which directly facilitate and control traffic flow." I would appreciate your
giving to me examples of the kind of projects the funds can and cannot be
expended upon.
Answer: Examples of improvements to be included in projects on which
funds would be expended to facilitate and control traffic flow include:
a. Chalinelization of intersections to reduce accidents and create a m~ire
orderly flow of traffic.
b. Striping to provide definite traffic lanes, stop lines, turning lanes,
parking spaces.
c. Restriction of parking to increase safety and capacity. This can be
done all day or only during specific times of day when traffic is heaviest.
d. New and more modern signs and signals.
e. Progressive signal systems which would decrease the delay caused
by a non-progressive system and would aid in increasing the travel speed.
f. Construction of bus bays which would remove the buses from the
flow of traffic during loading and unloading periods, also the designation
of specific bus lanes.
g. Setting up one-way street pairs which increases the capacity and
allows more orderly flow.
h. Designating reversible lanes which increase capacity.
i. Construction of pedestrian and highway grade separations at other
highway or railroad crossings to eliminate major bottlenecks in traffic.
j. Providing additional lanes approaching major intersections which re-
moves the heavy amount of left and right turning traffic from the through
lanes and thus increases the capacity and safety of the intersection.
k. More modern highway lighting to those sections of streets which indicate
large amounts of nighttime accidents.
1. Establishing traffic surveillance systems where traffic flow measure-
ments and accident data at and between key intersections are evaluated
to identify locations where corrective action is needed.
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m De~ eloping truck loading and unloading facilities to remove trucks
now interfering with heavy traffic..
Some projects which would not be eligible. for expenditures. ir~clude:
a. Total reconstruction of' a street which is `in need of repair.
b. Resurfacing a rough pavement to provide a smoother riding surface'.
c. Major widening of minor streets.
7. In the letter transmitting the proposed legislation to the Speaker of the
House, it is stated that such funds may be used for ~`traffic control systems,"
"traffic surveillance systems," and "special facilities for the handling of com-
mercial traffic."
Thider these items, could Federal funds be expended for the salaries of police-
men?
For the maintenance and operation of traffic control systems?
Would you please give me some examples of "special facilities for the han-
dling of commercial traffic"?
Answer: Federal funds would not be expended on such items as salaries of
`poliéemen Or' traffic éngineèrs nor would "they be allowed for mnainitenance
and operation of traffic control devices. All operation and maintenance costs
would be the responsibility of the State or local jurisdiction.
Specific examples of special facilities for the handling of commercial vehicles
include: bus and truck bays for loading and unloading, establishing and mark-
ing definite loading and unloading zones, flattening curb returns to facilitate
turning movements `and designating truck and bus routes.
8. How would this program be administered? That is,. would the State high-
way department be the applicant and the approving authority, as in the case
of the Federal-aid highway program, or would the governing officials of urban
areas deal directy with the Federal authorities?
Answer: Time State-Federal relationships for this program would be the same
as on all other Federal-aid projects. The State will initiate all action relative
to the program and they will be responsible for selection of the cities, the route
system, the design, construction and maintenance. rThe State may enter into
agreements with their political subdivisions for certain aspects (studies and
maintenance) of the program, however, the Federal authorities will deal directly
with the States in all matters.
9. In the letter of Secretary Boyd transmitting the bill to the Speaker of the
House, it is stated that projects under the urban area traffic operations im-
provement program could include, "pedestrian overpasses and other measures
to separte pedestrians from vehicular traffic."
Give me some examples of these "other measures"? Could they include fences
or guardrails between playgrounds or schools and city streets not on a Federal-
aid system?
How about the construction of elevated structures perhaps several blocks
long, to keep vehicular traffic at one level and pedestrians at another?
Answer: Examples of other measures to separate pedestrians from vehicular
~traflic would include curbs and sidewalksi and pedestrian underpasseC or
overpasses. Fences or guardrails between playgrounds or schools and city streets
could be provided.
Under' the~ present program we do not contemplate constructing elevated
structures several blocks long to keep vehicular traffic at one level and pedestrians
at another `leveL
Section 14-Fringe parking facilities
1. Section 14 of the bill would authorize' the use of Federal-aid highway funds
for .the construction of publicly owned parking facilities. It is my understanding
that the Federal share of such facilities would be 75% and that any apportioned
Federal-aid funds, including Interstate funds, could be used for `these facilities.
Is that right?
Answer: Yes.
2. How do you arrive at the matching ratio of 75-25?
Answer: The logic was that in order to place the fringe parking program on
the same basis, whether the project was fund'ed from ABC or Interstate authori-
zations, the Federal share should be greater than 50 percent and less than 90
percent.
3. Do you have an estimate as to the number or cost of parking facilities which
would be financed under this section?
Answer: While we have made estimates of fringe parking needs we have not
estimated the number or cost of facilities to be financed under this section. The
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use of funds for this program depends largely on its acceptance by individual
States and cities. We have made no inquiries relative `t~ such acceptance to date.
4. Since each State receives a specific amount of ABC funds, and since Inter-
state funds are apportioned on the basis of need, it is a certainty that the
States would seek to use Interstate funds to the maximum possible degree for
these parking facilities. Do you have any estimate as to how much this would
increase the cost of the Interstate System?
Answer: In keeping with question 3 we have no estimate of total program cost
and also, no cost: of the program as it relates to the Interstate System. The de-
gree to which Interstate costs would be increased would again be primarily
based on acceptance of the program by individual States and cities.
5. In approving projects for parking facilities adjacent `to highways on a
Federal-aid system, how would the source of Federal-aid funds be determined?
Would it be on the basis of classificatiOn of the highway adjacent to which the
facility is to be constructed?
Answer: Yes.
6. There seems to be no limitation in this section on dollars, percentage, or
otherwise, upon the amount of Federal-aid funds which could be used for
parking facilities. The Oapital Beltway, which encircles Washington, D.C., has
some 38 interchanges constructed or planned. Suppose the States of Maryland
and Virginia decide it would be desirable to construct parking facilities at each
of `those interchanges, and since they would be adjacent to an Interstate high-
way, to use Interstate funds for that purpose. Would this be permitted under
the Administration proposal?
Answer: Individual project submissions of the type suggested would be
evaluated individually based on several criteria. One item bearing heavily on
such a proposal and stated in the proposed legislation would be the probability
of the usage of such facilities in conjunction: with existing or planned mass
transportation facilities. If all applicable criteria are clearly shown to be met
a project of this type could be approved.
It would not seem reasonable to build facilities at all 38 beltway inter-
changes as suggested in the question without determining the effectiveness of
the proposal at a smaller number of sites, and this would undoubtedly be
suggested to the States involved.
7. Projects for parking facilities would be approved "as a project under
this title"-meaning title 23, Pnited States Code, "Highways." Title 23 defines
the terms "highway," "Federal-aid system" and "project"-and by no stretch
of the imagination are these definitions broad enough to include parking facilities.
(a) Would you recommend amending these definitions?
(b) Since section 209 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 limits the Highway
Trust Fund to meeting expenditures "attributable to Federal-aid highways,"
would it be necessary to amend that Act to permit the use of Highway Trust
Fund receipts to finance parking facilities?
Answer: The language of proposed section 139(b) authorizes the Secretary
to approve, "as a project under this title," the acquisition of land adjacent to
the Federal-aid system right-of-way and construction thereon of parking facil-
ities. We believe this language *in itself is sufficient to authorize the fringe
parking facifities without further amendment.
8. Section 14 would permit the use of Federal funds for the acquisition of
land "adjacent to the right-of-way on any Federal-aid highway system." What
do you mean by the word "adjacent"? Does the land have to abut the right-of-
way, or may it simply be in the general vicinity of a Federal-aid highway?.
Answer: It is intended that the fringe facility have a definite orientation to
a Federal-aid highway. If access is not controlled an abutting relationship
would be required. If access is controlled we would use existing interchanges
by location of the facility on a frontage road or, by connection to a crossroad in
close proximity to an interchange consistent with safety and good traffic
operations.
9. As I understand it, Federal funds can participate in parking facilities
only if they are located outside a "central business district." Don't we have an
equal or greater need for parking facilities in downtown areas?
Answer: There is a definite need for additional downtown parking facilities
serving the core areas of major cities. It is assumed that these facilities can
be operated as a profitable venture, `and can be adequately handled through
local programs involving a mix of private and municipal facilities.
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While the fringe facility does help meet basic parking demands its primary
functions relate more to keeping automobiles off major radial routes, and out
of the CBD with a resultant decrease in traffic congestion. Since such facilities
seldom generate revenues it is unlikely that the need can be met by the local
community.
10. If Federal-aid highway funds are to participate in fringe parking facilities,
it seems to me that this Federal expenditure should be reflected in increased
usable traffic lanes on Federal-aid highways. Would you object to a further
condition in this section which would make approval of fringe parking projects
conditional upon an agreement by the State to prohibit parking on space on a
specific Federal-aid highway equivalent to that provided by the fringe parking
facility?
Answer: While we readily agree with the desirability of removing street
parking to increase the capacity of major arterials during periods of higli demand
such a proposal is rather inflexible. Appropriate parking restrictions may al-
ready be imposed on the Federal-aid highway directly connected to the fringe
facility. The condition would appear to restrict application of the program in
many needed areas.
11. In this section we are discussing, it is stated that "In the event fees are
charged for the use of any such facility, the rate thereof shall not be in excess
of that required for maintenance and operation."
Under this limitation, would the State be permitted to set fees at a rate suffi-
cient to amortize the State's investment in the acquisition and construction of
the facility as well as the cost of maintenance and operation?
Answer: Under certain conditions a fringe facility might be able to produce
revenue above that required for maintenance and operation and possibly suffi-
cient to amortize the State's investment, but this will not be common. The pri-
mary criterion we are seeking is maximum usage of these facilities, and the
rate charged is basic to such usage. It would be highly undesirable if a State
would require the recoupment of its investment to the detriment of the usage of
any or all fringe facilities provided.
12. I note that the term "parking facility" as defined in the bill includes,
among other things, "equipment." Would this authorize Federal participation in
the cost of:
(a) Cash registers, ticket issuing machines, and time stamp machines?
Answer: This bill permits the collection of revenue to cover annual mainte-
nance and operation. As this equipment will be necessary in the collection of
such revenue, they would be eligible items.
(b) Elevators and other mechanized equipment for moving motor vehicles
and personnel?
Answer: Standard mechanical equipment necessary for the normal opera-
tion of the individual facility would be an eligible item.
(e) Equipment commonly found in some parking facilities for the servicing of
automobiles, such as car wash facilities, battery rechargers, mechanics tools,
automobile jacks and other tire repair equipment, etc.?
Answer: While these services might represent an added convenience to the
user, they are not essential to the operation of the facility and would not be
eligible for Federal participation.
(d) Waiting rooms, rest rooms, and other facilities for the convenience of
patrons?
Answer: Convenience facilities would be eligible items; however, the extent of
such facilities necessary to successful operation of the individual fringe facility
would have to be determined. In some cases simple shelters would be adequate,
while others might require modest structures with rest rooms. Criteria such as
length of trip, size of facility, transit headways, etc. would determine these
requirements.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. In June 1966, the Special Subcommittee on the Federal-aid Highway Pro-
gram, held exhaustive hearings on the Relationship of Toll Facilities to the
Federal-aid Highway Program. During his appearance before the Committee
on June 23, 1960, then Under-Secretary of Commerce Alan S. Boyd, was asked
whether he would consider submitting legislation which would grant additional
authority to the Federal Government with respect to toll facilities. Mr. Boyd's
response was as follows:
96-030-GS---------13
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~`Yes sir. We are in the process of studying that at the moment, and I assure
you we are not saying this as a delaying tactic. We are very diligently working
on this. but as I tried to outline in my testimony, this tends to become more
complicated the more we know about it. I am confident that at the next session
of the Congress we will be presenting proposed legislation for consideration by
these committees to deal with these policy problems."
As I mentioned, that was in June of 1966, nearly two years ago. Can you tell
me the outlook for recommendations concerning legislation on toll facilities?
Answer: The effort to develop policy recommendations with respect to the very
complex question of toll facilities in the U.S. is still in process.
As you know, various ways of approaching the question of tolls have been
suggested. Among them is the idea that the Federal Government should reim-
burse States for toll facilities on the Interstate System so that they can be made
toll free. This notion is embodied in 5. 2888 and H.R. 14962. Under those bills,
the Secretary of Transportation would determine the amount of reimbursement
to each State which in no case would exceed the original cost and which would
be used to liquidate the cost of toll facilities including outstanding bonded in-
debtedness. One problem with this approach is the total reimbursement to the
States is estimated to be nearly $3 billion. In addition to the financial enormity
of the problem, there are such problems as the fact that in some States the toll
facilities that would be involved are covered by the same bond financing as other
transportation facilities not on the Interstate System. Thus, major legal arid
administrative problems would be presented in implementing such legislation or
others of a similar purpose and intent.
As you can appreciate the question of how to deal appropriately with this
issue has many ramifications and implications for the Nation's transportation
system. In any event, we hope and anticipate that by the next session we will
have been able to analyze thoroughly all aspects of the toll facilities question.
At that time, we will have determined w-hether and in what form legislative
recommendations should be made to the Congress.
2. Under the provisions of section 209(f) of the Highway Revenue Act of
1956, amounts in the Trust Fund are available only for meeting those obliga-
tions "which are attributable to Federal-aid highways (including those portions
of general administrative expenses of the Bureau of Public Roads payable from
such appropriations) ." Let me emphasize the phrase "general administrative
expenses of the Bureau of Public Roads" which exists as a separate bureau
within the Federal Highway Administration.
The budget request for fiscal year 1969 shows an item of $11,468,000 to be
appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund for "support of Federal Highway
Administration."
(a) The Federal Highway Administration includes two bureaus in addition
to the Bureau of Public Roads: The National Highway Safety Bureau and, the
Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety. If Highway Trust Fund revenues are used for
the "support of the Federal Highway Administration," Highway Trust Fund
revenues are being used to pay at least part of the cost of administration of
these two bureaus.
Is that correct?
Answer: That assumption is not correct. The Federal Highway Administration
is supported by funds appropriated for Traffic and Highway Safety and Motor
Carrier Safety as well as by the Highway Trust Fund. In fiscal years 1968 and
1969 each of the three appropriation accounts supports precisely the same num-
ber of positions that were budgeted separately for the same functions before the
activities were consolidated into the Federal Highway Administration. Should
the staff requirements of the Federal Highway Administration change in the
future, the increase or decrease will be reflected in a pro-rata adjustment among
the three Bureaus and among the three appropriation accounts.
(b) How can monies from the Highway Trust Fund be legally used for "sup-
port of the Federal Highway Administration" when, by law, the Fund is available
only for expenditures attributable to Federal-aid highways and for the admin-
istrative expenses of the Bureau of Public Roads?
Answer: That portion of the Highway Trust Fund being used to support the
Federal Highway Administration is providing services required by the Bureau
of Public Roads. As indicated above, each Bureau of the Federal Highway Ad-
ministration's proposed legislation to extendthe life of the Highw-ay Trust Fund,
charged to the Highway Trust Fund is solely for administrative expenses of the
Bureau of Public Roads even though the services are provided through a central-
ized organization.
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(c) The Administration recognizes this legal problem, does it not? In the Ad-
ministration's proopsed legislation to extend the life of the Highway Trust Fund,
it suggested a change in the language of section 209 to specifically authorize use
of Trust Fund monies to pay part of the administrative cost of the Federal
Highway Administration.
Answer: The Administration does not consider that a legal problem exists with
respect to this use of the Highway Trust Fund in financing the administrative
expenses of the Bureau of Public Roads through the Federal Highway Admin-
istration. The proposed change in the language of section 209 was submitted in
order to clarify the organizational relationships with respect to financing the
administrative expenses of the Bureau ~f Public Roads.
Mr. CRAMER. Let me ask you this question relating to this. It is a
policy question. Can money under section 108(b) be used for reloca-
tion costs for displaced persons as part of the right-of-way costs?
Secretary BOYD. That certamly was not contemplated.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, the recommendations you sent to Congress did
recommend that that be included in the cost, but the bill as drafted does
not?
Secretary Born. That. is correct, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Was there a policy decision to eliminate that?
Secretary BoYD. That may have been an oversight.
Mr. CRAMER. That is what I was trying to get at.
Secretary Boyr~. But we will have to review that. However, I should
say that our original thinking on this was that we would seek a sub-
stantially larger amount of authorization, and it may be as a result of
seeking $100 million instead of some other figure, we concluded that
we could not afford to try to deal with relocation assistance in the stune
process.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, assuming it is an oversight and not a policy de-
cision, I wish you would give consideration to the bill I introduced, and
a number of other members of the committee, H.R. 16622, which I think
pretty definitely carries out the recommendations that your report con-
tained-in my language; the language you submitted does not.
Secretary Bo~m. We will review that
Mr. CRAMER. Now, you are suggesting on highway beautification, $85
million for 1969, in each year for 3 years. And I think it is rather inter-
esting that for safety you are only proposing up to $40 million. Is it
your position that safety is not of as much significance as beauty is?
Secretary BoYD. No; but as I pointed out in my testimony, we have
a substantial carryover in safety.
Mr. CRAMER. Largely because they have not appropriated money
authorized, is that correct?
Secretary Boyr~. That is right, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. And I doubt if we can contemplate there is going to be
very substantial increase in safety recommended funds next year un-
less we get some new budget breaks?
Secretary BoYD. I certainly would not want to predict the action of
the Appropriations Committee.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I was referring to the recommendations of the
administration. I think the administration recommended approximate-
ly what was appropriated.
Now, I am concerned about this problem that is obviously develop-
ing-that is the 10-percent penalty-in that a number of States have
not conformed, by agreement or otherwise, to the basic beautification
acts, particularly title I. Is that not correct?
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Secretary Bo~. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. No, I have before me a copy of the letter dated
March 29, 1968, from Secretary of Transportation-yourself-to Mr.
F. J. MacDonald, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Arizona
Beauty. The letter addressed itself to the question of imposition of a
10-percent penalty for failure to comply with the Beautification Act.
In that letter you state:
For these reasons we feel that the Arizona Legislature will have, during its
current session, ample opportunity to consider appropriate action. In the absence
of some unforeseen development, I can see no reason to delay further the imposi-
tion of the l)eflaity beyond January 1, 1069, should the Legislature fail to act
to provide effective control during 1968.
Now, we had an understanding, I thought, UI) until money was
made available and an authorization provided, this penalty was not
going to be imposed. Is it your intention to impose it as of January 1,
1969, in all instances where States have not acted?
Secretary Bo~. No, sir. In fact, I think I stated in my testimony
that there would be cases in 1969 where the legislatures had not had
an opportunity to act. I do not recall any understanding on our part
ether than a statement I made that we would not impose the penalties
or attempt to impose the penalties during 1968.
Mr. CRAMER. It is your intention of imposing it in 1969?
Secretary Bori~. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Even though Congress does not authorize money for
the program? It has not done so this year or last year.
Secretary Bo~rn. Obviously, as I tried to state before, we are trying
to use some commonsense in how we approach this matter, and I am
not making any commitment to impose any particular penalty on
January 1, 1969. I think at that stage the burden will be upon the
States, however.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, then if you feel that the States, such as Arizona,
have had an opportunity to carry this burden and act of legislation
has not done so, as you advised Arizona, it would be your intention
to impose a penalty as of January 1, 1969; is that correct?
Secretary Bo~. As long as I am in this office, I intend to carry out
the provisions of the laws.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, as I recall, the provision of the law was that it
was supposed to be imposed this year.
Secretary Bori. That was on the assumption that the legislature
had a chance to operate, to act on it.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, if Congress does not authorize money for 1969,
you would still impose the penalty?
Secretary Bo~m. I will look at that situation on the 1st of January.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I would just suggest that that would seem to be
a. pretty clear implication of your letter, which did nOt relate to
whether Congress authorized and appropriated money or not. It was
strictly on the basis of whether Arizona enacted control legislation.
Now am I misreading it?
Secretary Bo~. I think the letter says, if I remember, there would
appear to be no reason for not imposing the penalty. It may be that
a reason develops. I am not prepared to meet that issue today, because
it is not a current issue.
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Mr. CRAMER. Well, I would suggest that with the serious money
problem that we have and with the suggestion that this money come
out of the general fund, at least I am of the opinion, I do not know
how in the world this beauty could have a high enough priority to
justify appropriations in a money-pinched year like this and I frankly
do not see the prospects of money for some time.
Now, the other problem involved is the bonus payment.
Secretary Bo~r. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. I have heard some suggestion that the bonus payments
are also going to be affected by noncompliance.
Suppose a State has entered into the bonus agreement provided for
in section 12 of the present act. The act of 1958 does not come into
compliance with the 1965 act until 1970 or 1971, for instance. Would
that State remain eligible for bonus payments on those projects com-
pleted before the 1965 act?
Secretary Bon. I have had no discussion with anyone on this, Mr.
Cramer, and have given it absolutely no thought. I would be happy
to submit an answer for the record.
(The information is as follows:)
Section 131(j) provides that a State shall be entitled to receive bonus pay-
ments as set forth in its bonus agreement, but no such State shall be entitled to
such payments unless the State maintains the control required under such agree-
ment or the control required by Section 131, whichever control is stricter.
Section 131(b) of the Highway Beautification Act of 1065 authorizes the Secre-
tary to suspend for such periods as he deems necessary the application of this
subsection to a State whenever he determines it to be in the public interest.
The Secretary is fully authorized to suspend any sanctions against a State
for failure to provide for "effective control" of outdoor advertising under Sec-
tion 131(b) of the Act until such time as the State legislature has had a reason-
able opportunity to act on the basis of explicit information.
This also applies with regard to the suspension of.bonus payments under Sec-
tion 131(j). Bonus States which continue to carry out their obligations to con-
trol outdoor advertising along the Interstate System in conformity with their
existing bonus agreements may thus be entitled to receive bonus payments when
the State has enacted appropriate legislation and entered into a suitable agree-
ment to fully implement the 1965 Act.
Section 131 (j) further expressly provides that "The provisions of this sub-
section shall not be construed to exempt any State from controlling outdoor ad-
vertising as otherwise provided in this section."
Bonus States as well as nonbonus States are therefore required to implement
and fully comply with the provisions of the Highway Beautification Act of 1905,
regardless of whether or not the bonus State elects to remain eligible to re-
receive bonus payments as provided by Section 131 (j).
A bonus State which fulfills its obligations under its bonus agreement in
connection with a project completed prior to enactment of the 1965 Act and
is continuing to carry out its obligations with reference to all other highways
on the Interstate System in accordance with the agreement would remain eligible
to receive bonus payments for those projects.
Additionally, if the legislature of a bonus State has not had a reasonable op-
portunity to act, prior to January 1, 1968, and the State acts administratively
by entering an agreement under the 1965 Act contingent on later ratification or
approval by the State legislature the State's eligibility to receive bonus payments
would be preserved without question. Bonus payments, however, would be de-
ferred in such circumstances until the State legislature actually ratifies or adopts
a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Mr. CRAMER. I would hate to see the States lose their eligibility for
bonus on these projects, because of problems relating to the Beautifica-
tion Act, because that seems to me to be going in the wrong direction.
PAGENO="0198"
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You get beautification under bonus provisions, but you are not getting
it under the Beautification Act because of a lack appropriations and
So forth.
Secretary BoYD. We have taken no position on this. As a result of
your question, we will study it and provide you with an answer on
what the provision is.
Mr. CRAMER. I would appreciate that very much.
I have some other questions, but I will yield to the other members
at this time. Thank you very much.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The gentleman from Oklahoma., Mr. Edmondson.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Secretary, I would
like to ask you initially with regard to your highway safety program
whether you regard your authorization request on highway safety as
minimum figures for an effective highway safety program in the fu-
ture, or whether they represent in your view an ideal figure for activity
in the future?
Secretary BoYD. Clearly a minimum figure, Mr. Edmondson. I
think this ~is an area, without any regard to the human side of this
thing. as an economic investment, that is one of the best payoff pro-
grains that the Federal Government is sponsoring. That is, in terms
of return on investment.
Mr. EDMONDSON. At what level do you think we would be providing
authorizations for highway safety if you were operating on ideal pro-
grams ? If we were to realize the maximum economic and human life
return on our program how much greater an annual authorization
figure would you have in this bill, do you think?
Secretary BoYD. I would say 33 percent.
Mr. EDMONDSON. In other words, thi~ in your view is just about a
third below what an ideal program would be?
Secretary BoYD. Given the present ability of our bureau to deal
with the program and the allocation of the money, I would say "Yes."
Ultimately I would think that figure would be low. But for this im-
mediate period, I would say that it is about right.
Mr. EDMONDSON. I would like to say, as one member of the commit-
tee, I think this is an area where some very important and significanf
things are being done in the States in cooperation with the Federal
Government. even though you have been operating on a bobtailed
budget. I certamly hope we will be successful in securing the author-
ization figure. that you recommended.
Secretary BoYD. I think with each year of experience, Mr. Edmond-
son, we. will develop more and more information which will more
clearly justify the value of this program.
Mr. EDMONDSON. I would like to turn secondly to the beautification
authorization figures that you have supported in your testimony and
ask you if you regard them as an ideal level or as a minimum level for
an effective beautification program?
Secretary BoYD. Minimum level. This is just enough to keep life
in the body.
Mr. EDMoNDsoN. What higher figure do you think we should have
for the beautification program if we had an effective or an ideal beauti-
fication program operating?
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Secretary Bom. I think the cost of removing signs under the pro-
gram, plus the full 3 percent for scenic enhancement, would be ideal.
I would have to run these figures out for you and put them in the
record. I do not have them in dollars.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Would you submit those for the record?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, please.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Mr. Secretary, I would like to ask you to comment
ma little more detail on the paragraph that appears at the top of page
5 in your summary statement in which you state:
In the past year some 17 outdoor advertising control agreements have been
signed, and we are close to agreement with a number of other States.
Would you submit for the record the States with which you have
concluded those agreements?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Would it be possible to submit also for the coin-
inittee files a copy of the control agreement that has been approved in
each of those 17 States?
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that that
list of States be made a part of the record at this point and that the
control agreements may be part of the files of the committee.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. Without objection, so ordered.
(Information follows:)
STATES WITH OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AGREEMENTS
During the hearing on May 23, 1968, Congressman Edinondson asked the Secre-
tary to submit for the record the States with which the Department has concluded
agreements, and for the committee files a copy of each agreement.
The following States have signed agreements with the Department providing
for outdoor advertising control under the Highway Beautification Act of 1965:
Rhode Island Maine
Vermont Utah
Virginia Puerto Rico
Hawaii California
District of Columbia Maryland
Connecticut Alaska
New York Pennsylvania
Kentucky Delaware
Minnesota Iowa
A copy of each agreement is attached.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Now, the next sentence in that same paragraph
states:
31 State legislatures have enacted laws providing for control of outdoor
advertising.
Would you tell me whether these 31 State laws comply with the
requirements of the Department with regard to beautification, or what
percentage of the 31 State acts have been held satisfactory and ade-
quate to comply with the law by your requirement?
Secretary BOYD. May I provide that for the record? I do not have
that information with me today.
Mr. EDMONDSON. I would like to have these specifics on it.
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Tell me, roughly, whether half of them are in
compliance or not.
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190
Secretary BOYD. I would like to ask Mr. Bridwell to answer that.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Edmondson, most of the implementing legisla-
tion enacted by the State legislatures is in a form which makes possible
agreements satisfactory to both the States and to the Federal Govern-
ment, and several of our agreements have been concluded under that
statutory authority.
There are severa.l States-I am frankly unable to name them at this
point-in which the legislation or the statute enacted by the legis-
lature creates problems in terms of working out an agreement which
we believe to be consistent with the Federal legislation, plus all of
the additional clarifying statements that the Secretary has made as
a part of the hearings, both before this committee and before the
Senate Public Works Committee.
At this point in time, there is no case in which we have said we will
refuse to conclude an agreement, and that a State will have to change
its law before we will conclude an agr~ement. In other words, there
has been no final confrontation between the Federal Government and
any State.
Mr. EDMONDSON. When you refer to these 31 State legislatures that
have acted, you feel that you are either in a position where you have
approved their laws or where you are in a negotiating position with
those 31 States?
Mr. BRIDWELL. No, sir; not quite, Mr. Edmondson. I believe there
are going to be a few of those States in which we are going to have
great difficulty with the State operating under the constraints of its
State statute and we operating lmder the constraints of the Federal
law plus the interpretation that has been made in the course of
hearings.
Mr. EDMOXDSON. Well, I know that our State has enacted-
Mr. BRIDWELL. Let me-without specifying the State, let me give
you an example in which one State. zoned all land adjacent to the
Federal-aid system for a distance of 660 feet from the edge of the
right-of-way as commercial and industrial property for the purposes
of erecting billboards, which is clearly inconsistent with the Federal
law. It is inconsistent with what the. Secretary has stated and it is
also inconsistent with what the committee has informally said is its
interpretation of the Federal statutes. Sb that is the kind of problem.
That is just one example.
Mr. ED~Ioxisox. I know our State legislature passed a bill which
the newspapers, at least those circulated in the larger cities, describe
as a tough billboard bill. The State has not been informed whether it
is in compliance, or the act is satisfactory to the Department.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Edmondson, the agreement which will presum-
ably result from the enactment of the Oklahoma Legislature has not
come to me, so as of now I simply cannot say that we. are or that we
are not in agreement, because it simply has not gotten to me.
Mr. ED~roxDsox. Well, I think it would be a helpful thing if we
could have supplied for the record, Mr. Chairman, the 31 States that
have enacted laws and the enumeration of the States among the. 31
whose laws have been found satisfactory, and the basis for agree-
n-ient. Could we have, that supplied for the record at this point?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, you may. lYe will be glad to supply it.
Mr. KLL~ZYNSKI. Without objection, so ordered.
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191
Mr. EDMONDSON. I would like also to have supplied for the record,
if you reached a point of determination with regard to some States
whose laws obviously are not the basis for an agreement, the identi-
fication of those States.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Edmondson, may I ask the committee's indul-
gence in the latter category, to put it on the basis that our preliminary
evaluation of a State's statute is that it is in conflict with the Federal
law? And I ask that indulgence because, as I say, at this point in
time we have not taken the position that any State law is in conflict
and that we therefore cannot even attempt to negotiate an agreement.
Mr. EDMOND5ON. Mr. Chairman, would that be satisfactory, to have
it submitted on that basis, that there has been a preliminary finding
by the Department that the law is not in compliance?
Mr. KLLTCZYN5KI. Without objection, it will be made a part of the
record.
(Information follows:)
As of May 30, 1908, 33 States have enacted some form of legislation for
the control of outdoor advertising. Of this number, the following listed 19
States have enacted legislation to carry out all of the provisions of Title I
of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and, in the opinion of the Secretary,
appear to provide the designated State agency adequate authority as a basis
upon which the States could enter into agreements.
New York (not yet signed by Gover-
nor)
North Carolina
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
District of Columbia
Puerto Rico
Texas, Colorado and New Hampshire have passed laws which are temporary
in nature; the Texas legislature passed a resolution which authorizes negotia-
tion relative to outdoor advertising controls under the Federal Act, while in
Colorado and New Hampshire moratorium statutes restrict the erection of
new signs for a designated period of time.
North Dakota enacted a unique law which sets up a highway Corridor Board
to regulate outdoor advertising in addition to other duties. This law appears
to be reasonably susceptible to several alternate methods of implementation.
Therefore, the adequacy of this law to fully comply with the Highway Beau-
tification Act of 1965 will be contingent upon the State's interpretation and
implementation of its provisions.
Specific standards and provisions are written into the laws of the remaining
10 States listed below:
Based upon a preliminary review of these laws, certain features contained
therein raise serious questions as to the State's authority to fully comply
with the Highway Beautification Act. Final determination as to whether these
laws are in need of amendment or further legislative action will rest upon
State interpretation of the various statutory provisions and the authority of
the designated State agencies to negotiate satisfactory agreements with the
Secretary to comply with the Federal Act.
Mr. KL~ozYNsT~I. Any further questions?
Mr. ED~roNDsoN. I have no further questions, Mr. Chairman.
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Idaho
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
New Mexico
Georgia
Indiana
Kansas
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Wyoming
PAGENO="0202"
192
Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Are you interested on States enactmg State legislation
calling for the removal of billboards that are not in conformity to
the Federal law? Removal now or in the near future?
Mr. BRIDWELL. We have not, Mr. Cramer, developed any model
legislation in the sense that we suggest to the States or demand of the
States what kind of legislation they should enact. There have been
a few instances in which a State authority sponsoring legislation
before a legislature has asked for our comments upon draft. legisla-
tion, which has been provided.
Other than those kinds of conditions, we have not tried to suggest
or require, or any other kind of action, what the legislation should
contain before a State legislature other than providing each of the
States the Federal statute plus the clarifying policy statements that
have been made by the Secretary. either before the committee or in
exchange of correspondence with the committee.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, you had some standards and we had some dis-
cussions about them and disagreements and so forth.
Mr. BRIDWELL. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. As I understand it, there have been no additional
standards developed or promulgated or issued, as a guidance to the
States, relating to their carrying out in particular title I.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I think the committee made it very clear that it was
somewhat less than enthused with our draft standards.
Mr. C1t&MER. You have not tried to redraft them?
Mr. BRIDWELL. So that you are quite correct, we have not attempted
to redraft the standards for a very good reason, that the standards-
if you may call them standards-apply individuaily in each State in
accordance with the agreement reached with the State. So there are
no such things as national uniform standards, but the standards result
rather from the negotiated agreement with each of the States.
Mr. CRAMER. The thing that bothers me basically is that if you are
encouraging States-and I am sure you would not discourage them-
to pass legislation to take down billboards, there is no money to do it.
The State is going to have to pick up t.he cost, right?
Mr. BRIDWELL. The State would have to pick up the cost or some
other kind of action would haveto take place; yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. How many of the 17 agreements are with States whose
legislatures have not yet acted?
Mr. BRIDWELL. I will have to supply that for the record, Mr.
Cramer.
(The information follows:)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AGREEMENTS WITH STATES WHOSE LEGISLATURES HAVE
NOT YET Acr~
During the hearing on May 23, 1908, Mr. Cramer inquired as to how many
of the agreements are with States whose Legislatures have not yet acted.
These are: Minnesota, Maine. Iowa. Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The original agreement with New York was signed prior to the time that the
Legislature had taken action. On May 25, 1968, the New York Legislature enacted
an outdoor advertising control bill, which is presently awaiting the Governor's
signature. This bill ratified and approved a revised agreement with New York,
signed May 13, 1908.
PAGENO="0203"
193
The original agreement with Maryland was signed prior to the enactment
of State legislation. The Maryland Legislature later enacted a law containing
substantially the same terms as the agreement. Certain minor changes were
made by the Legislature in the standards; these are considered acceptable
and a revised agreement will be executed in the near future.
The agreement with Alaska was signed prior to enactment of State legislation.
Subsequently, the State Legislature enacted a law ratifying the agreement.
Mr. CRAMER. Some of them are?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, the one that I am particularly familiar with
right at the moment, because the legislature is in the process now of
enacting legislation to carry out the agreement, is the State of New
York, so that is one instance.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I think maybe the only way we will get to the
bottom of what is being done, what judgments are being exercised,
what importuning is taking place relating to the State, legislatively
or otherwise, would be, Mr. Chairman, to suggest that they submit a
State-by-State analysis of what has occurred and what the present
status is.
Mr. BRIDWELL. We will be glad to supply such an analysis, Mr.
Cramer. We, I believe, routinely have supplied to the committee. copies
of each of the agreements signed.
Mr. CRAMER. We have that, I think.
Mr. BRIDWELL. So that there has been a very positive attitude on our
part that the committee should be fully informed of the progress of
our program of attempting to reach agreements with each of the
States.
Mr. Ki~uczYNsKI. Mr. Bridwell, will you supply the committee with
that information?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, we will be glad to, Mr. Chairman.
(The information follows:)
OUTDooR ADVERTIsING CONTROL-STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS
During the hearing on May 23, 1968, Mr. Cramer requested that the Depart-
ment submit for the record a State-by-State analysis of what has occurred dur-
ing the negotiations on outdoor advertising control, and the present status of
said negotiations.
Following the hearings before the Subcommittee on Roads in April and May of
1967, Secretary Boyd wrote to Chairman Kluczynski on May 24, 1967, outlining
four points of policy which would be followed in administering Title I of the
Act. Chairman Kluczynski released the text of this letter in a press release on
June 2, 1967, and on June 8, 1967, the Secretary acknowledged the press release
of June 2 and advised that he had on that ilate directed the Federal Highway
Administrator to proceed as expeditiously as possible to work out, within the
framework of the May 24 letter, agreements with the States for implementation
of the Act. These three documents were transmitted to the States by Federal
Highway Adminisration Notice of June 26, 1967, together with Mr. Bridwell's
statement of May 2, 1967, before the Subcommittee.
The pattern of negotiations has been virtually the same with respect to all
States. During the initial meeting or correspondence with the State, the State
has been requested to work out proposed standards and criteria which, in the
State's opinion, would be reasonable and effective in the light of conditioas with-
in the State. State officials have been informed of the status of negotiations in
other States, and copies of agreements executed have been transmitted to all
States shortly following signature. In this manner. the initiative in developing
the standards has come from the State, and all States have been kept fully
aware of the status of negotiations and agreements with their fellow States.
PAGENO="0204"
194
ALABAMA
On August 7, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to Alabama Highway Di-
rector Nelson asking that the State develop proposed standards for outdoor ad-
vertising control for study and mutual discussion. Mr. Nelson replied by letter
of August 17, 1967, that the State Legislature then had before it bills providing
for highway beautification, including outdoor advertising control and the State
did not consider it wise to attempt to enter into an agreement with the Federal
Government while the Legislature was considering those bills. Several attempts
were made in subsequent months to arrange for further negotiations; no affirma-
tive reaction was received from the State until recently. A meeting is now
scheduled for June 19 between State officials and Administration representa-
tives in Montgomery.
ALASKA
On August 7, 1967, the Administrator wrote to Commissioner Gonnason of
the Alaska Department of Highways, asking the State to develop proposed
standards for outdoor advertising control in Alaska which could be used for
study and mutual discussion. On March 4, 1968, a draft of a proposed agree-
ment prepared by the State was receivedL This was determined to be satisfac-
tory and the State was so advised. The agreement was executed by the State
and signed by the Administrator on March 29, 1968.
ARIZONA
On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to State Highway Engineer Price of
the Arizona Highway Department asking the State to develop proposed stand-
ards for study and mutual discussion. Mr. Price replied on August 17, 1967, in-
dicating that the Governor's Commission on Arizona Beauty was planning to set
up a Citizens' Committee, to be appointed by the Governor, for the purpose of
drafting billboard and junkyard legislation for presentation to the 1968 Legisla-
ture. Mr. Price continued that the assistance of a Federal representative would
be requested at the appropriate time.
On October 23, 1967, a Federal Highway Administration representative met
with the Citizens' Committee in Phoenix, at the Committee's request. The Fed-
eral representative explained the `requirements of the Federal Act of the Com-
mittee, which represented a number of different interests, including the outdoor
advertising industry. A second meeting at the request of the Committee was
held on November 20, 1967, and there were a number of subsequent telephone
conversations between State and Administration representatives concerning the
provisions of the proposed outdoor advertising and junkyard control bills. Dur-
ing these discussions, mutually satisfactory control provisions were worked out.
On February 22, 1968, two representatives of the Administration appeared be-
fore a joint committee of the Arizona Legislature and explained the Federal
Highway Beautification Act and its requirements. The Arizona Legislature ad-
journed its 1968 session, however, without acting on the proposed legislation.
ARKANSAS
Negotiations were commenced on June 5, 1967, when a Federal Highway Ad-
ministration representative conferred with State officials in Little Rock. Mr.
Bridwell thereafter wrote to Director of Highways Goodman on August 7, 1967,
and requested the State to develop proposed standards for further study and
mutual discussion. At the request of the State, an Administration representative
attended a conference in Little Rock on October 26, 1967. to discuss proposed
standards which had been developed. On March 27, 1968, the Arkansas Highway
Commission authorized Director Goodman to hold a public hearing on the pro-
posed standards and thereafter execute an `agreement with the Federal Highway
Administration. This hearing was held in Little Rock on May 15, 1968. The
State is now considering the information presented at the hearing.
OAL~ORNIA
Negotiations with California were commenced on July 24, and 25, 1967, when
representatives of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials,
including members of the Legislature, in Sacramento. Details of size, lighting,
and spacing standards were worked out and were included in a bill passed into
law by the California Legislature. Subsequent meetings were held in Sacra-
PAGENO="0205"
195
mento on September 5, 1967, and January 10, 1968. These, together with a num-
ber of telephone conversations between the State and Administration repre-
sentatives, concerned the definition of an unzoned commercial or industrial
area and the wording of the agreement. The agreement was executed on Feb-
ruary 15, 1968.
COLORADO
Negotiations were commenced on June 7, 1967. At that time a representative
of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials in Denver.
These negotiations were continued in Denver on July 5, 1967, and on August 7,
1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to Chief Engineer Shumate asking the State to develop
proposed standards for outdoor advertising control for further study and mutual
discussion. In reply, Mr. Shumate wrote on August 11, 1967, that it would be
their intention to work closely with the Administration during the winter of
1967-68 in attempting to develop satisfactory legislation which could be recom-
mended to the Legislature.
On January 20, 1968, representatives of the Administration met with Senators
Allott and Dominick, other members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation
and Colorado State Legislators in the U.S. Capitol at Senator Allott's request.
At that time the provisions of the Highway Beautification Act were explained
and questions of the State Legislators were answered. On January 25, 1968, a
representative of the Adniinistration again met with Colorado State Highway
Department officials in Denver, at which time they reviewed proposed legisla-
tion to be considered by the 1968 session of the Colorado Legislature. However,
the Colorado Legislature did not enact the proposed legislation, but instead
extended the previously enacted moratorium legislation.
CONNECTICUT
Negotiations were begun on May 25, 1967, when a Federal Highway Adminis-
tration representative met with State officials in Hartford. Additional meetings
were held in Hartford on June 20, 22, and 26, 1967, and on several occasions
subsequent to June 26, State officials were telephonically in contact with Admin-
istration representatives. The agreement with Connecticut was signed on Sep-
tember 11, 1967.
DELAWARE
On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to Director Davidson of the Delaware
State Highway Department asking that the State develop proposed standards
for study and mutual discussion. On August 18, 1967, representatives of the
Federai Highway Administration met in Dover with Mr. Davidson and other
State officials. On January 4, 1968, the State forwarded a draft of a proposed
agreement. Generally, the draft was entirely satisfactory and the State was so
advised. On April 11, 1968, a second draft of a proposed agreement was received.
Several changes were suggested to the State for consideration prior to the
preparation of the final agreement. The agreement with Delaware was executed
on May 1, 1968.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
On June 1, 1967, an initial meeting was held between officials of the District
of Columbia Department of Highways and Traffic an~I representatives of the
Federal Highway Administration. Provisions of an agreement were worked
out during this meeting, and were finalized in telephone conversations and an
additional meeting between Department of Highways and traffic officials and
Administration representatives. The agreement was signed on September 7, 1967.
FLORIDA
Negotiations were begun on April 14, 1967, when a Federal Highway Adminis-
tration representative met with Chairman Jay W. Brown of the State Road
Board and other State officials at Tallahassee. On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell
wrote to Mr. Brown asking that the State develop proposed standards for study
and mutual discussion. In reply, Chairman Brown wrote on September 5, 1967,
that their attorney was of the opinion that no agreement could be signed until
the Legislature had given them legal authority to do so. Chairman Brown did
request an additional meeting to discuss future implementation of the Act. This
meeting was held on November 28, 1967, in Tallahassee, attended by two Admin-
istration representatives, and on November 30, 1907, Mr. Brown wrote of their
PAGENO="0206"
196
desire to cooperate in every manner possible in implementing the Act as soon
as the Florida Legislature authorizes them to do so and Congress appropriates
sufficient funds to proceed.
GEORGIA
Negotiations with Georgia were begun on November 29, 1967. On that date
representatives of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials
in Atlanta. At the meeting the Georgia officials were advised that the existing
Georgia law contained features which would be regarded as objectionable inso-
far as forming the basis for an agreement. Subsequently by letter dated Decem-
ber 28, 1967, the State submitted a proposed agreement, based on the existing
Georgia law, for consideration. By letter dated January 29, 1968, Mr. Bridwell
pointed out that certain features of the agreement would not be considered
acceptable to the Secretary, and, in addition, certain provisions would conflict
with the language and intent of the Federal Act. Mr. Bridwell offered to discuss
the matter further or to negotiate an interim agreement pending further State
legislative action. By letter dated April 24, 1968, the State accepted the offer
to meet and negotiate, and a conference has been scheduled for June 18, 1968,
In Atlanta.
HAWAII
Chief Highway Engineer Albert C. Zane advised in March, 1967, that the
State highway department was agreeable to entering into an agreement pro-
viding for outdoor advertising control in Hawaii. Hawaii wished to consider
two different agreements, one incorporating the standards contained in the
January 10. 1967. report to the Congress and the other to contain the more
restrictive requirements of State law. In response to the State's request two
sample agreements were prepared in the Washington office and transmitted for
the State's consideration. The State elected to sign an agreement incorporating
the more restrictive provisions of State law. This agreement was executed on
July 13, 1967.
IDAHO
Negotiations were commenced on July 31, 1967, in Boise. On that date a
Federal Highway Administration representative met with State officials. Negoti-
ations were continued in Boise on August 22, 1967. and in compliance with their
law the State held public hearings in late August 1967 in Boise and five other
locations in Idaho concerning their proposed regulations. By letter dated Decem-
ber 1. 1967. the State submitted a draft of a proposed agreement; on December
15, 1967. three signed copies of a proposed agreement were submitted by the
State. On January 18. 1968, the agreement was discussed telephonically with
State Highway Engineer Mathes and on January 26, 1968, Mr. Mathes wrote
that the proposed changes suggested would be placed on the agenda of the Idaho
Highway Board at its next meeting. On February 23, 1968, Mr. Mathes sub-
mitted a revised agreement, which was under consideration when the State
advised by telegram that they had been enjoined in State court from enforcing
any provisions of their State outdoor advertising law and executing an agree-
ment with the Secretary. The State's telegram revoked the offer to agree and
the signed agreement forwarded by letter dated February 23, pending disposition
of the suit.
ILLINOIS
Negotiations with Illinois were commenced on May 5, 1967, when a repre-
sentative of the Federal Higaway Administration met with State officials in
Springfield. Discussed at that time was an outdoor advertising control bill which
had been drawn up by the Illinois Division of Highways for submission to the
Legislature. On May 9, 1967, an Administration representative testified before
a hearing of a committee of the Illinois Senate and stated that the Illinois
Division of Highways bill would form a satisfactory basis for an agreement with
the Secretary. A more liberal bill was reported out favorably by the Senate
Committee and telephonic negotiations were commenced by Administration
representatives and State officials as to points of acceptability in the bill under
Lonsideration. These continued until June 1967 when the bill was defeated in
the Illinois House. Since that time the State has declined to continue further
negotiations.
PAGENO="0207"
197
INDIANA
Negotiations with Indiana will commence on June 6, 1968. On that date repre-
sentatives of the Federal Highway Administration will confer with State officials
in Indianapolis.
IOWA
Negotiations were begun in Ames, Iowa, on August 10, 1967. On that date,
representatives of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials.
These negotiations were continued in Ames on September 28, 1968. At that time,
a draft agreement was discussed. A draft agreement was submitted by the State
by letter dated October 9, 1967, and was found generally acceptable; comments
for clarification purposes were transmitted to the State. A second draft was sub-
mitted by the State on December 6, 1967, and on December 18, 1967, a representa-
tive of the Administration met with members of the Iowa Highway Commission
in Ames. On December 20 the State submitted a signed agreement; by letter
dated January 24, 1968, the Administrator advised the State that he found
the terms of the agreement satisfactory with several exceptions, and suggested
several changes. On February 16, 1968, the State forwarded a proposed amend-
ment to its outdoor advertising control agreement. On April 12, 1968, Mr. Brid-
well sent to the State an agreement which combined the amendment with the
original agreement and clarified certain language contained therein. On May 20,
1968, the State submitted a revised draft, and by telegram of May 27, 1968, the
State w-as advised that the draft was entirely satisfactory. The agreement was
signed June 12, 1968.
KANSAS
Negotiations were commenced on August 7, 1967, when Adniinistrator Bridwell
wrote to Director Montgomery of the Kansas State Highway Commission asking
that the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussion. On
September 6, 1967, a representative of the Administration met with State officials
in Topeka.
KENTUCKY
Negotiations were begun on August 10, 1967, in Frankfort; on that date a rep-
resentative of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials. In
November 1967 the State submitted a draft of a proposed agreement. Certain
changes were suggested in telephonic conversations with State officials and in a
meeting in Washington on November 29, 1967. On December 5, 1967, the State
submitted a signed agreement, which was executed by the Administrator on
December 11, 1967.
LOUISIANA
Negotiations were commenced on October 31, 1967. On that date representatives
of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials in Baton Rouge.
These negotiations were continued on December 12, 1967, and on December 28,
1967, the State submitted an agreement for consideration. By letter dated Jan-
uary 24, 1968, the Administrator advised the State of his reluctance to accept
one provision of the agreement. This provision was further discussed in the
State's letters of February 5 and April 1, 1968, and the Administrator's letter of
March 4, 1968. The State's proposal is presently under consideration in the
Administration at the present time.
MAINE
On August 7, 1967, the Administrator wrOte to Chairman Stevens asking that
the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussions. On
November 21, 1967, a Federal Highway Administration representative met wtih
State officials in Augusta and on December 28, 1967, an attorney for the Maine
State Highway Commission brought to Washington a proposed agreement. Cer-
tain changes w-ere made in the agreement which was executed on that date by
the Administrator. The changes made were later approved by the Maine State
Highway Commission.
MARYLAND
Administrator Bridw-ell wrote to Chairman-Director Wolfe on August 7, 1967,
asking the State to develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussion.
On October 5, 1967, State officials met with Administration representatives in
Washington. On January 15, 1968, the State held a public hearing on their
PAGENO="0208"
198
proposed standards and on January 30, 1968, an attorney of the Maryland State
Roads Commission visited the Washington offices to discuss the proposed agree-
ment. Several minor language changes were suggested. The agreement was
executed on February 15, 1968.
MASsACHUSETTS
Negotiations were commenced on July 26, 1967, when an Administration repre-
sentative met with State officials in Boston. At that time, the State indicated, that
a legislative study committee had been assigned the responsibility of drawing up
proposed regulations and legislation. Although the Administration has offered
to continue these negotiations on several occasions, no affirmative response has
been received from the State. On April 8, 1968, Deputy Administrator Jamieson
wrote to Commissioner Ribbs assuring Mr Ribbs that the Administration was
ready to resume the negotiations begun on July 26, 1967.
MICHIGAN
Negotiations were commenced on December 5, 1967, when Administration
representatives met with State officials in Lansing. The State, by letter dated
February 16, 1968, submitted a proposed agreement which was based on the
provisions of the existing Michigan outdoor advertising control law. By letter
dated March 8, 1968, Highway Beautification Coordinator Fred S. Farr advised
the State that be was of the opinion that certain provisions in the proposed
agreement would not be acceptable as a basis for agreement with the Secretary,
and in addition certain of the provisions appeared to conflict with the language
and intent of the Federal Act itself. Mr. Farr's letter stated that the Adminisra-
tion would be happy tO discuss the matter further with the State at their
convenience. At the State's request, representatives of the Administration ap-
peared before a joint committee of the Michigan Legislature in Lansing on
April 23, 1968. The Administration's objections to the existing Michigan law
were explained and the Administration again offered to meet with officials of
the State to work out mutually agreeable terms which could be included in a
proposed amendment to the existing law. The joint legislative committee asked
that Federal and State officials meet with representatives of the outdoor ad-
vertising industry in attempting to resolve the differences. The Administration
representatives readily agreed to do so, provided State officials were also
willing.
MINNESOTA
On August 9, 1967, representatives of the Administration met with officials
of the State in St. Paul. These negotiat~ons were continued on November 20,
1967, when Administration representatives again met with State officials in
St. Paul and discussed the provisions of a draft agreement. The agreement was
prepared in final form by the State and submitted on December 4, 1987, and
was executed by the Administrator on December 11, 1967.
MISSISSIPPI
Federal Highway Administration representatives met with State officials
on November 1, 1967, in Jackson. Objections1 to certain provisions of the exist-
ing Mississippi outdoor advertising control law were pointed out to State officials.
By letter dated December 1, 1967, Chief Engineer Johnson submitted a pro-
posed amendment and on December 13, 1967, Administration representatives
met with Mr. Johnson and other State officials to discuss the provisions of the
proposed amendment. Minor changes in the language of the draft were sug-
gested. By letter dated December 20, 1967, Director Robbins submitted the
revised draft for review; by letter dated January 22, 1968, the Administrator
advised Mr. Robbins that the standards and criteria contained therein were
felt to embody the minimum requirements under which an agreement could be
entered into. At the re8uest of the State, an Administration representative met
with officials of the Mississippi Highway Department and representatives of
the outdoor advertising industry on April 4, 1968, in Jackson. Final details of a
proposed amendment to the existing Mississippi law were worked out. the
outdoor advertising industry indicating that it would support such an amendment.
PAGENO="0209"
199
MISSOURI
The State highway department, by letters of September 20, 1967, and Octo-
ber 24, 1967, requested that their existing law be reviewed for compliance with
the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. By memorandum of December 15,
1967, the Administration's Chief Counsel's office pointed out the objectionable
features of the existing Missouri law, insofar as an outdoor advertising control
agreement was concerned.
MONTANA
On April 9, 1968, a representative of the Federal Highway Administration
met with officials of the State Highway Commission in Helena. At that time
the Administration representative pointed out that the present Montana law
raises serious questions as to the State's authority to fully comply with the
Highway Beautification Act. On April 22, 1968, Administrator Bridwell wrote
to Chairman Blewett detailing certain provisions of the Montana law which
possibly would prevent agreement. Mr. Bridwell offered to have his represen-
tatives continue to meet with State officials in further negotiations which
could lead to a mutually acceptable agreement, to be contingent upon ratification
by the State Legislature. Chairman Blewett, by letter dated April 30, 1968,
indicated that the matter would be considered at the next highway commis-
sion meeting.
NEBRASKA
On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to State Engineer Hossack asking that
the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussion. On Sep-
tember 7, 1967, a representative of the Administration met with Mr. Hossack and
other officials of the State in Lincoln. On January 19, 1968, Mr. Hossack dis-
cussed a draft of a proposed agreement with representatives of the Federal High-
way Administration while in Washington in connection with other matters:
NEVADA
On August 7, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to State Highway Engineer
Bawden asking that the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual
discussion. Again on January 25, 1968, Mr. Bridwell wrote to Mr. Bawden, offer-
ing to commence active negotiations. Mr. Bawden replied on February 9, 1903,
stating that the State was at that time drawing up proposed standards which
would be forwarded for the Administrator's review.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Negotiations were commenced with New Hampshire on November 22, 1967,
when a representative of the Federal Highway Administration met with State
officials in Concord. By letter dated March 28, 1968, Commissioner Morton ad-
vised that their attorney felt that it would be unwise to enter into an agreement
at that time. Comniissioner Morton pointed out that the moratorium legislation
enacted in 1967 had stipulated that an agreement could not be signed until the
State stood to lose Federal funds. In reply of April 29, 1968, Mr. Bridwell pointed
out that the moratorium legislation could endanger the State's bonus eligibility,
since it might allow signs in areas restricted under the bonus agreement. Mr.
Bridwell's letter offered to have representatives meet with the State to further
discuss the matter. Mr. Morton by letter dated May 1, 1968, stated that the New
Hampshire Legislature bad been reluctant to pass more complete legislation dur-
ing its 1967 session because of the lack of specific standards. In reply, Mr.
Bridwell wrote that an interim agreement could be valuable to the Legislature
during its 1969 session, since it could be regarded as a recommendation to the
Legislature as to what the specific standards should be in the light of conditions
within the State Mr. Bridwell further pointed out that the terms of an interim
agreement are not binding on the State or the Legislature and are only binding
on the Federal Government.
NEW JERSEY
Negotiations were commenced on August 2, 1967, when a representative of the
Federal Highway Administration met with State officials in Trenton. On August
14, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to Commissioner Goldberg asking that
90-030-6S------14
PAGENO="0210"
200
the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussion. On March
29, 1968, Mr. Bridwell again wrote to Commissioner Goldberg offering to resume
the negotiations begun earlier. On May 17, 1968, Mr. Goldberg submitted a pro-
posed agreement. By letter dated May 29, 1968, the State was advised that the
agreement was entirely satIsfactory.
NEW MEXICO
Negotiations were commenced on June 8. 1967, and continued on July 6, 1967.
On these two dates representatIves of the Federal Highway Administration niet
with State officials in Santa Fe. By letter dated September 5. 1967, the State
forwarded a proposed agreement which was found to be entirely satisfactory and
the State was so advised.
At the request of the State, an Administration representative met with State
officials on October 25, 1967, and at that time the proposed agreement was re-
written to eliminate certain provisions objected to by the outdoor advertising
industry. On October 26, 1967, the Administration representative spoke before the
Highway Commission, explaining the requirements of the Federal Act. At that
meeting, the Commission directed that the proposed agreement be given additional
study by the highway department, the outdoor advertising industry, and the
Federal Government. On December 21, 1967, the Chairman of the New Mexico
State Highway Commission signed an agreement which was forwarded to the
Federal Highway Administration on January 4, 19681 By letter dated January 24,
1968, the agreement was returned by the Administrator since the unzoned com-
mercial or industrial area definition failed to require the existence of any com-
mercial or industrial activity. Mr. Bridwell's letter pointed out to Chairman
Trotter that this was contrary to the Secretary's policy as expressed in his letter
of May 24, 1967, to Chairman Kluczynski. On February 23, 1968, negotiations
were continued in a meeting between State officials and a Federal Highway
Administration representative in Santa Fe.
NEW YORK
Negotiations were commenced on May 24, 1967, when a representative of the
Federal Highway Administration met with State officials in Albany. These nego-
tiations were continued on July 27, 1967, and by letter dated August 25, 1967, the
State submitted for review a draft of an agreement. By letter dated September
1, 1967, the State was advised that the agreement was entirely satisfactory. The
agreement, which required legislative ratification, executed on November 7, 1967.
By letter dated April 4, 1968, the State submitted a revised agreement, the
details of which had been worked out in conferences with the outdoor advertis-
ing industry and representatives of the State Legislature. By letter of April 23,
1968, Highway Beautification Coordinator Fred S. Farr pointed out to the State
those provisions of the proposed revised agreement which he felt would be un-
acceptable to the Secretary. On April 30, 1968, representatives of the Federal
Highway Administration participated in a conference in Albany with officials of
the State Department of Transportation, the State Legislature, and the Outdoor
Advertising Industry. Most of the provisions which were in controversy were
worked out during the conference and the remaining controversial points re-
solved during a series of telephone conversations between Washington office
representatives and State officials. By letter dated May 13, 1968, the State sub-
mitted a revised agreement, which was executed by the Administrator on May
29, 1968. On May 27, 1968, the State advised telephonically that the New York
Legislature, during the prior weekend, had enacted a bill containing the provi-
sions of the agreement and that the bill was then awaiting signature of the
Governor.
NORTH CAROLINA
On August 7, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to State Highway Admin-
istrator Babcock asking the State to develop standards for study and mutual
discussion. On August 23, 1967, Mr. Babcock advised that the North Carolina
Highway Commission had instructed him to take no action towards an agree-
ment until Congress voted an appropriation for highway beautification. By letter
dated November 16, 1967, the State submitted a proposed agreement, which was
discussed at a meeting in Raleigh on December 18, 1967. On April 9, 1968,
negotiations with North Carolina were continued during a meeting in Raleigh.
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NORTH DAKOTA
By letter dated December 7, 1967, the State forwarded a proposed agreement.
Administrator Bridwell in his reply of December 15, 1967, pointed out that the
unzoned commercial or industrial area definition would not require the existence
of any commercial or industrial activity and for that reason would not be
acceptable to the Secretary under the policy stated in the Secretary's letter of
May 24, 1967, to Chairman Kluczynski. On January 11, 1967, representatives of
the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials in Bismarck to
further discuss a possible agreement.
OHIO
By letter dated August 7, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to Director
Masheter asking the State to develop proposed standards for study and mutual
discussion. By letter of January 9, 1968, the State submitted a proposed agree-
ment, which was discussed at a meeting in Columbus on January 16, 1968. By
letter dated January 17, 1968, the State submitted two signed copies of an agree-
ment. Administrator Bridwell, in a letter dated January 30, 1968, pointed out to
Director Masheter that the agreement was entirely satisfactory, except that
certain areas within commercial and industrial zones were excluded from any
size, lighting, and spacing controls. Mr. Bridwell noted that he felt that the
Administration was without legal authority to agree to such an exclusion. By
letter dated March 29, 1968, the State submitted a revised agreement. The State's
letter advised that the revision had corrected the exclusion noted in the Admin-
istrator's January 30 letter. Certain additional changes had been made as a
result of consultations with interested parties both within and outside of Govern-
mental circles. In reply dated May 6, 1968, the Administrator pointed out his
objections to several of the new provisions and forwarded to Mr. Masheter an
agreement which would encompass most of the provisions of the agreement pro-
posed by the State and at the same time correct those features of the Ohio
proposal which had been found objectionable.
OKLAHOMA
On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to Director Dane asking that the State
develop standards which could be used for study and mutual discussion. On
August 10, 1967, Secretary Boyd, Assistant Secretary Sweeney, and other Depart-
ment representatives met with Congressman Edmondson and officials of the
Oklahoma State Legislature and the State highway department in Secretary
Boyd's office in Washington. Administration representatives explained certain
features of the Federal Act and outlined the procedures under which negotia-
tions were being conducted. On November 27, 1967, representatives of the Admin-
istration again met with State officials, including those of the Legislature, in
Oklahoma City. At this meeting a proposed bill providing for control of outdoor
advertising in Oklahoma was discussed in detail and the Administration's
objections to certain of its features were explained.
OREGON
On August 10, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to State Highway Engineer Cooper
asking the State to develop proposed standards for outdoor advertising control
for study and mutual discussion. On April 2, 1968, an Administration representa-
tive met with State officials in Salem during which time the preparation of a
draft agreement was discussed.
PENNSYLVANIA
On August 9, 1967, the Administrator wrote to Secretary of Highways Bartlett
asking that the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discus-
sion. On September 18, 1967, a representative of the Administration met with
State officials in Harrisburg. Negotiations were continued on November 8, 1967,
and standards developed by the State were discussed. On February 20, 1968, an
additional meeting was held in Harrisburg between State officials and Adminis-
tration representatives and the proposed agreement was reviewed. The agree-
ment with Pennsylvania was executed on April 19, 1968.
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202
PUERTO RICO
Negotiations were begun on June 25, 1967. when an Administration representa-
tive conferred with Commonwealth officials in San Juan. It was determined at
that time that the agreement would incorporate by reference the more restrictive
provisions of existing Puerto Rico law and regulation. The agreement was signed
on January 23, 1968.
RHODE ISLAND
Negotiations began on May 26, 1967, between State officials and an Administra-
tion representative during a meeting in Providence. The State subsequently
developed a proposed agreement, which was discussed at a second meeting on
June 21, 1067. The agreement was signed on June 28, 1067.
SOUTH CAROLINA
On August 7, 1967, Administrator Bridwell wrote to Commissioner Pearman
asking that the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual discus-
sion. By letter dated December 12, 1967, the State submitted a draft of a pro-
posed agreement, which was discussed in detail on January 17, 1968. at a meet-
ing in Columbia attended by State officials and a representative of the Federal
Highway Administration. By letter dated March 8, 1968, Highway Beautification
Coordinator Fred S. Farr offered comments on proposed legislation which was
being prepared by the State.
SOUTH DAKOTA
On September 27, 1067, the State submitted to the Secretary a copy of its law
controlling outdoor advertising and requested a determination as to whether an
agreement could be negotiated under the terms of the State law. By letter dated
January 9, 1068, the State was advised that the existing law did not provide for
the necessary control as contemplated under the Highway Beautification Act of
1965. Under date of January 16, 1968, the State submitted a proposed agreement
based on the existing law and by letter dated March 7, 1068, Administrator Brid-
well advised Director Olson that the agreement was unacceptable. Mr. Bridwell
offered to have Administration representatives meet with State officials to dis-
cuss this matter in further detail.
TENNESSEE
On August 7, 1967, Mr. Bridwell wrote to Commissioner Speight asking the
State to develop proposed standards for study and mutual discussion. On Sep-
tember 11, 1067, Administration representatives met with State officials in Nash-
ville and explained the provisions of the Federal Act and the procedures which
were being used in negotiations. On December 8, 1067, negotiations were con-
tinued; however, Commissioner Speight indicated that a committee of the Ten-
nessee Legislature was presently studying the problem and had not at that. time
requested assistance from the Tennessee Department of Highways. Mr. Speight
continued that under the circumstances he felt it unwise to enter an interim
agreement.
On January 26, 10~8, Administration representatives attended the Southern
Regional Conference meeting of the Council of State Governments in Knoxville,
Tennessee. The meeting was sponsored in part by the Tennessee Legislature and
a number of Tennessee Legislators were present. An Administration spokesman
explained the Department's policy in negotiations, stating that the Department
desired the initiative to come from the States, but that the Department also felt
strongly that it should be consulted in the development of the standards and
criteria to be included in any agreement.
TEXAS
On August 17, 1067, Administrator Bridwell wrote to State Highway Engineer
Greer asking that the State develop proposed standards for study and mutual
discussion. On September 12, 1967, Administration representatives met with Mr.
Greer and other State officials in Austin. In January 1968 the State was con-
tacted to determine whether further negotiations were desired. By letter dated
January 22, 1968, State Highway Engineer Dingwall pointed out that there were
no Federal appropriations for highway beautification at that time, there were
still indications that Congress might possible either change the legislation or the
PAGENO="0213"
203
administration of such legislation, and there was at that time a cutback in Fed-
eral highway funds. These and other factors, according to Mr. Dingwall created
an atmosphere of uncertainty relative to State legislation with respect to out-
door advertising control.
UTAH
On August 9, 1967, Governor Rampton submitted a proposed agreement to the
Secretary. By letter dated September 29, 1967, Administrator Bridwell offered
to have representatives go to Salt Lake City to discuss the agreement with tile
Governor or his representatives. Several meetings were held between State offi-
cials, including Governor Rampton, and Administration representatives, includ-
ing Mr. .Bridwell, during the meetings of the American Association of State High-
way Officials in Salt Lake City in October 1967. Governor Rampton submitted a
revised agreement on November 10, 1967, and further negotiations were carried
on telephonically with State officials in December 1967. The agreement was signed
on January 18, 1968.
VERMONT
Negotiations were begun on June 16, 167, in Montpelier. On that date repre-
sentatives of the Federal Highway Administration met with State officials. A
proposed agreement was prepared, based primarily on the provisions of the then
existing Vermont law. The agreement was signed on June 28, 1967.
VIRGINIA
Negotiations were commenced on May 19, 1967. On that date an Administra-
tion representative met with State officials in Richmond. These negotiations were
continued on June 15, 1967, and the agreement with Virginia was signed on
July 13, 1967.
WASHINGTON
Administrator Bridwell wrote to Director Prahl of the Washington Depart-
nient of Highways on August 9, 1967, asking the State to develop standards for
study and mutual discussion. On August 21, 1967, representatives of the Admin-
istration met with State officials in Olympia. Subsequent to that time the State
has been involved in a suit testing the constitutionality of their existing law con-
trolling outdoor advertising and has been reluctant to conduct further negotia-
tions or enter an agreement pending settlement of the suit.
WEST VIRGINIA
Negotiations were begun on June 13, 1967, in a meeting in Charleston attended
by State officials and a representative of the Administration. A second meeting
was held on August 3, 1967, in Charleston and on August 25, 1967, State repre-
sentatiVes traveled to Washington to discuss a draft agreement. Certain objec-
tions to the State's proposal were explained to the State representatives at that
time. By letter dated December 6, 1967, Commissioner Sawyers submitted a
signed agreement, which was discussed in detail at a meeting in Washington on
February 7, 1968, attended by Mr. Sawyers and other State officials representing
the State and Administration representatives. Again, Administration objections
to the prepared agreement were explained. On May 2, 1968, the negotiations
were continued between State officials and Administration representatives at a
meeting in Washington.
WISCONSIN
Negotiations were begun on July 13, 1967, in Madison. On that date Adminis-
tration representatives met with State officials at the State's request. On Septem-
ber 8, 1967, Secretary of Transportation Bakke advised that they had prepared
a draft of an agreement which they intended to discuss with legislative leaders
prior to submission. On May 17, 1968, Administration representatives again met
with State officials in Madison and a draft of a proposed agreement was reviewed.
WYOMING
On January 24, 1968, a representative of the Federal Highway administra-
tion met with State officials in Cheyenne at which time the representative pointed
out those features of existing Wyoming law which could prevent agreement on
outdoor advertising control. On February 16, 1968, Administrator Bridwell wrote
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204
to Governor Hathaway and urged that the State and Federal Governments work
together in developing mutually satisfactory control provisions, which could be
recommended to the Legislature at its next session. Governor Hathaway
responded by letter dated February 23, 1968, welcoming the cooperation of the
Administration.
Mr. Ci~rE1i. Could I ask a question. how many States are being in-
formed, as is Arizona, that you either enact legislation, you have had
the opportunity to do so, or January 1, 1969, we will cut your 10 per-
cent off?
Secretary Boyu. That was in response to a letter from the State of
Arizona. We are trying to respond to any request we get for informa-
tion and opinion.
Mr. CRAMER. That is all, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Mr. KLuczyNsKI. Before recognizing the next gentleman who has
some questions, Mr. Cleveland, the Chair wants to state that we are
planning to go over until about 2:30. We will recess untill 2:30.
Are there any members who cannot be present this afternoon who
would like to a.sk some questions now? I want to recognize the gentle-
man from New Hampshire first, because I promised that. Will you
gentleman be here later on?
Mr. CLAnSEN. Will the Secretary be back this afternoon?
Secretary Born. Yes, sir.
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. Yes, sir. We tried to complete it this morning. It
was impossible to complete this morning.
The gentleman from New Hampshire.
Mr. Cr lAND. Mr. Secretary, in reply to the questions from Mr.
Edmondson, who asked you about what would be ideal for safety ex-
penditure, I believe you said it was only; 33 percent of the ideal at the
present time. Were you referring to authorization or appropriation?
Secretary Born. I was referring tO authorizations. But I did not
mean 33 percent of ideal. What I meant to say, Mr. Cleveland, was
33 percent more.
Mr. CLEVELAND. 33 percent authorization?
Secretary Bom. Yes, sir.
Mr. CLEVELAND. So this would be a tremendous amount more that
should be appropriated?
Secretary Born. Yes, sir.
Mr. CLEVELAND. There is a great deal of misunderstanding in the
public mind, I am sure you realize, in the difference between authori-
zations and appropriations. We authorize plenty of money for safety.
If this is announced, thereis a great program, a lot of publicity, then
when the crunch comes, the acimmistration only recommends spending
a mere pittance compared to what has been authorized, after the bill
has been signed and the pictures have been taken. There is an area
where there is a good deal of misunderstanding and that is why I
wanted to nail that point down.
Mr. BRTDWELL. Mr. Cleveland. if I may respond for a moment, the
administration has taken the position that the contract authority as
originally written into the legislation by: this committee and enacted
by Congress, should prevail. In other words, the full authorization
would be available for obligation.
Mr. CLEVELAND. The fact remains appropriations have been sub-
stantially under authorization?
PAGENO="0215"
205
Mr. BRIDWELL. That is right.
Mr. CLEVELAND. I do not care what you call it, you cannot change
that particular thing.
Mr. BRIDWELL. That is correct.
Secretary BOYD. That is correct.
Mr. CLEVELAND. That is the point I am trying to make.
Mr. BRIDWELL. But it was not upon the recommendation of the ad-
ministration, Mr. Cleveland.
Secretary BOYD. That is the point we are trying to make.
Mr. CLEVELAND. Now, another question. I understood you to say, Mr.
Bridwell, that you have not yet said that any State was in noncom-
pliance, vis-a-vis this billboard and beautification situation. Did I un-
derstand you correctly?
Secretary BOYD. That is correct, sir.
Mr. CLEVELAND. Then I understood you further to say-I think Mr.
Bridwell said this-that some of these States have simply passed laws,
which zoned everything on the interstate commercial; thereby, people
could put up signs anywhere on the Interstate in those particular
States. I think you said, Mr. Bridwell, that you considered that a clear
violation of the law or intent of this committee.
Secretary BOYD. Yes, sir. He did.
Mr. CLEVELAND. Well, then, if that is the case, those States on the
record we have here would be in violation of the beautification law?
Secretary BoYD. Well, what Mr. Bridwell indicated, and I support,
is that we have not yet reached the stage on contract negotiations
where the elements of a particular State law have intruded to the ex-
ent that we cannot reach agreement.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I think I can clarify it in this way, if I may. In
those instances, such as the one particular one I cited that we do not
believe is in conformance with t.he Federal law and the intent of this
committee as clarified, as I mentioned before, we are attempting to
negotiate an agreement with the appropriate State authority with a
clause contained therein that it iS subject to implementation by the
State legislature; thereby giving the State authority-in this in-
stance, the highway department-the opportunity to go back to the
legislature and say, "Under your first enactment, we simply cannot
arrive at an agreement. We have, however, arrived at an agreement
which we think is fair and appropriate. We are now recommending
new legislation to implement the agreement."
This, to me, is a far preferable way to operate than to simply tell a
State,~ "Your State law does not meet Federal standards, therefore
you are out."
Mr. CLEVELAND. I understand that. I also want to make the point,
some of us predicted at the time the beautification bill was being de-
bated here in this committee and on the floor of the House that there
was this loophole in the law, and I think that those States that do pass
laws that zone all the lands along the interstate right-of-way have
found the loophole and are acting perfectly properly and acting
perfectly legally.
You may find they have violated your intent and perhaps the intent
- of some people, but the loophole was there; it was predicted when we
debated this legislation.
PAGENO="0216"
206
Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman yield? The other loophole-I just
traveled on some interstate roads a few days ago-appears to be they
are just. building bigger signs beyond the 660-foot limitation.
Mr. BRIDWELL. You may want to extend that lirnitatiou.
Mr. CRAMER. The farther you get off the highway, the bigger the
signs are going to be. It really does not-
Mr. CLEVELAND. The richer you have to be to build one of those
bigger signs.
Mr. CR~IEn. The little guy cannot compete. That is what it amounts
to. So all of these national chains, hotels and such, quality courts
and national chain restaurants, they are in pretty good shape; they
can afford those $600 a month gigantic signs on the hillside. But the
little fellow is out of business.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, as you recall, the 660-foot limitation
was, in effect, a compromise figure. There was no particula.r magic
about 660 feet. Speaking only for myself, I would be glad to include
an amendment. which made it an effective distance.
Mr. CRAMER. Like what?
Mr. BPJDWELL. Whatever you believe to be adequate.
Mr. CRAMER. I mean the farther you go, the bigger the signs get.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Well, that obviously has limitations, too. Once they
get over the hill, there is not much use in making a big sign.
Mr. CRAMER. You suggest 1,000 feet?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. That just means they will put a bigger sign 1,000 feet
away tha.n one 660 feet.
Mr. BRIDWELL. "Within sight" is a pretty good definition.
[Laughter.]
Mr. CLEVELAND. I do not have the time to make this in the form of
a query, but, Mr. Secretary, I will tell you that, under a recent order
of the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Roads, they are
going to take down a lot of trees along the highway because they are
fixed, immovable objects that cause a safety hazard. There has been
brought to my desk, and I am sure other congressional desks, a great
deal of mail and I will be in correspondence with you about this, and
I want to warn you the queries are coming and these people are
asking me questions: Why do we plant trees under the beautification
program, when under the safety program, we are going to cut them
down? That is one of the questions.
Secretary Bon~. I can answer that.
Mr. CLEVELAND. Excuse me. Why are you taking down the trees
but not taking out the rock outcroppings, such as in Vermont, where
they are closer to the Interstate Highway?
l~'Ir. Secretary, this morning you read one statement and submitted
another, and I would like to inquire if that statement, which was
submitted but not read, is for the record?
Secretary Bom. Yes, sir. The statement I read was a summary of
the much longer statement, which is the total of my testimony.
Mr. CLEVELAND. So, Mr. Chairman, I would move that that be made
a part. of the record.
Mr. KLUczYN5KI. Without objection, the statement will be made
a part of the record, in its entirety.
(Statement follows:)
PAGENO="0217"
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STATEMENT BY ALAN S. BOYD, SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
I am pleased to appear before your Committee this morning to testify on the
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968. I have with me Mr. Lowell K. Bridwell, Fed-
eral Highway Administrator, Mr. Francis C. Turner, Director of the Bureau of
Public Roads, Dr. William Haddon, Jr., Director of the National Highway Safety
Bureau, and Dr. Haddon's Deputy, Dr. Robert Brenner;
Since we last testified before you on authorization legislation two years and
one month ago, dramatic changes have taken place in the field of transportation.
The Department of Transportation has been created, and in operation for 13
months. This department includes among its modal agencies the Federal High-
way Administration, which encompasses the Bureau of Public Roads and the new
National Highway Safety Bureau established by the Congress to bring about in-
creased safety on the nation's highways. The Federal Highway Administration
and these two of its Bureaus now have the major responsibility within the De-
partment for supervising the development of the finest, most efficient, and safest
transportation network attainable, as a basic component of our national trans-
portation system.
DIFFERENCES FROM PAST
Let me emphasize that the bill this year is significantly different from tradi-
tional highway legislation in several important respects. Overall, it comprises
the first comprehensive program for the solution of urban highway problems that
has yet been written. It attempts to deal with the vast problems of urban con-
gestion and highway safety now facing our cities and their restless populations.
The extent to which the Department of Transportation is involved in these
problems is indicated by the transfer to it of the urban mass transit authority of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The biggest part of the authorizations requested in the bill will be used for
completion of the Interstate System. But what is of even more significance is the
way in which we intend to spend the rest of it, as an outgrowth of the closer look
that we are taking at the building of highways in cities in view of the millions of
people who have to live with those highways. So what we are proposing are new
programs-programs to improve the traffic capacity of existing roadways as an
alternative to new construction, to provide Federal funds for fringe parkftig
spaces, to permit States to buy land for highways as long as seven years in ad-
vance of need, and to expand the new highway safety programs and supportive
research. Not in the bill, but basic to it, is consideration of a new compensation
formula for homes and businesses purchased for highway use.
PROGRESS OF PROGRAM
Before discussing the details of the legislation before you, I should like to
report briefly on the progress of the Federal-aid highway program. The shape of
future highway programs is now under active discussion, so it is important
that we recognize what already has been accomplished.
At present, work is underway orhas been completed on some 40,064 miles of
the 41,000-mile Interstate and Defense Highway System, which is about 98 per-
cent of the total. Almost 25,900 miles are now open to traffic, and construction
is underway on another 5,678 miles. This means that about 64 percent of the
system is now open to traffic, while only two percent has not been advanced
beyond the preliminary status.
Of the 25,892 miles of the Interstate system now in use by motorists, 20,325
miles comply with prevailing standards of adequacy for future traffic; 3,262 miles
are fully capable of handling current traffic, but will require additional improve-
ment to meet projected needs. Toll roads, bridges, and tunnels incorporated in
the system total 2,305 miles. In addition to sections open to traffic, 5678 miles
were under construction as of March 31, and engineering or right-of-way acquisi-
tion was being performed on another 8,494 miles.
Some $32.6 billion has been put to work on the program since 1956. Work com-
pleted since July 1, 1956, has cost $22.93 billion of which $18.71 billion was for
construction and $4.22 billion for engineering and right-of-way acquisition.
PENDING BILLS
Turning now to the pending legislation, may I note there are two bills before
the Subcommittee. HR. 17134, introduced by request, comprises the Admninistra-
PAGENO="0218"
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tirni program. (Parenthetically, there are two minor errors in Sections 5 and
11 of the printed bill with which you already are familiar.) H.R. 16994, intro-
duced by you, Mr. Chairman, and the Chairman of the full Committee, embodies
portions of the Administration program but omits several sections. My testimony
will relate to each section of the Administration bill, H.R. 17134, thereby also
covering the provisions of H.R. 16994 as well, though under different section
numbers. I will parenthetically identfy corresponding sections of H.R. 16994,
where they differ with H.R. 17134, as I proceed.
Section 1 of H.R. 17134 provides that the Act shall be cited as the "Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1968."
INTERSTATE AUTHORIZATIONS
Section 2 would revise the schedule of authorization of appropriations for the
Interstate System by increasing the amounts provided therein for 1970, 1971,
and 1972, and by adding authorizations for fiscal years 1973 and 1974. This is
necessary in order to provide additional authorizations totaling $8.340 billion
to cover the increased costs of completing the Interstate System as reflected in
the 1968 Cost Estimate for the Interstate System (House Doe. 199, 90th Con-
gress, 2d Session).
Funds authorized by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1966 for 1969 and prior
fiscal years have been apportioned to the States in the amounts authorized. The
Interstate authorization for fiscal year 1969 was $3.8 billion, and the apportion-
ment to the States was made on August 29, 1967.
Interstate authorizations of $4.0 billion annually are proposed for the fiscal
years 1970 through 1973, with a balancing authorization of $2.225 for the fiscal
year 1974. These authorizations totaling $18.225 billion for the fiscal years 1970-
1974, together with the apportionments totaling $32.415 already made for prior
years, would provide the total $50.640 billion needed for completion of the Inter-
state System according to the 1968 cost estimate.
APPORTIONMENT OF FUNDS
Section 3 would authorize the use of the 1968 cost estimate for the purpose of
making apportionments of Interstate funds for the fiscal years 1970 and 1971
on the basis of apportionment factors shown in table 5 of that document.
We propose to furnish a revised set of apportionment factors, to replace the
factors listed in table 5 of the 1968 cost estimate, in order to take into account
the effect of the Howard Amendment (P.L. 90-238) in California and the cost
to West Virginia of acquiring the West Virginia Turnpike. The 1968 estimate
of the cost of completing the Interstate System was submitted to the Congress
on January 12. Table 5 in the estimate report included no cost adjustments
attributable to the Howard Amendment, nor costs relating to the West Virginia
Turnpike which at that time were coded in a Toll Road category.
The major adjustment in Interstate System cost, and in apportionment factor
computation, will result in West Virginia as a foflowup to the Comptroller
General's decision on the West Virginia Turnpike and the action by the House
and Senate Public Works Committees in this regard. The estimated total cost
to complete the West Virginia Turnpike to four-lane Interstate standards, based
on the State's 1968 Estimate Report. is~ $96.1 million, and the estimated total cost
of acquiring the West Virginia Turnpike is $90.0 million, for a total of $186.1
million.
We will be submitting a revised table of Interstate apportionment factors to
reflect the inclusion of additional costs for these items.
EXTENSION OF TIME
Section 4 would extend the period of Interstate authorizations through the
fiscal year 1974, and would change the date for the submission of a final cost
estimate from within 10 days subsequent to January 2, 1969, to within 10 days
subsequent to January 2, 1970. This final cost estimate would be for use in mak-
ing apportionments for fiscal years 1972, 1973, and 1974.
AUTHoRIzATIONS
Section 5(1) would authorize the appropriation from the Highway Trust
Fund of funds for the Federal-aid primary and secondary highway systems
and extensions thereof within urban areas (the so-called ABC program) for
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the fiscal years 1970 and 1971. Annual authorizations for the ABC highways
were increased considerably under the expanded highway program inaugurated
in 1956, and reached a $1 billion level beginning with the fiscal year 1966. This
authorization level was continued for the fiscal years 1967 through 1969, and
is further proposed for the fiscal years 1970 and 1971, when the major effort
under the Federal-aid highway program will still be directed toward com-
pletion of the Interstate System. The sums authorized would continue to be
available on the basis of 45 percent for projects on the Federal-aid primary
systeiii, 30 percent for projects on the Federal-aid secondary system, and 25
I)ercent for projects on the Federal-aid primary and secondary systems in urban
areas. Apportionment factors for the ABC funds continue to be based on area,
population, and post road mileage, in accord with present law.
Section 5(2) would authorize the appropriation of funds from the Highway
Trust Fund for traffic operation improvement projects in urban areas (the so-
called TOPICS program), in the amount of $250 million for each of the five
fiscal years 1970 through 1974. Our comments concerning this item will be
offered later under the discussion of Section 12 of the bill.
Sections 5(3) and (4) would authorize the appropriation for the fiscal years
1970 and 1971 of funds for forest highways and public lands highways in the
annual amounts of $33 million and $16 million, respectively, as was authorized
for prior fiscal years. It is proposed to transfer the financing of the forest and
public lands highway programs from the general fund to the Highway Trust
Fund, since the highways are similar in character and use to Federal-aid high-
ways and logically should be financed in the same manner as the regular Federal-
aid program.
About 88 percent of the Forest Highway System mileage is located on Federal-
aid systems, and the remainder niay be placed on the Federal-aid systems as
desired. The Public Lands Highway projects also are located on the Federal-
aid systems or on routes that could be added to the Federal-aid systems.
A separate bill, "The Highway User Act of 1968" has been submitted to the
Congress which would provide additional revenues to the Highway Trust Fund
and extend the duration of that fund by 28 months to January 31, 1975, Esti-
mated revenues accruing to the Highway Trust Fund from existing sources
over the extended period of time, together with the additional revenues from
the so-called "equalization" taxes proposed in the bill, will be adequate to
support the Interstate authorization schedule proposed in Section 2, the ABC
authorizations proposed in Section 5(1), the TOPICS authorizations proposed
in Section 5(2) and the forest highways and public lands highways authoriza-
tions proposed in Sections 5(3) and (4).
Sections 5 (5) through (9) would authorize appropriations of funds from the
general fund of the Treasury for certain other highways in Federal domain
areas. These programs are administered by other Federal agencies.
STATE AND COMMUNITY HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS
The Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Section 402) authorized to be appropriated
for Federal aid to State and community highway safety programs the sum of
$67 million for fiscal year 1967, and $100 million for each of the fiscal years 1968
amid 1969. Section 6 of the bill would continue the programs under Section 402
by authorizing the appropriation of $50 million for fiscal year 1970 and $75 million
for fiscal year 1971. A cost estimate for the highway safety program has been
developed in cooperation with the States and will be submitted shortly.
Mr. Chairman, this is a new activity and there has been some misunderstanding
as to its operation. May I therefore provide the `Committee with some of the
essential `background. This is the activity under which, as directed by statute, we
have established standards covering driver education, vehicle inspection, alcohol,
highway design, and other areas in which States and communities are being
assisted in creating or expanding their highway safety programs. Under Section
402, each State is required to be implementing an approved highway safety pro-
grain under the standards by December 31, 1968. The authorization requests in
Section 6, which provides Federal assistance for the State and local programs,
should not be viewed as representing a reduction in such assistance. As I said,
Congress has already authorized, in the Act itself, a total of $267 million for
fiscal years 1967, 1968, and 1969. These funds are available for one year in
advance of, and two years following, the year for which they are authorized-
so that we now have authorization under the A4 t to obliga:te these funds: through
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the end of fiscal year 1971. By June 30, we will have obligated only $27 million,
Largely because of a limitation of $25 million placed by the last session of the
Congress on that authority for this fiscal year. Therefore, $240 million is still
available for obligation at the beginning of fiscal year 1969. Of this amount, we
plan to obligate $140 million during fiscal year 1969, leaving a balance of $100
million available for use in fiscal year 1970.
The $100 million carryover, together with the request to the Congress to add
$50 million in fiscal year 1970 and another $75 million in fiscal year 1971, or a
total of $225 million, will be available for obligation in fiscal year 1970. Added to
the carryover of existing authorizations, therefore, we expect to have the author-
ity to obligate a total of $225 million in fiscal year 1970.
In all parts of the country, State and local highway safety programs now being
planned, developed, or expanded under the Highway Safety Act will lead to
greatly accelerated requests for Federal-aid funds. With the resources available
up to this point, States and communities, as well as the National Highway Safety
Bureau, have only been able to get started in the direction of developing required
programs. We received 87 project applications in the first quarter of fiscal year
1968, 94 in the second quarter, and 165 in the third. This acceleration continues:
by April 30, we had received some 474 applications. As of the same date, grant
applications had been approved with total costs of $77.2 million, of which $13.3.
million is from Federal funds.
Our current projections indicate that applications in fiscal year 1968 will
request $32 million, and that we therefore will completely obligate the $25 million
available in the year. The acceleration of applications,, as well as their increase
in scope, indicates that the planned application level of $140 million for fiscal year
1969 is very realistic and, in fact, conservative.
LTnder the $25 million available in fiscal year 1968, the allocation to each State
was too small to cover more important, and often more expensive, projects. These
projects-such as driver education, police services, and traffic records improve-
ment-have for the most part been delayed by States and communities until fiscal
year 1969 in anticipation that sufficient funds will then be available.
We anticipate recommending an apportionment formula to you before January
1, 1969, as required in Section 402. This formula is now in the process of
preparation.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
An authorization was also included in the Highway Safety Act of 19'i6 for
the highway safety research and development programs provided in Section
307 (a) and Section 403 of Title 23. The Act authorized appropriations of $10
million for fiscal year 1967, $20 million for fiscal year 1968, and $25 million for
fiscal year 1969. Section 7 of the bill would authorize appropriations for 307(a)
and Section 403 Of $30 million for fiscal year 1970 and $40 million for fiscal
year 1971.
In order to increase the effectiveness of our and highway safety programs, we
must continue to invest in research. This R&D program has three major objec-
tives-
An improved understanding of how and why highway crashes occur, and
how and why people are killed and injured in them;
The development of effective measures to avert crashes and minimize
deaths and injuries;
In1provement of State and community safety programs on the basis of
these results.
The authorized funds for fiscal years 1967, 1968, and 1969 are being used in
contracts with universities, foundations, private industry groups, and other
governmental agencies, for work in four key areas: accident and injury analysis;
research, development, and testing; demonstration projects; and manpower de-
velopment. This program must be accelerated, as provided in the bin, in order
to support effective highway safety programs at national, State, and local levels,
and to provide the far more specific scientific information we all need to reduce
our present highway casualities of 10,000 injured each day in the nation.
HIGHWAY BEATTIFICATION
Section 8 of H.R. 17134 (omitted from HR. 16994) would authorize appro-
priations from the general fund of the Treasury for the highway beautification
program for fiscal years 1969, 1970, and 1971, thus putting these authorizations
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oIl the same fiscal year basis as the biennial ABC highway program authoriza-
tions. The contract authority provisions of the Federal-aid highway legislation
would apply to the highway beautification program, as provided by the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1966 (79 Stat. 1030, 1032).
Authorization is included for a deduction not to exceed 5 percent for admin-
istration. A fiat percentage for administrative expenses would provide for the
handling of administrative expenses under the Highway Beautification Act of
1965 in the same manner as for the regular Federal-aid highway programs and
the State and community highway safety programs.
Section 8(a) would authorize the sum of $5 million to carry out the pr'wisions
of Section 131(m) of Title 23, United States Code, during the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1969, and like amounts for fiscal years 1970 and 1971.
This section of the code provides for outdoor advertising control along Inter-
state and Federal-aid primary highways, under Title I of the Highway Beauti-
fication Act of 1965. Last year your Committee held very comprehensive hear-
ings concerning the Highway Beautification Act, with particular emphasis on
outdoor advertising control. These hearings served a special purpose in clarify-
lag the issues and removing the uncertainties which had inhibited the imple-
mentation of the program up to that time. Since then we have been making
steady progress.
About a year ago, I directed the Federal I-Iighway Administrator to proceed
as expeditiously as possible to work out agreements with the States for imple-
mentation of the Act. Since then, 17 outdoor advertising control agreements have
been signed, and we are close to agreement with a number of other States. Thirty-
one State Legislatures have enacted laws providing for control of outdoor ad-
vertising under Title I of the Highway Beautification Act, and the Legislatures
of other States are presently considering such legislation or will do so during
their next regular session-many in early 1969.
This progress has not been brought about, I am pleased to say, by the penalty
provision in Section 131(b) of the Act. On June 27, 1967, 1 stated that we had
no expectation of imposing any penalties during the year 1968 or, for that matter,
in early 1969 if a State Legislature would not have an opportunity to act during
1968. Almost all of our agreements were negotiated and executed after my state-
ment. Participating States are, like us, interested in progress, not penalties.
The Committee will recognize that the amounts of money being requested are
considerably less than the total needed to completely implement the outdoor ad-
vertising control title of the Highway Beautification Act. In the light of the
grave responsibilities facing the nation in other areas, this is at it should be.
The passage of control laws by tIme various States, and the execution of con-
trol agreements, has already begun to stem the tide of billboard blight by pro-
hibiting new signs in areas affected by the Act. Most States, moreover, have
elected to carry out the control operations envisioned in the Act through the
granting of a permit at a nominal fee. This one feature alone will work to re-
move many of the obsolete or uncared for signs which heretofore have been
allowed to rot and decay in full view of the passing motorist.
The initial outdoor advertising control legislation enacted in 1958 (§ 131 Title
23 U.S.C.) provided for payment of a bonus of ~/2 of one percent of the construc-
tion costs for eligible segments of the Interstate System from a continuing
authorization and special appropriation for this specific purpose. Pursuant to
that legislation, 25 States entered into bonus agreements with the Secretary.
The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 amended the earlier authorization to
require payment of eligible bonus claims out of funds specifically authorized to
carry out the provisions of the 1965 Act.
The Federal Government is obligated to provide adequate funding to continue
payment of bonus claims submitted by the States in accordance with their bonus
agreements. We now have on hand for processing approximately $280,000 in
pending claims, and are continuing to receive additional claims. As of May 13,
1968, we had available only $60,000 to pay bonus claims. Future bonus payments,
after expenditure of the available $60,000, are required to be made from funds
authorized to be appropriate under this section.
Section 8(b) would authorize the sum of $10 million tO carry out the provisions
of Section 136 (m) of Title 23, U.S.C., during each of the fiscal years 1969, 1970,
and 1971.
Section 136 (m) provides for the control of junkyards in accordance with Title
II of the Highway Beautification Act of 1fi65. There has been ready acceptance
by the States of this program, as evidenced by the fact that 40 States have thus
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far enacted legislation to conform with its requirements. Although the Federal
legislation applies only to junkyards adjacent to the Interstate and Federal-aid
primary system, 16 States have extended these provisions to apply to additional
roads within their borders. Other States have imposed stricter limitations upon
themselves than required by the Act.
The junkyard control law requires the removal or relocation of affected junk-
yards which cannot be readily and economically screened. Such removal or re-
location need not be undertaken, however, until after June 30, 1970. Although
only approximately $10 million in Federal funds has thus far been made available,
the States have screened or removed approximately 1,500 junkyards, contributing
25 percent of the cost. As it was necessary for the States to organize for this
endeavor, deferral of funds would cause a loss of impetus and interest.
One of the greatest benefits attained under the Title is the fact that all 40
States have strong control of the location of new junkyards. Most now require
licensing, renewable annually, to assure compliance and control; others control
the sites on a renewable permit basis. In other words, since existing junkyards
are properly screened from view-or removed-State legislation will continue
the program without cost to the State or Federal Government.
It should be further noted that the program has the support of the auto
wreckers association, scrap metal producers and the general public. Many rep-
resentatives of these directly interested parties appeared at the Congressional
hearings to support the legislation. It is interesting to note that of the 50 States,
only Delaware, Florida, and Louisiana did not take advantage of the Federal
funds available to them for this part of the program.
Section 8(c) would authorize the sum of $70 million for each of the fiscal
years 1969, 1970, and 1971 to carry out the provisions of Section 319(b) of Title
23, U.S.C.. relating to landscaping and scenic enhancement of Federal-aid
highways.
Section 319(a) of Title 23, United States Code, provides Federal funds for
landscaping, roadside development, and acquisition and development of publicly
owned and controlled rest and recreation areas and sanitary facilities neces-
sary to accommodate the traveling public, all within the highway right-of-way.
Federal reimbursement is available to the States for such work at the pro-rata
share of the cost, depending upon the Federal-aid system to which it has been
applied. These costs are payable from the Trust Fund.
Section 319b) provides 100 percent compensation to the States for the above
types of work and permits such expenditure within or adjacent to the Federal-
aid highway right-of-way. In addition, costs may be incurred for the acquisition
of interests in and improvement of strips of land necessary for the restoration,
preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty adjacent to the highway. The
319(b) funds are appropriated from the general fund.
Of the three titles in the Highway Beautification Act, the landscaping and
scenic enhancement provision has had the mostI immediate and favorable impact
upon the public. All States are participating in the program, and obligations to
date total $120 million in Federal funds, as follows: $31 million for landscap-
ing; $29 million for 5,400 scenic easements; and 860 million for 510 roadside rest
areas. The rest areas are especially popular with the public as they provide a
safe, comfortable stopping place. They are usually placed at locations where
scenic and picnic opportunities are present, and they may also be used as visitor
information centers where such tourist services as food, lodging, fuel direc-
tories, and scenic route and map information may be made available.
True beauty is a quiet thing-it is the raw and ugly which shouts. The acquisi-
tion of scenic easements and landscaping within the highway right-of-way lines
serve to make the highway complete, and removal of outdoor advertising and
screening of junkyards are an important part of the beautification effort. But it
is obvious that more can be done. Scenic vistas must be controlled to prevent non-
conforming trespass; roadsides must be planted and naturalized to fit into the
landscape; rest areas must be developed to make the traveler feel welcome and
sheltered during his stay.
Deferral of this program would result in its greater cost at a later date, as
land values for rest area sites and scenic easement are constantly appreciating,
and materials and construction cost indices for plant material and road and
building costs are steadily rising. Added urgency for these activities stems from
their promotion of more relaxed driving, and thus of greater safety.
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ADVANCE ACQUISITION
Section 9 of H.R. 17134 (Section 8 of H.R. 16994) would authorize the acquisi-
tion of rights-of-way on the Federal-aid highway systems in anticipation of con-
struction, and would establish a fund to be used for payments to the States for
such advance acquisitions. This implements the objectives of the "Study of Ad-
vance Acquisition of Highway Rights-of-Way," sent by us to Congress on June
30, 1967. The study concluded that an advance acquisition program would facili-
tate the orderly and beneficial relocation of persons, businesses, farms, and other
users of property acquired for highway development, while at the same time en-
abling more foresighted planning and minimizing rights-of-way costs.
Advances of funds for this purpose would be made pursuant to agreements
between the State highway departments and the Secretary, to provide for the
actual construction of a highway within 7 years following the fiscal year in
which a request by a State for such funds is made or by the terminal date of
the Highway Trust Fund, whichever occurs first.
The advance acquisition proposal would make available an amount equal to
2 percent of a State's apportionment for advance acquisition of rights-of-way.
The State must satisfy the Secretary within 6 months of the date of allocation
that it will properly obligate such amount for advance acquisition of rights-of-
way. Where a State fails so to demonstrate, the availability of such funds will
revert to the Secretary, who may in his discretion make them available to the
other States at their request and on the basis of need.
To implement this program, there would be authorized to be appropriated
from the Highway Trust Fund an amount not to exceed $100,000,000 for the
establishment of an advance acquisition fund and for its replenishment on an
annual basIs. Pending such appropriation, the Secretary would be authorized
to advance, from any cash heretofore or hereafter appropriated from the High-
way Trust Fund, such sums as are necessary for payments to the States for
rights-of-way acquired in advance of construction.
Provisions of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 relating to additional ap-
propriations to and expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund and to adjust-
inents of appropriations would be applicable to the advance acquisition of rights-
of-way program.
Appropriate regulations will be promulgated to insure that, in the adminis-
tration of the program, no advance right-of-way shall be acquired for a project
in an urban area unless the project is deemed to be consistent with the compre-
hensive transportation plan developed for the metropolitan area as a whole under
the provisions of Section 134 of Title 23, and Section 204 of the Demonstration
Cities Act (42 U.S.C. 3334).
FOREST ROADS AND TRAILS
Section 10 of H.R. 17134 (Section 9 of H.R. 16994) amends the definition of
"forest road or trail" and "forest development roads and trails" in Section 101 (a)
of Title 23, United States Code, to include areas other than national forest areas
under Forest Service administration. This amendment is made at the recom-
mendation of the Department of Agriculture and is a part of their proposed
legislative program. The present definition of "forest road or trail" and "forest
development roads and trails" associates these two terms with the national
forests only, not with the National Grass Lands and other areas administered
by the Forest Service. However, 23 U.S.C. 205(a) authorizes use of funds avail-
able for forest development roads and trails to pay for construction and main-
tenance of roads and trails on experimental and other areas under Forest Service
administration. This proposed amendment to 23 U.S.C. 101 (a) makes the defi-
nition of the two terms consistent with 23 U.S.C. 205(a) and will avoid possible
misinterpretation of the intent of both sections.
The Department of Agriculture also recommends amendment of Section 205(c)
of Title 23, United States Code, first t~ clarify the threshold of the limitation
on force account construction and, second, to provide an opportunity for more
efficient handling of small construction projects. At present, Section 205(c) re-
quires the construction of forest development roads and trails costing $10,000
or more per mile to be advertised and let to contract.
Section 11 of H.R. 17134 (Section of H.R. 16994) amends Section 205(c) to
increase this cost limitation from $10,000 to $15,000 per mile and to require ad-
vertisement for bids and letting of contracts where construction is estimated to
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cost $15,000 or more per project for projects with a length of less than one mile.
Section 11 provides that if the estimated cost is less than $15,000 per mile or
$15,000 per project for projects with a length of less than one mile, the work
may be done by the Secretary of Agriculture on his own account.
Considerable uncertainty exists as to whether the present requirement that
construction costing $10,000 or more per mile be advertised and let to contract
applies to projects of less than one mile in length but with a "per mile" estimated
cost of $10,000 or more. For example, an access road of only .1 mile in length
estimated to cost $1,000 could on a per mile basis cost $10,000 per mile. Under
strict interpretation of 23 U.S.C. 205(c) such a road construction project would
have to be advertised and let to contract. As a result, the theoretical advantages
of advertising and contracting those small projects over force account construc-
tion are offset by the procedures, time, and detailed plans and materials required
for advertising and contracting any such project. The size of such projects often
results in no bids or bids that are necessarily inflated to cover the costs of bid-
ding, moving in and out, and meeting insurance, bond, and other costs to the
contractor associated with such projects. On larger projects these costs can be
so spread out as to make up a much smaller percentage of the total or per mile
cost.
Fast experience in construction of forest roads and trails has shown that
$15,000 is approximately the point at which acceptable bids can be expected to
be received in practically every case. Establishing $15,000 as the minimum esti-
mated construction cost at which advertising and contracting is required will
reduce the higher costs and administrative problems resulting from efforts to
contract smail projects that are generally unattractive to most prospective con-
tractors and which in most cases can be more efficiently and economically con-
structed by force account.
TOPICS
Sections 5(2), 12, and 13 of H.Th 17134 (Sections 11-13 of H.R. 16994) would
provide specific authorization for TOPICS, the program to improve traffic opera-
tions on the major streets of our urban areas, which I mentioned briefly earlier.
There has been a steady increase over the years in the attention and effort
the States and Public Roads have directed toward improving transportation in
urban areas. But the problem is stifi far from adequately met. The number of
people living in our urban areas continues to grow at a high rate. Personal
income-already at the highest level in our history-is also rising rapidly, in-
fluencing living patterns in a way that generates a growing amount of travel on
the part of the average family unit. Similarly, the trend toward dispersal in the
pattern of land use development in urban areas generates additional travel as
a way of urban life. The cumulative eftect of these trends is that the increase in
vehicle miles of travel in many urban areas is increasing at more than double
the rate of population growth.
The reconstruction of principal roadways and the betterment of existing
streets through application of traffic engineering principles to improve traffic
flow and increase safety are objectives of any urban street and highway pro-
gram. Federal-aid for urban highways has previously emphasized the improve-
ment of principal urban arterials through construction or reconstruction.
To develop a balanced urban street and highway system, attention must also
be directed to other than the principal streets and highways in urban areas-to
those that carry a heavy burden of local traffic and also control the efficiency
of trip movements between main highways and ultimate trip destinations.
It was against this background in February 1907 the Bureau of Public Roads
initiated, on a pilot basis, a new program designed to raise the efficiency of
existing street and highway systems in urban areas. It was termed the Traffic
Operations Program to Increase Capacity and Safety (from which was derived
the acronym TOPICS"). A copy of guidelines issued at that time is included for
the record.
The projects generally are limited to traffic engineering and operational types
of improvements on a network of existing streets which are selected as a part
of the transportation planning process.
The types of improvements, most of which may be accomplished with existing
right-of-way, which are eligible for Federal-aid participation, include the
following:
1. Channelization of intersections.
2. Providing additional traffic lanes on approaches to signalized inter-
sections.
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3. Construction of pedestrian grade separations or highway grade sep-
arations at complex intersections or railway-highway grade crossings, where
such an improvement is essential to relieve a crucial bottleneck along streets
of otherwise adequate width.
4. Installation of control systems to make traffic signal operation re-
sponsive to traffic conditions for diverting traffic from congested areas, for
establishing part-time one-way operation, for reversing direction of traffic
on selected traffic lanes, or for separate bus lane controls.
5. Addition and upgrading of highway lighting, traffic control signs, pave-
ment markings and signals or other devices required to facilitate traffic
movement and increase the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
6. Development of separate traffic lanes for loading, unloading or trans-
ferring passengers at surface transit terminals and intermediate transit
stops, including platforms and shelters within the street right-of-way.
7. Development of truck loading and unloading facilities where necessary
to facilitate traffic movement.
8. Establishment of traffic surveillance systems, including traffic-operation
data collection and analysis centers, where traffic flow measurements and
accident data are continuously evaluated to identify locations where cor-
rective action, is needed.
Streets on which traffic engineering improvements may be made under this
new concept include-
1. Arterial highways and major streets (radial, crosstown, and circum-
ferential) not already on either the Federal-aid primary or secondary
systems.
2. Most or all of the street grid in the downtown area.
3. A iiniited street grid in other areas having particularly high concen-
trations of traffic.
Of course, no additional Federal funds were available for this undertaking.
The only Federal funds were, those apportioned annually to the State highway
departments. Even so, this program concept has evoked widespread interest
aiid we are satisfied with the soundness of this as one of the proper approaches
to the urban traffic congestion program.
The officials of the cities, State highway departments, and our own Public
Roads are actively engaged in TOPICS programs in some 24 cities located in
19 States. No actual street improvements have yet been undertaken but prelim-
inary activities are underway and soon will be completed in a few of the cities.
Some of these preliminary activities are far enough along to permit the
estimating of benefits which can be expected from these kind of street and
highway improvements. They indicate that 20 to 25 percent increases in the
traffic carrying capability can be expected with comparable improvement in
the accident experience.
As I said, we are satisfied as to the soundness of this approach and Section 12
of H.R. 17134 would add a new Section 135 to Title 23, United States Code, to
specifically authorize a program of this nature. The program would be imple-
mented by the authorization of $250 million from the Highway Trust Fund
for each of the fiscal years 1970 through 1974.
The estimated cost of correcting the deficiencies of our major streets to ac-
coinmodate 1975 traffic is $2.5 billion. An authorization of $250 million per year
for five years as provided in Section 5(2), matched equally by the States, will
meet the need for that total amount. A continued program beyond that time
would be necessary to stay abreast of the problem.
The program will be administered in much the same manner as the regular
Federal~aid ABC programs, following geherally `the guidelines previously issued
by the Bureau of Public Roads. The program will be adm±n.istered on a 50-50
matching basis, in much the same manner as the regular Federal-aid ABC pro-
grams, following generally the guidelines previously issued by the Bureau of
Public Roads, but also taking into account new approaches to traffic engineering
as they evolve from research and experience.
FRINGE PARKING
These TOPICS proposals make possible significant gains in the level of traffic
service provided by existing street systems. More emphasis must also be placed
on getting more service out of the vehicles, both public and private, that travel
these systems, in order to meet growing traffic demands. To help accomplish this
objective, Sections 14 and 15 propose tO amend Chapter 1 of Title 23, United
9G-030-GS-----15
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States Code, to provide Federal assistance for fringe parking in large urban
areas. (Omitted from ll.R. 16994.)
A truly comprehensive urban transportation system must maintain a balance
not only between automobiles and transit, but also between the volumes of traffic
that seek to enter a city and the city's capacity to absorb such volumes. This
balance cannot be attained until terminal facilities are accepted along with
streets and highway as an integral part of the transportation system.
The primary basis for using highway funds for fringe parking is to improve
service by reducing the number of vehicles using overloaded highways to the
downtown area by encouraging the use of mass transit facilities. This could in
turn reduce the needs for extensive improvements on these facilities. As cities
grow larger, increasing numbers of people find it desirable to drive part way to
work or shop, park on the street or in other available space, and continue their
trip by bus, train, or carpool. Provision of fringe parking spaces in suitable loca-
tions will make such a choice even more desirable with a resultant increase in
vehicle occupancy on arterials and a decrease in the number of vehicles on the
road. Parked vehicles will also be removed from the streets in outlying areas with
a consequent further improvement in street capacity.
Traffic congestion in the central business districts of our major cities is also a
pressing problem which can be relieved by the proper application of the fringe
parking principle. Since fringe parking is most applicable to the work trip, re-
moval of this long duration parking allows the more efficient use of present down-
town parking facilities by persons making short duration business, shopping, and
recreation trips. These trips represent the prime economic base of the downtown
area.
A significant portion of total downtown parking demand can also be satisfied
by fringe facilities. A primary conclusion of most parking studies conducted as
a part of the urban transportation planning process is that downtown parking
demands have not been met, particularly in the core areas of our major cities.
A similar conclusion can be reached by noting the "Sorry-Full" signs at parking
facilities in the heart of the citiy during periods of peak parking demand. By
removing some portion of downtown demand, fringe parking will also provide
for the more effective use of existing downtown space.
Fringe parking will encourage people to use public transportation. Parking
associated with transit stops and terminals will provide important incentives
to improve local and express transit service. Some such incentive will frequently
be required to reverse the decline of such services. New facilities provided under
this legislation will be operated at no cost, or at most with a minimal fee to
cover the cost of maintenance and operation. Improvement of puhllc transporta-
tion in this manner will serve to improve the mobility of those people most
dependent on transit and least able to afford high transportation costs.
The availability of funds for fringe parking will give added meaning to exist-
ing programs to encourage multi-purpose uses of space over or under freeways.
Parking is a logical and necessary adjunct to highway improvements in urban
areas, and a desirable inclusion in proposals for joint development.
The success of expenditure of funds for fringe parking will be dependent upon
its acceptance by individual States and cities in the development of their own
parking programs.
Program needs are based on fringe parking demand derived from two sources;
work trips downtown, and change of mode trips in large metropolitan areas.
Available studies indicate that about 10 percent of total downtown work trip
demand may be transferred to fringe parking in cities between 500,000 and
1,000,000 population. Further information shows that 1~/2 fringe spaces will be
required to remove the demand for one parkingspace downtown.
Additional need for fringe parking is evident from the number of change of
mode trips now taking place in cities. Twenty percent of such trips could be
accommodated by fringe parking in cities from 100,000 to 1,000,000 population
and 10 percent in cities over 1,000,000 population. The 40,000 existing fringe
parking spaces were subtracted from this total to determine the need for new
facilities.
There is need for 367,000 fringe spaces by 1975 at a cost of $387 million. Simi-
larly, needs till 1985 are for 466,000 fringe spaces at a cost of $483 million.
Availability of funds for fringe parking will provide the opportunity to search
out locations for fringe parking and to provide it w-here desirable. Fringe park-
ing will not be provided by others as it cannot be considered economical except
as an integral part of the transportation system. Federal assistance provides a
basis for the evaluation of fringe parking as a part of an improved urban trans-
portation system.
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217
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
Though not a part of this bill, the problem of relocation assistance is vitally
important in the Federal-aid highway program. There must be adequate funds
provided to relocate large numbers of people, businesses, farms, and organiza-
tions dislocated by highway construction.
Mr. Chairman, this completes my discussion of the provisions of the Federal
Aid Highway Act of 1968. The shape of the future highway program will depend
in large degree on the decisions of the Congress on this legislation. May I
respectfully urge this Committee to make these decision in accord with the pro-
visions of 11.11. 17134.
Thank you for permitting me to appear before you. Now my colleagues and I
are ready for questions.
Mr. KLtTOZYNSKI. Any other questions?
Mr. CLEVELAND. Yes, sir.
Getting back to Mr. Cramer's line of inquiry about the advance
acquisition of rights-of-way, I am pleased that you have incorporated
this into your legislation.
There are some members of the minority that have been on this sub-
ject for a good number of years, and I would like to ask you if you
are familiar with the legislation that the minority has introduced-
this is H.IR. 16622, and this has been called to the attention of your
staff in a meeting which I had with members of your staff, and I would
like to know if you do not feel that this would be a better legislative
solution to the problem at hand?
I might add that our advance taking of right-of-way legislation,
H.R. 16622 includes relocation expenses, which is something that you
feel is important but you have not given us anything solid on.
Secretary BOYD. I advised Mr. Cramer earlier this morning that I
was not familiar with that legislation, but that I would review it.
Mr. CLEvia~&ND. My point is I am surprised, because last week I
asked to speak to members of your department, to you, in fact, and
your representative came over to my office. They went over the bill with
me and they told me you would be prepared to g~ive me a statement at
this time. Mr. Burke came over and I spent a couple of hours with him.
Secretary BOYD. Well, I do not want to bore you with my personal
itinerary, but I have been out of town from last Wednesday until
Saturday night. I have been engaged in testfying every day this week,
and I have also been required to fulfill speaking engagements out of
town during this week, and I am afraid my staff has not been able
to catch a hold of me to tell me what it is all about.
Mr. CLEVELAND. Do you think there is someone in the room who
could tell you now? This is important to us. We have been working
on this problem for the past 6 years.
Secretary Bo~m. I am sure Mr. Bridwell can discuss this. Mr. Brid-
well has my full authority to speak for the Department of Trans-
portation.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cleveland, I responded earlier to Mr. Cramer
on this and said that we would immediately undertake a comparative
review of the legislation that we have proposed and the legislation as
introduced that you are referring to, and straighten out any technical
differences between the two bills. Because with the exception of that
one item of relocation assistance, I think that the concept between
the two bills is identical.
Mr. CLEVELAND. I would think you could almost do that by 2:30 this
afternoon, because members of your staff did come over last week, sat
PAGENO="0228"
218
in my office and went over H.R. 16622 and took away a copy of it with
them.
Secretary BoYD. We will do the best we can, Mr. Cleveland, and if
we can respond about 2:30 this afternoon, we will do so. If we cannot,
we will tell you when we can.
Mr. CLEVELAND. All right. And I guess my question is already an-
swered about another legislative item I submitted, which is H.R. 10276,
and I asked the same people that came from your staff whether or not
they felt that the purposes of this 1egi~lation, H.IR. 10276, were com-
mendable and whether it would have your approval to be incorporated
in this legislation as an amendment, and I can only assume that that
message did not reach you either.
Secretary BoYD. }lI.R. 10276?
Mr. CLEVELAND. Yes, sir. This is a very interesting piece of legisla-
tion. I will not bore you with the details now. I have no further
questions.
Mr. KLncz~sKI. Mr. Cleveland, the Secretary, Mr. Bridwell, and
Mr. Turner will be here again at the end of the hearing.
The gentleman from New York, Mr. McEwen.
Mr. MOEwEN. Mr. Chairman, I would like to inquire into one mat-
ter now and defer other matters until this afternoon.
I believe it was you, Mr. Bridwell, who referred to this matter of
States implementing legislation on the beautification. You referred to
New York, as an illustration, legislation I take it that has to implement
the existing agreement. Is that correct?
Mr. BPJDWELL. That is correct, yes, sir.
Mr. MCEWEN. In other words, in the case of New York State, you
do have an approved agreement?
Mr. BRIDWELL. We have an agreement, Mr. McEwen, which was
signed between the Federal Government and the State government,
which establishes the conditions under which the highway beautifica-
tion program, specifically the outdoor advertising control, will be con-
chicted in the State of New York. That agreement contained the clause
which said, in effect, that its implementation was subject to authori-
zation by the State legislature.
The State legislature is now in the process-and I cannot give you
the status as of today-is in the process of enacting implementing
legislation. So far as I know, there is no particular reason to believe
that the implementing legislation will not be enacted. I am told that
there is agreement within the State of interested parties on what the
legislation should contain. That is informal and secondhand infor-
mation to me.
Mr. M0EWEN. This would be legislation that will enable the State to
meet the requirements of the agreement?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, sir.
Mr. MCEWEN. The gentleman from Florida brought up this Arizona
situation. Has there been a similar letter addressed to New York?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Not to my knowledge, Mr. McEwen.
Mr. MCEWEN. Mr. Secretary, do you know?
Secretary BoYD. Not to my knowledge. I have no recollection of the
letters that have been involved in this. But I reiterate, we have not
written letters except in response to requests, and I have no knowledge
PAGENO="0229"
219
of any request for information or opinion from the State of New York.
Mr. MOEWEN. Well, let me, if I may2 make it a little more broad
question: I-las there been any communication to the State of New
York, written or oral, indicating that if they do not enact the imple-
menting legislation, they will be subject to a 10-percent penalty as of
the first of the year, 1969?
Mr. BRIDWELL. I will respond to that, Mr. McEwen. The answer is
absolutely and flatly no, to the absolute best of my knowledge.
What has occurred is a number of meetings between members of my
staff and the responsible people in the Department of Transportation
and the State of New York on the terms and conditions of the agree-
ment. In addition to that, on two or three unresolved points, they
were personally brought to my attention and were worked out by tele-
phone conversation with the general counsel of the Department of
Transportation of the State of New York, and it is upon that tele-
phone conversation that I was informed that this constituted substan-
tial agreement of all parties within the State of New York and that
there was no reason why the legislation should not progress.
So in the sense of has there been some kind of a warning or threat,
or any other kind of language used concerning 10-percent penalty, the
occasion literally has not arisen as it relates to the State of New York.
Secretary Boyr. I think, Mr. McEwen, if you have information to
the effect that there have been threats or intimidations in this area, it
would be very helpful if you would advise us who was supposed to
have made those.
Mr. MOEWEN. I did not want to imply that, Mr. Secretary. That is
not the purpose of my question, why there had been. But I was just
concerned, in view of what the gentleman from Florida brought out-
the letter that went to the Governor I believe of Arizona-if this had
been a practice followed in other States; if there had been a similar
indication that they were in serious jeopardy of 10-percent penalty
being imposed in a matter of a few months.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I think the significance of what I said, Mr. McEwen,
is that the State of New York and several other States are perfectly
pleased to negotiate such agreements. They are in favor of outdoor
advertising control programs. This is not a case in which someone is
hammering them over the head. They respond positively. Yes, they
want agreement.
Now, there is no question but what the title III portion, which
relates to landscaping, scenic enhancements, the construction of road-
side rest areas, scenic overlooks, that kind of thing, there is no question
but that that is the most popular, and I think that is freely conceded
by everyone. By the same token, I do not think there is any doubt in
anyone's mind that the most difficult part of the highway beautifi-
cation program is and always has been the control of outdoor
advertising.
We believe that we have demonstrated by the agreements that we
have signed that we will work with the States on a fully cooperative
50-50 basis, in which they are absolutely equal partners in a negotia-
tion, and that they can propose anything they want to propose and
will bargain it out.
So I frankly-I am not suggesting that you have implied any-
thing, but the constant implication that comes to me, that somehow
PAGENO="0230"
220
we are threatening and cajoling and intimidating, is just absolutely
false.
Mr. MGEWEN. WelL Mr. Bridwell, the law itself holds the threat
over their heads, does it not, with the 10-percent penalty?
Secretary BOYD. We have made no effort to prevent anybody from
reading the law.
Mr. MCEWEN. Thank you.
Mr. BRIDWIELL. I think everyone should be completely clear in terms
of what the Secretary has stated, in writing, and verbally before both
committees, on what his policy would be, and I would suggest that
it is a very liberal policy.
Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. MCEWEN. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. CRAMER. I can read plainly what was said to Arizona-whether
that was the intent of the interpretation or not, it clearly says penalty
January 1, 1969, if the legislature does not act, if the legislature has
had an opportunity to do so.
With regard to these agreements being entered into, is it not true
that these agreements deal prospectively with the future erection of
signs, control relating to areas to be zoned concerning future sign
erection?
Secretary Bo~. As Mr. Bridwell indicated, we have sent copies of
every agreement to the committee.
Mr. CRAMER. That is a correct analysis, is it not, that they deal
prospectively with future signs?
Mr. BRIDWELL. I am not sure that I understand exactly what you
are saying, Mr. Cramer. Yes, they deal prospectively with future
signs, but not to the exclusion of everything else.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, are you requiring Federal signs to come down
now without compensation?
Mr. BRIDWELL. No, because. no sign is required to come down until
1970.
Mr. CRAMER. You are requiring that they do come down in 1970,
starting then?
Mr. BRIDWELL. We are requiring what the law states; namely, they
start to come down in 1970.
And obviously that assumes that the Federal Government will
meet its obligations.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand that 5 States have signed agreements
that have not been authorized by the State legislature: Delaware,
Maine, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. And you have
negotiated these agreements. Is that correct?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Well, that is what I will have to supply for the
record, Mr. Cramer. I have no reason to believe that you do not have
accurate information. I have already referred to the one that is current
in my knowledge of the process of implementing legislation, in the
New York State Legislature at this time. There are a number of
States about which there is no question in our mind that implementing
legislation, adequately implementing legislation, has already been
passed and in which we are negotiating agreements.
Mr. CRAMER. Maybe the gentleman from New York knows.
Is the legislature still in session in New York ?
Mr. McE~x. Still in session.
PAGENO="0231"
221
Mr. CRAMER. Let's assume they do not act this year. `What are you
gorng to do?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, in response to your question, I do not
know that particular answer, because I do not believe that I can ac-
cept your assumption, based on the information before me; namely,
that those responsible for the legislation seem to believe that they will
have no great difficulty in obtaining its passage. This is based upon
what they believe to be a reasonable agreement and which is supported
by many interested parties. I do not know whether all interested par-
ties, but many interested parties.
Mr. CRAMER. You said I think the Bureau sent out a letter related
to the District of Columbia, after our hearing, suggesting the reloca-
tion program for the District.
Now, is it your suggestion the general bill, considered in the other
body, take the place of that proposal? It differs in numerous respects.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. Cramer, I do not believe the Department of
Transportation-
Mr. CRAMER. Came up from the District of Columbia Government?
Mr. BRIDWELL. Yes, I am quite sure the Department of Transporta-
tion did not submit any relocation program as it relates to the District
of Columbia. As the Secretary has already stated, we fully support the
testimony and presentation of position as expressed by Mr. Hughes
before the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee.
Mr. CRAMER. In preference to the action of the City Council in the
District, submission they made to the committee?
Mr. BRIDWELL. We are aware of it, yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Just one other question. I understand that the $68.6
billion estimate of available revenues upon which was based these
authorization figures for the Interstate and contemplating continua-
tion of primary and so forth, that that figure includes the suggested
tax increases of about $1.2 billion over that period?
Secretary BoYD. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. So, in effect, if those increased taxes are not approved,
we will still have a stretch out beyond-what is it-1975? 1974? The
date provided in this legislation?
Secretary BoYD. We would have a short fall to that extent unless
other taxes were enacted.
Mr. CRAMER. So, in effect, we would be $1.2 billion short?
Secretary BoYD. Yes, sir.
Mr. MCEwEN. May I just came back, Mr. Chairman, to this New
York situation.
Do I understand Mr. Bridwell's answer before, if the New York
Legislature does not pass this implementing legislation you cannot
answer at this time-or you, Mr. Secretary-what might happen on
January 1,1969?
Secretary BoYD. I will tell you what is going to happen, Mr.
McEwen. At the end of this year, Mr. Bridwell, the highway admin-
istrator, is going to prepare for me a list of the status of the States
relative to the program. He is going to make recommendations to me.
These will come to my. staff. They will review them. Mr. Bridwell and
I will then sit down and decide what we are going to do to carry out
our requirements under the law.
PAGENO="0232"
222
There will be no commitment on my part to do or not to do anything
before that time.
Mr. McEwu~-. In other words, Mr. Secretary, the threat of a 10-
percent cut in the highway funds, whether this Congress appropriates
the Federal money or not, still exists; is that correct?
Secretary Box~. It is very subjective.
Mr. McEw~x. Is that correct?
Secretary Boim. The law is on the books and whether or not-
Mr. MCEWEX. Is my question clear. Mr. Secretary?
Secretary BOYD. Yes. The threat of 10 percent loss exists whether
or not the Congress appropriates. That law is on the books. Whether
or not it is a threat, I say, is a very subjective proposition.
Mr. MCEWEX. Let me amend and take the word "threat" out.
Secretary Boim. Yes, sir.
Mr. MOEWEN. The poss~bility exists that the State of New York
will lose 10 percent of its Federal highway money unless it enacts this
legislation?
Secretary Boirn. Absolutely.
Mr. McEwrx. Thank you very much.
Mr. KLvczYNsKI. The hearing will recess until 2 :30.
(Whereupon, at 12 :32 p.m., the hearing recessed, to reconvene at
2 :30 p.m., the same day.)
AFTERNOON SESSION
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. The hearings will come to order.
When we recessed this afternoon, we had on the witness stand the
Secretary of Transportation. We also had Lowell Bridwell and Frank
Turner. They have had a previous engagement, they are sitting in
the anteroom now and may be there for 15 or 20 minutes.
I thought, to save time, we would call on our good friend Mr. Nelson.
Deputy Chief of the Forest Service.
Mr. Nelson, please proceed.
STATEMENT OF M. M. NELSON, DEPUTY CHIEF, FOREST SERVICE,
DEPARTMENT OP AG-RICULTURE; ACCOMPAN~D BY RICHARD P.
DROEG-E, ASSOCIATE DEPUTY CHIEF, FOREST SERVICE
Mr. NELsoN. Thank you very much. 1 have with me Mr. Richard
Droege., who is associate Deputy Chief of the Forest Service and has
responsibility for protection and development of the National Forest
system including our en~ineerin~ work.
Mr. Chairman and members ~of the committee, I appreciate the
opportunity to represent the Department of Agriculture in support of
the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1968. H.R. 16994 and H.R. 17134
would authorize appropriations for the fiscal years 1970 and 1971 for
the construction of certain highways in accordance with title 23 of the
United States Code.
First, we in the Department of Agriculture want to express our
thanks for your keen interest in the transportation needs of the rural
areas of our Nation. Particularly do we appreciate your consideration
and response in past Federal-aid highways acts to the road and trail
needs of our national forests and national grasslands. There is a vast
PAGENO="0233"
223
area of 187 million acres located in 41 States and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico which are available to meet the recreational and eco-
nomic needs of the Nation. Full use and enjoyment of this important
public property is entirely dependent on an adequate transportation
system of roads and trails.
All Federal-aid highways serve the national forest system either
directly or indirectly. The entire system serves as the vital connection
between our forest and grassland resources and the people and indus-
tries of the Nation. We have a very special interest in forest develop-
ment roads and trails for which H.R. 16994 and H.R. 17134 would
authorize appropriations. Section 5(5) of these bills would authorize
the appropriation of 125 million for each of fiscal year 1970 and for
fiscal year 1971 for forest development roads and trails. Funds under
this authorization are appropriated directly to the Forest Service.
We have the responsibility for maintenance of over 160,000 miles of
existing forest development roads, and over 101,000 miles of existing
trials and for construction of new roads and trails needed in the na-
tional forest system. Many more miles of roads are needed for full
development of the resources.
In 1961, President Kennedy sent to the Congress "A Development
Program for the National Forests." That program set forth the re-
source management and development work needed in the national
forests during the 10-year period 1963 to 1972. The estimated cost of
road and trail construction in that program was approximately $1.7
1)illiOn, of which $1.2 billion was to come from appropriated funds.
We are currently far behind in this program. We are behind planned
needs while at the same time we are finding that the 10-year program
was based on conservative estimates of excepted use of the national
forest system.
The nationwide importance of the national forest system continues
to grow. For instance, recreation use has grown to almost 150 mil-
lion visitor-days in fiscal year 1968. A "visitor-day" is the new term
which has been adopted by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation for use
by all Federal agencies to measure recreation use. Based on this meas-
urement the Forest Service provides more recreation use than any
other Federal agency. In the commodity field this year the national
forests will produced 33 percent of all of the veneer and sawlog vol-
umes used by the entire important timber industry in the United
States. This is a dramatic increase over the 17 percent produced on the
national forests in l955-only 12 years ago. It is approximately dou-
ble. These increased contributions of the national forest system re-
sources to the health, wealth, and economy of our Nation can only be
sustained by the betterment and extension of the forest development
road and trail transportation system.
I believe I would be derelict in my duties as Deputy Chief of the
Forest Service if I didn't point out to you that we are in some pretty
challenging times in managing our transportation system. Your sup-
port of this bill is needed if we are to continue to make progress. The
problems are many and complex. They include building access roads to
keep the dependent mills supplied with logs and thus have them add
to our economy. They include replacing stock driveways with roads on
which stock can be trucked to and from the national forest ranges to
protect critical watersheds in such areas as the Boise National Forest
PAGENO="0234"
224
in Idaho. They include constructing roads to provide access to new
recreation areas on reservoir projects constructed by the Corps of
Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, private and public power develop-
ments, State water agencies, and others. I know you are familiar with
the existing roads to some of our existing recreation areas. Many of
these roads have outlived their design life and need to be rebuilt to an
adequate standard to accommodate the ever-increasing uurnber of
visitors that use the national forest systeñi.
I want also to point out that new acccess roads continue to be needed
to provide ground support for fighting forest and range fires. We do
not believe that new technology will eliminate, the need for adequate
road access to fight fires. I want to emphasize that putting out fires
requires on-the-ground work by men and machines. lYe need roads to
get these forces to the fires fast.
In fiscal years 1968 and 1968 under the Federal-Aid Highway Act. of
1966, we expect to construct 12,382 miles of forest development roads.
Of this amount, we expect to build 2~414 miles out of appropriated
funds. The remaining 9,968 miles will be built by timber sale. l~~-
chasers. Government funds will be used for the required surveys, the
plans and construction supervision of these operator-built roads.
Although these roads may be constructed by timber operators as a
part. of the sale contract, they are in effect an investment of Federal
funds. We have to insure that these roads will be designed and con-
structed insofar as possible in a. manner that will best meet the present
and future public needs.
We also expect to construct 726 miles of trails. We now have 101,500
miles of trails in the national forest system. This is 78 percent of all
the forest and recreation trails in the Nation. Yet the demand and the
need of trails continues to grow. The system must be improved, ex-
panded, arid reconstructed. Consideration must be given to geograph-
ical uses. Most of our trails originally served simply as a way through
the country. Many now need to be relocated to take advant.age of scenic
vistas, to provide access to special points of interest, to follow more
attractive routes, and to provide better distribution of hunters and
people seeking this type of recreation experience. I am sure you know
that even the national wilderness system would have little use without
a trail system.
The Department of Agriculture also, support.s the forest highway
system and the public lands highway programs which are adminis-
tered by the Depart.ment of Transportation through the Bureau of
Public Roads. Because of it.s relationship to the national forests, the
forest highway system represents the main traffic arteries through or
adjacent to the forests. Forest highways provide primary access to,
and outlet from, our forest development road and trail system. Sec-
tion 5(3) of these bills would authorize appropriation of $33 million
for forest highways in each of fiscal years 1970 and 1971.
Rural life cont.inues to be one of the major concerns of our Depart-
ment. We must intensify our efforts to assure rural families their
rightful share in the increased economic and cultural opportunities of
our Nation. Their pattern of living must be. comparable to that of the
rest of our citizens. The forest development road and trail program
together with the program for forest highways are vital to the eco-
nomic stability of many small rural communities near and adjacent
PAGENO="0235"
225
to national forest lands. The timber, recreation, wildlife, and scenic
resources of the national forest areas provide an important resource
base upon which the associated community economies are developed.
I would like to comment on two proposed language changes. First
is in defining "Forest Road or Trail" and "Forest Development Roads
and Trails." This proposed change will tie the definitions to the title
23 authorization language. This will avoid any possible inisunder-
standing of what constitutes forest development roads and trails. It is
important that all the roads for which the Forest Service has a re-
sponsibiliy be included under the definition. The authorization lan-
guage was included in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1964, and
there is no authorization change needed.
The second, a change from $10,000 per mile limitation to $15,000
per mile or $15,000 per project for projects less than 1 mile iii length,
will permit us to efficiently construct some real small projects. Many
of these small projects can be constructed at a cost less than the cost
of preparing bids and advertising the project in accordance with for-
mal contracting procedures. Our experience on such small projects
has been that the small projects often result in no bids, or inflated
prices, which are necessary for the contractors to recover the costs of
bidding, moving in and moving out, and meeting insurance, bond, and
other contractor costs associated with such road construction projects.
On the small projects, these costs make up a very high percentage of
the project cost and the contractors have no opportunity to spread out
these fixed costs as they do have on larger projects. Often some of
these small projects can be scheduled along with our regular road
maintenance activities and therefore utilize equipment and personnel
already in the area.
I would like to end `my statement by saying that we have been and
are continuing to do all we can to provide the best balanced forest
development road and trail program possible with the limited funds
currently available to us. We are restricting most of our recreation
road construction to roads inside of camp and picnic areas. `We are
postponing action on most of the many opportunities we have to pro-
vide high quality roads for outdoor recreation travel. We have made
program shifts when necessary to require more and more timber pur-
chaser construction. `We are continuing to stretch the available funds
as far as we can through cooperation with local, state and private
organizations on roads which also serve other purposes thaii national'
forest use and development.
~We now have many fine examples of joint road system development
with timber landowners resulting in an efficient road system serving
all owners at least cost to all participants. We now have 323 of these
"share cost agreements" with timber landowners. These cover 3,544
miles of road with an estimated total value of $51,596,000. In enter-
ing into these agreements the required road system needed to remove
the timber of all ownerships in the "share cost" area is carefully
planned and the costs are shared by the participating owners in pro-
portion to their planned use of the roads.
We are trying to stretch the road dollars that Congress makes avail-
able to us over just as many miles of road as we can. We will continue
to look for new ways to improve our performance.
PAGENO="0236"
226
We agree with either one of the two bills and support the two bills
insofar as they affect us that I have testified for.
Mr. I r~uczi~wsi~i. Mr. Nelson, that is an excellent statement. We are
always very happy to have you before this committee. But you are
not going to ask at this time to take these funds from the trust fund,
are you? I know 2 years ago you said you didn't care where it came
from.
Mr. NELSON. No; the portion of the road authorization that goes into
the forest development roads and trails .is not proposed to be taken out
of the trust fund, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUGZYNSKI. Well, Mr. Nelson, speaking for myself, I favor
an authorization level in keeping with the 10-year program we are
discussing in the 1966 act. I hope we can accomplish that.
The Chair at this time recognizes the gentleman from California,
Mr. Clausen.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
At this time I want to express my apprecia.tion for your very fine
testimony, and also to the chairman. Coming from an urban area like
Mr. Kluczynski does, I do want to say this gentleman has evidenced
more specific interest in the development of forest roads than anyone
else I can name on this committee.
I think it is appropriate to thank the chairman for his interest in
the so-called road problems.
Mr. Nelson, first of all let me ask you this: Reference has been
made to maintaining this 10-year level of authorization that was pre-
scribed, I believe, by the Kennedy administration. Now, how close are
we to maintaining that level of authorization?
Mr. NELSON. Mr. Clausen, as I recall the figures right now, we are
about $270 million below where we should be if we were to finish that
10-year program by the end of the 10-year period.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Wasn't that 10-year program initially established
about 1963?
Mr. NELSON. The program that President Kennedy sent to Congress
in 1961 and it went from-yes, from 1963 to 1972 is what we con-
sidered the 10-year program.
Mr. CLAUSEN. So we are now in about the fifth year?
Mr. NELSON. Yes. The figure of $270 million I gave you does not
take into account increased costs and is based on 1961 dollar value. As
you know, the index of cost has gone up regularly, too. I think it would
be nearer $330 million of 1968 dollars when we take into account the
new increase in costs or the change in the index of costs that have
occurred.
Mr. CLAUSEN. As you know, our greatest problem is one of money
and the necessary control that must be established by the Congress. I
am sure you are aware of the severe fiscal problem we face. Part of
this problem is associated with the necessary expenditures of Govern-
ment.
I would like to develop a hypothetical case. If the Vietnam conflict
were to be brought to a reasonable settlement, how large a program and
what amount of money could you realistically handle?
Mr. N~soN. Congressman Clausen, that may be a difficult question.
On the other hand, we are ahead with our plans. We have road design
plans on the shelf. We think it is a very desirable public development
PAGENO="0237"
227
to be placing public money into a road system. In 1962 under the
accelerated public works program, when it was found necessary to
have some public works programs we were able to step in and do some
excellent work with APW money. Much of it was badly needed road
and trail construction.
1 think we would have no trouble at all in handling at least 50
percent more authorization than we are using in the present program.
This would put us in the neighborhood of $160 million to $170 million.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, I for one would certainly like to see you as an
agency and hopefully our own committee give very serious considera-
tion to establishing the necessary legislative or administrative frame-
work for the program so that if and when there is a~n opportunity to
ease these current fiscal problems or ease the current fiscal crisis
that we have, that we would be geared up ready to move on this kind
of a program.
Here again, your comments relating to the problems in rural Amer-
ica, I sincerely believe that a lot of the problems that are affecting
urban America could somehow be resolved if we could reverse this
population trend toward the urban areas. And one of the ways in which
we can do this is through a formula we develop for road construction,
as I am sure you are well informed on.
Would you agree with this?
Mr. NELSON. We certainly agree with that. And I know that is the
part of the program that the Department of Agriculture, to reverse
this business of the rural people going into t.he cities causing more
problems there. And surely a proper transportation system in rural
America would be very helpful on that.
Also, Congressman Clausen, we look at it the same way you do.
And, even though we took a substantial reduction in appropriations
this year, in our road business, we have not reduced our surveying and
engineering crews, because we feel it is very desirable to have the
project properly surveyed, the plans made, and on the shelf, in case
the financial situation changes and the budgetary situation makes it
possible to move forward with this most desirable type of a program of
expenditure of Federal funds for a capital investment.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. Well, what part of the authorizations under the
Federal-aid highway program were actually apportioned to you by
the Bureau of the Budget?
Mr. NELSON. Well, as you know, for this fiscal year 1968 and 1969,
this committee had an authorization of $170 million. In 1968, our cur-
rent fiscal year, we were allowed to go before the Appropriations
Committee for funds to carry out a program at the level of $120
million. And then later on there was the rescissionary action by the
Congress, which required some cutbacks in programs, and we lost
$15 million at that time. This means that the current fiscal year we
are at $105 million. We will use $105 million of the $170 million
authorization.
In fiscal year 1969 we had to take an additional cutback and our
present use of the authorization as before the Appropriations Corn-
mittee-and it was passed by the House the other day-would be at a
level of $93 million.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, in those communities that are dependent upon
a continuing yield of the timber for their survival, particularly some
PAGENO="0238"
228
of the smaller lumber organizations, I guess they are mostly in the
West. As you know, they have a very difficult time in guaranteeing the
flow of natural resources to keep themselves going.
As I understand, it has contributed substantially th a number of
organizations going bankrupt over the last few years and I think this
current trend ha.s contributed partially to this, because these people
must have the timber.
I am wondering if you can comment on this. If we were able to
have the necessary road program so that the land management pro-
gram that you have, not only underway but contemplated, could be
brought up to the maximum benefits-I am talking in terms of all of
the multiple uses that are under your very fine program-
Mr. NELSON. Yes.
Mr. CLAUSEN (continuing). Do you not think this would reverse
some of these bankrupt tendencies that have occurred?
Mr. NELSON. I do not know if I can comment specifically on any
specific bankruptcy, but certainly an adequate road system is neces-
sary and desirable. It is particularly necessary to some of the smaller
operators who do not have the capital or cannot get the capital to
build the roads themselves, so it has a definite bearing on this.
It also, as you know, Congressman Clausen, from your experience
in the woods, means the Federal Government pays for those roads
anyway. We get less money from the timber than we would otherwise.
I testified before the Appropriations Committee on the level that
we are talking about this year. I told them that in this fiscal year it
would not make any difference in the amount of money that we receive
from timber sales because this year they will be operating on roads
that have already been constructed. But we are getting mighty close
to the level where we are gomg to have to cut back on timber sale
programs. And it will not only affect some of the small operators in
certain areas, it will affect the income to the Treasury of the United
States from timber receipts.
In some areas, it is more pronounced than others, because it is on a
more critical line as to whether or not the operators can afford to oper-
ate in an area if they have to build the roads.
In other areas, we almost have to build the roads or we would not
be able to make the sales even though they are desirable from a stand-
point of the economy of a local community and most desirable, of
course, from the standpoint of managing a forest property.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, I believe that this committee, frankly, led
by our champion chairman, has more realistically recognized not
only the benefits that come as a result of your being able to properly
manage your forest for the timber yield that is available-
Mr. NELSON. Yes.
Mr. CLAUSEN (continuing). But I do want to bring to the atten.
tion of the committee members here that we are considering, as you
know now, the establishment of a Redwood National Park and there
are many people in the Nation that are making the comment to the
effect that we should have a larger and larger park in order to ac-
commodate this vast population from the urban area that wants to
come in for recreational purposes.
Well, I would submit to you, each and every one of you on this
committee, that this is one of the kinds of programs that will yield,
PAGENO="0239"
229
in my judgment, the most benefits to the most people. If we will
provide access to these vast recreational areas that could be put to
the benefit of the people of the country through a proper and up-
dated forest development roads and trails program, we will really
be developing some benefits.
And I can tell you that in our own area, for instance, we have some
5.6 million acres of Forest Service lands, and all we need is to have
the opportunity for a road to be developed to give access to people.
And you can minimize the number of dollars that are going to be
required for creation of a very large national park.
I just had to take advantage of this opportunity to bring this to
the attention of our committee members.
Mr. NELSON. If I may, I would like to say we have 20 million acres
in the East. I do not want the members on this committee who are
in the East to thing our road problems and road needs are all in
the West. The same type of thing that you just spoke of for recreation
development is very important in the eastern national forests also.
Mr. CLATISEN. Now on page 14 of the draft of the bill that is before
us, line 4, you have "for the use and development of the resources
upon which communities within or adjacent to the national forest
and other areas administered by the Forest Service are dependent."
Now, that includes parts of a sentence. But could you tell me what is
fully intended by that recommendation?
Mr. NELSON. That deals only with the definitions. As you know,
the Federal Highway Act has a section on definitions; it also has a
section on the authorizations. And the intent of these recommenda-
tions for a change here was to make the definitions the same as the
authorizations that were authorized 4 years ago.
Mr. CLAUSEN. I see. Recogthzing this is dependent on the success of
your program.
Mr. NELSON. Yes, sir.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. And you are making this recommendation legisla-
tively to accomplish this?
Mr. N~soN. That is right.
Mr. KLUGzYNSKI. Any further questions?
The gentleman from Texas. Mr. Roberts.
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Nelson, what is the total for forest products in
the United States? I am talking about from national parks. What is
your total?
Mr. NELSON. This past fiscal year it was $182,600,000.
That includes our total receipts and most of that is from timber.
About 95 percent of it is `from timber.
Mr. ROBERT$. We are spending more than that for the roads. When
you count what you work out with the saw people, timber people, and
what we put in, we are spending more money on roads than we are
taking in on the whole product, by far.
Mr. NELSON. Our `appropriated funds for roads and trails in the
budget for fiscal year 1969 will be `about $91 million and in addition to
that we have the 10-percent fund, which will add about $18 million.
The roads that will be built by the timber operators under the timber
sales contract will be about $87 million. So you are correct that it will
be more than the $180 million of direct receipts to the Treasury.
PAGENO="0240"
230
Mr. ROBERTS. $170 million we are spending for roads and our whole
total forest products total $180 million. That does not make very good
business. We would be better off just to leave the trees alone, would
we not?
Mr. NEr~sOx. The roads are an investment in the land that will have
other needs and will be used for not only additional forest management
and the removal of forest products, but by recreationists as well as for
the protection of the lands and resources.
There are some areas we think it would be desirable to put in roads
and would save us in the overall cost of firefighting, for example..
So a system of roads-actually if I recall right, if we looked at our
receipts, counting the money that timber operators spend in the capital
investment of roads as a receipt and subtract our costs of operation in
the national forest, but looking at our capital investments the way a
business does, and as a depreciation, we~ are operating the entire na-
tional forest system at about the cost that we are putting into it.
In fact, last year-I do not have my papers here, but last year there
was about a $2 mfflion profit when you look at the outgo like a business
does, of taking capital investments and considering that on a deprecia-
tion basis.
Mr. ROBERTS. You do not consider your administrative costs?
Mr. NELSON. That would have administrative costs in it.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. ROBERTS. Let me finish up this line, then I will be glad to yield.
How are you tied into the wilderness program? I get a conflict here,
because I agree with you, we want to build roads; but to go out into
the wilderness, they are not only building roads but they are plowing
up existing airports they could use for firefighting, and the Govern-
ment pays for it.
Mr. NELSON. The first wilderness setup in the United States was set
up by the Forest Service in 1924, the Qua Wilderness in New Mexico.
We have some 15 million acres of national forest land at the present
time either in the national wilderness system or in primitive areas that
the Wilderness Act requires be studied to be put into the wilderness
system, so we are deeply involved in the wilderness program and the
whole wilderness system and Wilderness Act here.
There are a number of propositions before the Congress at the
present time that are a result of the study of some of these primitive
areas that would propose putting them into the national wilderness
system.
Even in the wilderness system, as I indicated, it requires some au-
thorizations such as in this bifi, because the wilderness system is not
very usable without a trail system. And all of the people who use the
wilderness use trails. So it does take some funds, as authorized by this
bill, for the trail system within the wilderness system.
Mr. ROBERTS. But you have a ruling that you cannot take a chainsa.w
or motorized equipment into the wilderness area, even if you have
a heavy blowdown. Is this your ruling or your superiors' ruling? Even
if somebody wants to go out a.nd help, he cannot do it unless he wants
to do it with a handsaw.
Mr. NELSON. I guess we would have to take part of the responsibility
for that, but part of it I think would lay at the feet of Congress
because the Wilderness Act does not allow the use of motorized equip-
PAGENO="0241"
231
ment within the wilderness system. It does leave us the leeway of using
motorized equipment for administrative purposes.
If we had a blowd'own of that type, there is no question but what our
people would use ch'ainsaws as the most efficient way of getting the
trails opened.
We have not allowed others, such as-oh, guides, to use chainsaws
and motorized equipment because the Wilderness Act does not allow
that. And we realize that there may be some situations where it would
be easier for them to help us actually open up some of the trails.
Mr. ROBERTS. One other short question; then I will yield to the
gentleman from California.
On your grasslands area, I have two lakes.
Mr. NELSON. Yes.
Mr. ROBERTS. Lake Davy Crockett and Lake Fannin, both very
substantial, very good lakes, but there is no road between them, no
usable road.
Now if we appropriate the money for this-I was not aware of it-
why are we trying to get EDA to build a road `between those two
lakes that `belong to you? Why are you not building them?
Mr. NELSON. As indicated here, we have not received the appropri-
ations that would let us do all we would even be authorized to do under
this `bill.
We have many, many places where we could and would spend Forest
Road and Trail Development funds. I am not acquainted with these
particular lakes, Congressman, but we have many areas of that type
where it could be and might be desirable to spend those funds, but we
do not have them at this time and consequently we are using every
process we can to extend our dollars as far as we can. And if they are
able to handle the road some other way, we cooperate to get it built.
Mr. ROBERTS. Thank you very much.
I yield to the gentleman from California.
Mr. `CLAUSEN. My comment will `be very brief.
The gentleman from Texas, I believe, was relating `the amount of
the authorization to the total amount of timber receipts, and the
amount of income.
Mr. ROBERTS. All forest products.
Mr. CLAUSEN. For the forest, yes.
I think the one thing that we should probably mention in `the proper
perspective is as they have increased the authorization and the ap-
propriation level, the yield from the timber sale receipts has not only
increased, but frankly you will see an overall increase to the Treasury,
because the organizations that are in need of roads also are paying
increased taxes and that sort of thing.
So I `believe `in order to maximize the use of these lands and timber
that comes from it, it is going to be necessary to `have `the `best possible
road system, rather than just `blocking the areas unnecessarily.
Mr. ROBERTS. Thank you.
Mr. 1cLuoz~sKI. Thank you, Mr. Nelson. You are a splendid wit-
ness. We are very much impressed. You have all the answers, all the
figures. And you have a good gentleman to work with you.
The gentleman who represents the Northwest section of this great
country, Mr. Clausen, as I happen to know, is an expert on forest
96-030----68-----16
PAGENO="0242"
232
roads and trails. It is a pleasure to be out in that great pare of the
country.
Mr. NELSON. Thank you. It is always a pleasure to appear before
the committee.
(The following was received for the record:)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BY M. M. NELSON, DEPUTY CHIEF, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, FOREST SERVICE, AS REQUESTED BY THE CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE
ON ROADS, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD IN RELATION TO COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER
The Forest Service is just completing a comprehensive study of timber sales
in the Pacific Northwest to determine the facts of why we get increased bidding,
and thus higher returns to the government, on some sales and not on others. The
study concludes that a key factor to increase the competitive position of our
timber sales would be to increase the level of road construction by appropri-
ated funds. Studies made earlier by others also indicated this need of roads to
engender full competition for timber.
ADEQUACY OF HIGHWAY ENGINEERING ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS
One industry witness expressed alarm concerning uniform grade, alignment,
balanced cuts and fills and e~'cessiveiy detailed surveys. We are very much con-
cerned with the most efficient use of available road dollars. We are also concerned
with the road system providing functional, safe service at the lowest cost. These
objectives must be met in keeping with the conservation and the enhancement of
the Forest environment. In order to require that roads be built to meet these cri-
teria, the roads must be adequately defined in plans and specifications. Specified
roads (roads which are to become permanent Forest Development Roads) needed
in the timber sale must be built to the required standards. We believe we must
precisely prescribe the required construction or we are unfair to the timber pur-
chaser who has to know what he has obligated himself to perform when he bids.
We know of no way to accomplish this objective without definitive plans and
specifications. "Flexible" requirements can only create uncertainty on the part
of both parties to the timber sale contract.
RELATIONSHIP OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES ON PRIVATE LAND U.S. ROADS
CONSTRUCTION BY TIMBER PURCHASERS ON GOVERNMENT LAND
We do not believe that the practices followed by private timber land owners in
logging private lands for maximum profit are acceptable guides for management
of the National Forests.
A prudent manager of public lands must have different standards than would
a prudent manager of private lands. We cannot, by our timber management prac-
tices, "lock out" other legitimate users of the National Forests, nor can we un-
necessarily detract from or fail to protect resource values such as aesthetics,
soil and water.
We do not know, nor have we been able to determine, how the actual cost of
building private roads on private lands compares with the cost of National Forest
roads. Our cost records are available for public scrutiny. We are proud of the
many economies we have been able to incorporate into design and construction
techniques. Private road costs on the other hand are generally unavailable. Some-
times tax benefits make it more "profitable" to have costs appear as operating or
maintenance expenses instead of amortization of construction cost. Also, we never
know what elements are included as costs for the private land road, and whether
or not they are the same elements that appear in National Forest timber sale
appraisal data. For example, does the private land cost figure include identifiable
allowances for executive overhead, equipment depreciation or right-of-way clear-
ing? If we had access to accounts of such costs and could verify them, we would
be glad to use them in timber sale appraisals for estimating costs when similar
roads are appropriate on sale areas. For these reasons the comparability of "in-
vestments" made in the public roads and private roads as well as a comparability
of the "prudency" of these investments is difficult and usually impractical to
make. We have been the target of many such comparisons in the past, and we
do not consider them to be fair.
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233
"STAGE CONSTRUCTION" OF A ROAD IS NOT AN ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
Our records show that we have built, and unfortunately are continuing to build,
too many miles of road which are not suitable for full multiple use management
of Forest resources. At the present time the cost of bringing existing roads up to
desirable standards would exceed $4,000,000,000. This situation exists at the same
time we are faced with the necessity of opening up vast new areas to get presently
unproductive timber stands under management. Quite contrary to some industry
comments our primary roads deficiency has been our inability to build roads to
handle even the present traffic volumes in the most economic manner. We do not
consider stage construction as a desirable approach to developing an effective
economic transportation system.
RELATIONSHIP OF "PRUDENT OPERATOR" ROADS TO "MAXIMUM ECONOMY" ROADS
The House Committee Report #1920 on S. 1147 Sept. 30, 1964 "Under its
existing statutory authority to sell timber, the Forest Service may not require a
purchaser of Federal timber as an incident of his timher purchase contract to
build a road to a standard higher than necessary for harvesting the timber in-
volved in the particular sale. Nor may the excess cost of such higher standard
road be charged against the timber Sold, even if the purchaser agreed to build it.
Roads which a prudent operator would deem necessary to harvest timber in a
particular s:ale are called "prudent operator" roads.
The prudent operator concept cannot be equated with practices by private
timber land owners or purchasers of private timber on private lands.
Certain practices such as improper clearing, inadequate drainage, impingement
upon live streams and unstable cut and fill areas are incompatible with the man-
agement of National Forest lands. Road construction by any Forest permittee,
licensee, or purchaser of government timber must comply with minimum "pru-
dent" management concepts on National Forest lands. These land husbandry
requirements must be basic for any permanent facility constructed as part of a
government timber sale.
We must recognize, however, that we are developing and managing public lands
and roads to be retained on the permanent road system which are used (or will
be used) for more than one particular sale. Such roads must he planned, designed,
and constructed to meet all of the needs (including future timber sales), and also
to protect all the resources of the lands. Where the cost of such a "maximum
economy" road is greater than that of a prudent operator road, we use the method
of supplementing the construction with appropriated funds to develop a road
system which will make its full contribution to the resources and users of the
National Forests.
RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING ROADS AS A REQUIRDMENT OF A TIMBER SALE
CONTRACT
Some timber industry spokesmen have taken the position that a road
w-hich has been constructed as a condition of a timber sale could never in the
future `be upgraded as a requirement of a future timber sale.
Following are some examples of such situations: Following the first timber
sale, which built the road and prior to additional sales Forest users such as
hunters, fishermen and other reereati.on'ists start using the road and use it to
nearly its full design capacity. When the next sale is proposed in the area there
is a requirement that the purchaser of the government timber rebuild the exist-
ing road to increase the capacity necessary for that sale prior to hauling
timber over the road.. This condition may also occur when there is a larger sale
or the haul distance is greater. This can occur where there is little or no "other"
traffic but there is a change in the economic's of the haul, i.e., new types of haul-
ing equipment, a higher rate of log r'emo~al is anticipated or a longer hauling
seaSon.
We know that the best cure for this problem is to build the "maximum
economy" road in the first place. If we had the necessary financing this would
be the usual procedure. Another alternative in some instances is `to close the
road to all public traffic other than timber hauling. The third alternative would
be not to make sales where the existing road is inadequate. The prudent operator
concept should not prevent such a road from being rebuilt to a standard de-
sirable to remove the timber from the current sale under existing conditions
as a requirement of the timber sale contract.
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234
We try to do everything possible to mesh all forest uses together so there
will be a minimum of closing roads and restricting other traffic. We wholeheart-
edly believe in obtaining an adequate road system in the most economic manner
possible while continuing to manage the National Forests for all uses.
Mr. Kr~uczyNsKI. Off the record.
(Discussion off the record.)
Now we will have the Secretary and Mr. Bridwell and Mr. Turner
again.
For the benefit of the committee, I will ask a question.
Mr. Secretary, there are some specific problem areas bothering a
great many of the States. The specific problem for the most part turns
on a general question of what the appropriate role of the Department
at the Secretarial level, at the Federal Highway Administration, the
Bureau of Public Roads-and the State-should be.
Specifically, there is a great deal of concern about the extent to
which section 4(f) of the Transportation Act should be decisive in
determining highway location and design.
There is also a great deal of concern about the very complicated re-
quirements for public hearings.
Mr. Secretary, we would appreciate your commenting in detail on
these two areas.
STATEMENT OF HON. ALAN S. BOYD, SECRETARY OP TRANSPORTA-
TION; ACCOMPANIED BY HON. LOWELL K. BRIDWELL, YE~DERAL
HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA-
TION; FRANCIS C. TURNER, DIRECTOR OF BUREAU OF PUBLIC
ROADS; DR. WILLIAM HADDON, ER., DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HIGH-
WAY SAFETY BUREAU; AND DR. ROBERT BRENNER, DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY BUREAU-Resumed
Secretary BoT~. Well, first and foremost, I would like to say that I
think the relationship between the various officials, State and Federal,
is an evolving one and will continue to be an evolving one depending
upon the circumstances of the highway design and construction in
the United States.
Insofar as the determination of projects based on section 4(f), we
are in the process of issuing a regulation on the procedures to be used
in considering the 4(f) question. That regulation will be within the
framework of the law and will be an attempt to follow the law estab-
lished by the Congress.
As to the complications of hearing procedures, one of the major
complaints which I and many others have ~eceived about highway pro-
jects is that the hearing procedure has been used purely and simply as
a memorial for the record to approve a route alinement which has
already been decided upon, and that the interested public have in
effect had no opportunity to have any voice in influencing the location,
the site, or the design of the project.
We are working on a two-hearing procedure. We have sent our
drafts, I believe, to the various States and requested their comments
in connection with this two-hearing procedure which would permit
PAGENO="0245"
235
the public to participate in location development and express their
views on the location development of proposed projects.
This is a complicating factor. There is absolutely no question about
it. A two-hearing procedure is going to be more complicated than a
single-hearing procedure. And I do not know what to say other than
we think this is a very worthwhile thing from the standpoint of the
general public and the general public is pretty much today the same
as the automobile owning and operating population of this country.
My own personal view is that there are many compliants, objections
to highways, which could be mollified, explained, and understood if
there were a better hearing procedure. And I am concerned to see
that in the Department we undertake the development of those policies
which will help make it possible to continue to build and improve the
highway system in this country. And we cannot do that if we run
into revolt.
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Fallon.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Secretary, I have one question.
I understand that you have been quoted as saying that if the $6
billion cut in expenditures on the Federal budget is coupled with the
10 percent surtax, if that is adopted and becomes law, it will be neces-
sary to make further drastic cuts in highway spending. Is that true?
Secretary Boim. Yes, sir.
Mr. FALLON. Well, Mr. Secretary, will you tell me what effect that
has in the deficit spending of our budget?
Secretary BoYD. Well, let me respond this way, Mr. Chairman.
As I understand, the proposals which have tied together the tax bill
and the expenditure cuts of $6 billion, the trust funds are not exempted.
Mr. FALLON. Well, do you mean to say that the way that this will
be drafted
Secretary Boim. Sir?
Mr. FALLON. If the legislation that is necessary to make these cuts
as drafted will specifically state in there that there will be no exemp-
tion on trust funds?
Secretary Boim. There are exemptions, I believe, for social security.
And of course we have interest on the national debt and we have
veterans payments. I think whether or not they are exempted-and I
do not recall-as a practical matter, they are not going to be invaded.
Mr. FALLON. What effect will this have on the budget and the
deficit spending? What effect will it have if we have stopped spending
money out of the trust fund that cannot be used for any other purpose?
Secretary Boim. I can only answer that in the sense that I did
before, that highway trust funds are not exempted from the $6 billion
which the Congress-which has been expressed as the desire of
Congress to have cut.
Mr. FALLON. It still does not affect the deficit spending of the
budget; is that true?
Secretary Boim. Well, sure it does, because the revenues in the trust
fund appear in the administrative budget, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. FALLON. But has no effect on the tax rate as such?
PAGENO="0246"
236
Secretary BoYD. On what?
Mr. FALLON. On the tax rate.
Secretary BoYD. Well, the $6 billion is tied to the tax increase in
the legislation.
Mr. FALLON. I still cannot see where money out of a trust fund
will have any effect on a tax rate of the general firnd.
The taxes are going to continue to be collected under the 1956 High-
way Act.. It will be put into a trust fund, and cannot be used for any
other purpose other than fOr borrowing purposes, and we will have
to pay the going rate of interest.
Secretary BoYD. That is correct, sir.
Mr. FAi~Lox. If you borrow money from the outside source, you
would have to pay the same amount of interest. So I do not see where
you are saving any money.
Secretary BOYD. Well, all I can tell you is that I have been advised
by the Bureau of the Budget, if the $6 billion expenditure cut is
imposed under the bill as it is presently proposed, there will have to
be substantial savings coming from the Highway Trust Fund.
Mr. FALLON. They say that but they do not say that it will have
any effect on the general tax rate?
Secretary BOYD. No, sir; they have not discussed the philosophy
with me; they just told me the conclusion..
Mr. FALLON. Chinese philosophy. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. On that same subject, what is this money that is not
going to be spent? What is it going to be used for? Do you know?
Secretary BoYD. I have no idea. The money which is generated by
the ta.xes is a trust fund and there are statutory provisions on how
it is dealt with. And whatever those statutory provisions are I am
sure the Treasury will comply with.
Mr. CRAMER. The~r plan on borrowing from it like they have done
before, short-term borrowing. It has been done with the cutback before,
has it not?
Secretary Boyr. I would have to submit that for the record. I do not
know.
Mr. BR1DWELL. Mr. Cramer, I can respond to that. The answer is
that the surplus; that is, the balance in the trust fund, is regularly
invested by the Treasury and it is invested in Treasury notes which
are required by the statute to bear the same rate of interest as though
the Treasury went to an outside money source for borrowings.
Now, what the Treasury uses that for when it borrows from the
balance in the trust ftmd would be the~ same purposes that it uses
money for when it borrows from outside sources. And I am assuming,
without specifically knowing, that it would be a multitude of uses.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand. The point I wa.s making is that any
surplus created by- as I contemplated or understood it when that
provision was put in, that surplus that would be created is expected
to be funds that would be coming in that would not be expected to be
spent in a reasonable period of time or excess funds coming in
from revenues not expected to be spent.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I think that is a fair statement.
PAGENO="0247"
237
Mr. CR uu~. If it wasnot expected, then by the Presidential order
it would result in additional cuts, borrowing.
Mr. BRIDWELL. Mr. `Cramer, I think the key to this is what the
Secretary has already said, and that is the language which ties to-
gether the expenditure reduction, proposed expenditure reduction of
$6 billion.
I am informed-I do not know of my own personal knowledge but
I am informed-that there was a specific discussion on whether trust
funds should or should not be exempt.
It is my understanding that the only trust fund exempted from the
language which would statutorily require a $6 billion expenditure-
the only trust fund exempted was the social security trust fund.
Secretary Bovi. And I also believe the statute requires that surplus
funds in the highway trust fund account be invested.
Mr. BRIDWELL. It does.
Mr. CIL&MEII. That is right.
Then you get the definition of what is meant by surplus. Surplus in
my opinion, when this bill was drafted in 1956, did not contemplate
a surplus artificially created by a cutback presidentially ordered.
There is a difference of opinion. Of course, I understand the
Attorney General has given opinions, legal and so on. But having
helped draft that legislation, my understanding was that surplus in-
tended was that created by funds being available not needed for
expenditure under the authorizations and appropriations made or
substantially increased funds coming in as a result of larger revenue
receipts than anticipated or authorized and appropriated for, and not
artificially created surpluses by presidential order.
The language specifically is that-
It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to invest such portion of
the trust fund as it not in his judgment required to meet current withdrawals.
Such investments may be made only at interest-bearing obligation.
But as you suggested, the key words are "required to meet current
withdrawals." And Congress is supposed to determine what the cur-
rent withdrawal level is in my opinion.
Secretary Bom. Mr. Cramer, I see the Secretary of Treasury
occasionally and I would be glad to transmit your opinion of the law
to him.
Mr. CRAMER. There is a bill pending, H.R. 14641, and others, which
will have the effect of removing executive power unquestionably for
the creation of artificial surpluses in the trust fund. Would you care
to comment on the reaction to that proposal?
Secretary Bovi. I do not believe we are supporting that at the
moment.
Mr. CRAMER. I will not hold my breath until you do. [Laughter.]
Of course, that would be one way maybe of getting at the problem.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CRAMER. Just a second.
The cutback proposal, as I understand, of $6 billion and then some
obligation authority reduction, and so forth, $6 billion spending
reduction, is a figure within which the President shall decide exactly
where the cut shall be. So he does not have to select the trust fund. If
it is selected, he selects it; not the Congress.
PAGENO="0248"
238
I would hope with all the cutbacks that we have had in the trust
fund, $600 million now outstanding, that we would look elsewhere for
some of these funds for programs that are not suffering as badly as
this one at the present time.
Of course, that is not your decision, I understand. But it is dis-
cretionary with the President as to in what area the $6 billion shall
come from. That is my understanding.
Secretary Boyn. Yes, sir; and I think the President has made it
clea.r in his judgment a cutback of $6 billion in expenditures will be
catastrophic.
It seems to me that if we are going to start laying the blame
around here, there should have been some consideration given to the
President's views on how much of an expenditure cut the budget could
bear without crippling any number of programs. That is a decision
the Congress is apparently in the process of making.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, Congress, in attempting to manage the fiscal
problems of the country, it appearing some management is needed, I
might add-that is my opinion-it has got to set some kind of guide-
lines. And of course that is what is being discussed at this time. How-
ever, discretion as to where the cuts will come will rest with the
executive branch.
I would hope that in looking for cut areas, he might delve into
some of the new programs that are not well underway and not as
productive as this one, and some that have not been cut as deeply as
this one in the past by the President.
But I understand the statement has been made that $80 million is
likely to come out of the highway trust fund in the $6 billion cut.
Secretary Boi~. I do not know anything about that statement of
a~uy precise figure. I do think it is a fair statement, Mr. Cramer, that
the executive branch of the Government is going to be just as willing
to take the blame for these cuts as the Congress is.
Mr. CRAMER. It is interesting to me, when money is needed, they
always look to the trust fund, which is supposed to be a trust, and
set up in the interest of the highway users, with their tax money
going into it for a tax base to build the highway, and that is the first
fund they dip into.
Secretary Bom. It is a reliable source.
Mr. CRAMER. It has money in it, that is for sure. It also has head-
ache expenditures.
I will yield.
Mr. CLAUSEN. I would appreciate it if the gentleman would yield.
I have to go over to the floor. I did want to ask the Secretary and Mr.
Bridwell this question, because in Caiifornia there is the Century
Freeway that you are working on and one of their major concerns is
the apportionment factors used for the Interstate Freeway System in
draft legislation, compared with the Department of Transportation
for the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1958, does not include the cost
of the Century Freeway, which has been added to the Interstate
System.
Now, was this an oversight, or would you comment on that?
Mr. BIuiwEri2. If I may, Mr. Clausen, I would like to comment on
that.
PAGENO="0249"
239
The Century Freeway had not'been added to the Interstate System
at the tim.e the cost estimate was made and at the time the table was
developed of the apportionment factors that you are referring to.
So that it is a relatively simple job to recalculate the apportionment
factors with the cost of the Century Freeway added in for California's
total.
Mr. ~LAUSEN. So I can tell them then-or will you state this, what
can I tell them as far as their expressing concern?
Mr. BRIDWELL. You can tell them we are very pleased to supply to
the committee the estimated costs of the Century Freeway-
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION,
BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS,
Washington, D.C., May 28, 1968.
Mr. RICHARD J. SULLIVAN,
Chief Counsel, House Public Works Committee, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. SULLIVAN: Mr. Bridweil requested that I prepare a revised table
of apportionment factors to' substitute for Table 5 iii House Document 199, 90th
Congress, 2d Session-Tie 1968 Interstate System Cost Estimate.
The enclosed Table 5A. has been prepared as a revision of Table 5 to show
apportionment factors resulting if the Federal share `of `the cost of constructing
the Century Freeway in Los Angeles, California, (Total Cost $276.9 million-
Federal Share $253.2 million) and the cost of acquiring and completing con-
struction of the West Virginia Turnpike to' Interstate standards (Total Cost
$186.1 million-Federal Share $167.5 million), were included in the apportion-
ment factor calculations.
Sincerely yours,
F. C. TURNER, Director of Public Roads.
[Enclosure]
[From the U.S. Department of `Transportation, Federal Highwayi Administration, Bureau
of Public Roads]
U.S. GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM
To: Mr. Lowell K. Bridwell, Federal Highway Administrator.
Date: May 28, 1908.
From: B. H. Swick, for F. C. Turner, Director of Public Roads.
Subject: 1968 Cost Estimate, Adjusted Apportionment Factors.
In response to your memorandum of ~iay 15, we have prepared the attached
Table 5A as a revision of Table 5 in House Document 199, 90th Congress, 2d
Session, to show the apportionment factor which would result if the Federal
share of the cost of constructing the Century Freeway and the Federal share
of acquiring and completing construction of the West Virginia Turnpike to
Interstate standards, were included in the calculations of apportionment factors.
While your memorandum did not specifically request that the West Virginia
Turnpike be included in these calculations, we consider this to `be a necessary con-
sideration in view of recent action by both the Senate and House Public Works
Committees in this regard.
You will recall that `on February 7 I sent to you a table showing a similar
"Table 5A" which provided for the California Century Freeway at a cost of
$261.8 million. The attached table includes the Century Freeway at a cost of
$276.9 million which is the estimate for this segment on the basis of its approved
length providing connection to Sepulveda Boulevard.
You suggested that I make arrangements with the House Public Works Com-
mittee to substitute the attached table for the Table 5 submitted in the Report
to Congress in January. Accordingly, I am sending the attached table to Mr.
Sullivan, Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee on
Public Works, House of Representatives.
PAGENO="0250"
240
TABLE 5A.-ESTIMATED FEDERAL-AID AND STATE MATCHING FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE SYSTEM, AND
APPORTIONMENT FACTORS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF 1970 FISCAL YEAR AUTHORIZATION
Estimated
Estimated
Federal-aid
Federal
:
and State
share of
State
matching
funds re-
quired to
complete
system
(thousands)
funds re-
quired to
complete
system
(thousands)
Apportionment
factors
(percent)
Alabama $366,163 $329,547 1.902
Alaska
Arizona 277,587 262,014 1.512
Arkansas 119,091 107,182 .619
California 1,709,817 1,563,628 9.026
Colorado 264,804 241,872 1.396
Connecticut 347,110 312,399 1.803
Delaware 47,074 42,367 .245
Florida 330, 034 297,031 1. 715
Georgia 381,382 343,244 1.981
Hawaii 253,421 228, 079 1. 317
ldaho.._ 134,938 124,602 .719
Illinois 1,060,745 954,671 5.511
Indiana 374,719 337,247 1.947
Iowa 196,416 176,774 1.020
Kansas 156,715 141,044 .814
Kentucky 328,120 295,308 1.705
Louisiana 465,049 418,544 2.416
Maine 131,078 117,970 .681
Maryland 386,360 347,724 2.007
Massachusetts 484,574 436,117 2.517
Michigan 788, 828 709,945 4. 098
Minnesota 423, 189 380, 870 2. 199
Mississippi 199,481 179,533 1.036
Missouri 372.840 335,556 1.937
Montana 360,100 328,447 1.696
Nebraska 80.367 72,330 .418
Nevada 112,942 107,295 .619
New Hampshire 107,639 96,875 .559
New Jersey 540.145 406,131 2.809
New Mexico 194,347 179,790 1.038
New York 923, 130 830, 817 4. 796
North Carolina 250,707 225,636 1.303
North Dakota 115, 593 104, 034 - 601
Ohio 824,105 741,695 4.281
Oklahoma 145,375 130,838 .755
Oregon 403,217 372,008 2.147
Pennsylvania 973, 682 876, 314 5. 058
Rhode Island 99.794 89. 815 .518
SouthCarolina 208,564 187,708 1.084
South Dakota 110,338 100,430 .580
Tennessee 468,546 421,691 2.434
Texas 946,486 851,837 4.917
Utah 260,933 246,321 1.422
Vermont 134,988 121,409 .701
Virginia 454,683 409,215 2.362
Washington ._ 552,742 500,950 2.892
West Virginia 652,956 587,660 3. 392
Wisconsin 168,214 151,393 .874
Wyoming 109,813 101,950 .589
District of Columbia 353, 178 317,860 1. 835
Total 19,152,119 17,323,797 100. 000
No'e: Table 5A is~a revision of Table 5 in H. Doc. 199, 90th Cong., 2d sess. The 1968 Interstate System cost estimate,
to show apportionment factors resulting if the Federal share of the cost of constructing the Century Freeway in Los
Angeles, Calif., (total cost $276.9 million, Federal share $253.2 million) and the cost of acquiring and completing construc-
tion of tho West Virginia Turnpike to interstate standards (total cost $106.1 million, Federal share $167.5 million), were
included in the colculations.
Mr. Cr~usEx. And this would be included in the report?
Mr. BRIDWELL (continuing). To be included in the cost estimate
to he recalculated in apportionment factors if the committee so desires.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. Thank you.
Mr. CRAMER. I just have one matter I would like to get as a matter
of record, Mr. Chairman, then I will yield to the other members.
PAGENO="0251"
241
I directed a letter to the Comptroller General, and he replied May
22, 1968, and I believe you have a copy.
Secretary Borr. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. That deals with the question of the Executive order
relating to compliance with the equal employment opportunity condi-
tions, and in my letter I raised some questions concerning it. Basically
the reply, the most significant paragraph begins on the bottom of
page 4 and on the bottom of page 5, the conclusions. I am sure you are
familiar with the problems created by the negotiation after the bid
opening process relating to these matters. And the effect that might
have on the bid-letting process and fixed-prices costs and so forth,
and numerous objections raised.
In effect, they say:
In view thereof, there would appear to be a technical defect in an invitation's
requirement for submission of a program subject to government approval prior
to contract award which does not include or incorporate definite standards on
which approval or disapproval will be based. We believe that the basic principles
of competitive bidding require that bidders be assured that award will be made
only on the basis of the low responsive bid submitted by a bidder meeting estab-
lished criteria of responsibility, including any additional specific and definite re-
quirements set forth in the invitation, and that award will not thereafter be de-
pendent upon the low bidder's ability to successfully negotiate matters mentioned
only vaguely before the bidding. We are therefore advising the Secretary of Labor
that if the proposed order is adopted, it should be appropriately implemented,
before becoming effective, by regulations, which should include a statement of
definite minimum requirements to be met by the bidder's program, and any other
standards or criteria by which the acceptability of such program will be judged.
And the last paragraph says:
In any event, we cannot conclude at this time that the proposed requirement
for submission of acceptable affirmative action programs prior to awarding
Federally assisted construction contracts, is a matter of law clearly compatible
with competitive bidding requirements * * *, and therefore illegal, provided
the proviso is the key-
provided the implementing regulations discussed above are issued before the
proposed order establishing such requirement becomes effective.
Now, I would trust and hope that you will give this matter your
consideration as a result of the General Accounting Office determina-
tion, and as I understand it has been directed to you through proper
channels, as well as to the Department of Labor and others involved.
Also I would hope that your Department would so advise the States
of this proposal by GAO. Do you see any problems relating to it or
have any reservations about it?
Secretary Bo~xm. No, I do not. I am very much in favor of this. I
think the bidders ought to know what the requirements are.
The Department of Labor, as you know, is the lead agency.
Mr. Cn~j~iun. Yes. I understand.
Secretary Bon. And we would certainly be in contact with them
about this. I presume the Department of Labor will get a copy of this.
Mr. CRAMER. Yes, they got it today.
Now, what will be the attitude of your Department relating to the
presently existing requirement until this matter is resolved by Labor,
in view of this letter?
Secretary BOYD. Well, I certainly expect an early resolution by the
Department of Labor. And without checking with the various States,
PAGENO="0252"
242
I would not know how many proposals are involved in the existing
situation; but if it appears that there is going to be only a short period
of time involved, I would not recommend any changes in the existing
procedures.
I do not see any point in trying to make two shifts in procedures.
Mr. CRAMER. It is my understanding, is it not, as contained in the
presently existing order, that they have a pilot project in three areas-
St. Louis, San Francisco, and Cleveland-that are presently in exist-
ence now; is that correct?
Secretary Born. Not to my knowledge. The ones I know about are
Cleveland and Philadelphia. Now, there may be others.
Mr. CRAMER. Philadelphia may be a more recent one, but I under-
stood that-
Secretary BoYD. Mr. Bridwell is current on this subject.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Bridwell?
Mr. BRmwi~I~I. I think the three areas that you have mentioned,
that that is accurate, that there are pilot projects there. There is a
fourth one which the Secretary has mentioned, Philadelphia.
The problem that you were referring to as it relates to the highway
program has been of significance only as it relates to the Philadelphia
and Cleveland areas.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand in the Philadelphia area that at the
preaward conference prescribed by OFCC, Peter Kiewitt's repre-
sentative refused to submit a maiming table, which OFCC requires as
part of the active program, and he stated the reason for refusal was
he had no way of knowing whether the local union would supply him
with the number of members required, and because of the refusing
to submit the manning table, OFCC did not approve the award.
Secretary Born. I am not sure a.bout the reason of this stat.e of
refusal. The fact is the gentleman did refuse and the State highway
director indicated his support of the representatives of Peter Kiewitt.
The Federal Government followed the position of the OFCC and the
Governor of Pennsylvania, within a. very short period thereafter, ex-
pressed his support of the preaward requirement..
Mr. cRAMER. Well, your agency. because. of the nonconformity to
OFCC requirements. would not concur in the award?
Secretary Born. That is correct. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. A similar situation developed with regard to the
Cleveland Carl M. Gueppel Construction Co.
Secretary Born. Yes, I think that is Gueppel. I am not sure that has
been resolved yet.
Mr. Bridwell. It has not.
Secretary Born. No, I think there. is negotiation underway on the
Gueppel contract. I do not believe that there has been a parting of the
ways there.
Mr. CRA~rER. Well, the reason I cite it is to indicate under the present
procedures there have been at least to our knowledge one contract
turned down, low bidder.
Secretary Born. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Resulting from nonconformance.
Possibly this approach, suggested by the General Accounting Office,
will help resolve some of these problems.
PAGENO="0253"
243
Secretary BoYD. We are all in favor of it. I think people ought to
know what they are bidding on.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, could I ask following the Secretary's
testimony that this letter by the Comptroller General of the United
States to myself be made a part of the record ~
Mr. KLUOzYNsKI. Without objection, so ordered.
(Letter follows:)
COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES,
TVashington, D.C., May 22, 1968.
Hon. WILLIAM C. CRAMER,
house of Representatives,
DEAR MR. CRAMER: Further reference is made to your letter of April 8, 1968,
with enclosure, concerning requirements for acceptable "affirmative action pro-
grams" for compliance with the equal employment opportunity conditions of
Executive Order No. 11246 of September 24, 1965. You enclose a copy of a draft
memorandum of a proposed order which was submitted for comment to the heads
of all agencies by the Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCC),
Department of Labor.
We understand your request for our opinion is confined to the propriety of the
proposed requirements, particularly with reference to the Federal-aid highway
program, in view of the specific provision of 23 U.S.C. 112 that such highway
projects shall be performed by contracts awarded by competitive bidding, and
that you do not question generally the legality of the requirement for the in-
clusion of nondiscrimination clauses, which was first imposed as to Government
contracts by Executive Order No. 8802, June 25, 1941, and extended to construc-
tion contracts under federally aided or financed programs by Executive Order
No. 1114, June 22, 1963.
You state that the procedures proposed by the Department of Labor contem-
plate that the low bidder and its subcontractors, on contracts covered by the
order, will be required to submit before award acceptable affirmative action
programs to assure equal employment opportunities, but that the invitation for
bids apparently would not include a statement outlining the details of an accept-
able program. Further, that when an unacceptable program is submitted award
will not be made until agreement is reached on an acceptable program. You say
*that since bidders will not know what will constitute an acceptable program
they will not be able to make a reasonable estimate of the probable cost of the
program, and thus must run the risk of added costs, including possible addi-
tional subcontracting costs, when the proposed subcontractors do not submit
acceptable action programs. You also point out that a low bidder has the op-
portunity to avoid entering into a contract by failing or refusing to submit an
acceptable action program. Finally, you state that you believe imposition of the
proposed procedures will cause added delay and cost to the Federal-aid highway
program.
The purpose and background for the proposed order is stated therein as follows:
"1. Purpose
"This Order is to insure that before contracts are awarded, Federally involved
construction contractors provide affirmative action programs which comply with
the requirements of Executive Order 11246 and with Rules and Regulations
issued pursuant to it.
"2. Background
"For over one and a half years, acceptable affirmative action programs have
been required before contract award ~by a number of Federal contracting and
administering agencies. Detailed pre-award programs are now required by this
Office in three specific geographical areas (St. Louis, San Francisco Bay, and
Cleveland) for all Federal contracting and administering agencies. Experience
has shown that such procedures are considerally more effective in implementing
the Executive Order than exclusively post-award approaches. The pre-award
requirement for nonconstruction contracts has been in effect since May 3, 1966."
The following pertinent provisions of the proposed order are set forth under
paragraph 3b:
PAGENO="0254"
244
"On all projects for Federal or Federally-assisted construction, in which the
total construction cost may be one million dollars or more:
"(1) Each agency shall include, or require the applicant to include, in the
specifications for each formally-advertised construction contract, a notice (the
form of which is approved by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance) to all
prospective bidders stating that, if its bid is one million dollars or more, the
low bidder must submit, in writing, (an) acceptable affirmative action pro-
gram(s) which will have the result of assuring equal employment opportunity
in all trades and particularly the better-paid trades (such as electricians, plum-
bers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, ironworkers and Operating Engineers)
to be used on the job and in all phases of the work, whether or not the work is
to be subcontracted.
"(2) Before each contract is awarded, the contracting or administering agency
shall make an evaluation of the proposed affirmative action programs submitted
with the bid. The evaluation shall be conducted by qualified specialists regularly
involved in equal employment opportunity programs, in cooperation with the
OFCC Area Coordinator if one serves the area where the contract will be
performed."
Under paragraph Sc each Federal contracting and administering agency is
required to submit to the OFOC its program to implement the order.
Existing regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the au-
thority of the Executive Order, which appear in Title 41, Chapter GO, of the
Code of Federal Regulations, require that federally assisted construction con-
tracts shall include a clause under which the contractor and subcontractors
agree to take various affirmative actions to ensure that applicants are employed,
and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their
race, creed, color, or national origin. 41 CFR 60-1.3 (:b). A proposed revision
of 41 CFR Oh. 60 issued by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance pursuant
to Executive Order No. 11246, was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 33,
No. 32, on February 1~, 1~G8. Requirements for a similar clause in federally
assisted construction contracts and subcontracts are stated under Section (30-
1.4 (b) of the proposed revision, and general requirements of satisfactory af-
firmative action programs are set forth in Subpart C thereof. Other than the
submission of an affirmative action program prior to award, and the require-
ment for approval thereof by OFOC prior to award, we do not find a substan-
tial basis on which to conclude that the proposed order contemplates that the
affirmative actions required of contractors and subcontractors under federally
assisted construction contracts will be materially different from those which have
been required of such parties after award for several years.
A review of the records of this Office does not show receipt of any cases in-
volving undue restrictions on competition resulting from the requirement for
affirmative actions by contractors to ensure compliance with the Equal Em-
ployment Opportunity Program in federally assisted construction contracts, or
involving contractors having encountered substantially higher costs in satis-
factorily complying with equal opportunity requirements than were anticipated
in the preparation of their bids. It is further noted that, in the background in-
formation quoted above, it is stated that preaward acceptable affirmative action
programs have been required by a number of Federal procurement agencies for
over two years, and our records fail to show any cases presented to this Office
wherein award was not made to the low bidder. because of his failure or refusal
to submit an acceptable affirmative action program, or involving claims for un-
anticipated costs resulting from such a program.
While, as noted above, problems in the existing preaward acceptable affirma-
tive action program have not been reflected in our contract work, statements
contained in records of your `office which you have made available for examina-
tion by representatives of this Office reflect that road contraOtors may `be en-
countering serious problems in connection with the preaward program as it is
being administered in the geographical areas mentioned in the proposed order.
Such statements indicate that the .pr~aw'ard procedures have in some instances
resulted in extended periods of delay in the awarding of contracts; that bidders
are furnished inadequate guidelines for the development of an `acceptable af-
firmative action program, and the low responsive (and otherwise responsible)
bidder may therefore be required to enter into negotiation procedures on an
acceptable program in order to obtain the award; tha.t a program which is
acceptable on one contract may not be acceptable on another; that a program
which is acceptable `at the time the contract is awarded may be unacceptable
PAGENO="0255"
245
when the project is half completed; and that a bidder operating under nego-
tiated labor agreements would in some cases be required to violate these agree-
ments in order to comply with the proposed order.
Statutory provisions, such as that contained in 23 U.S.C. 112, for competitive
bidding in `the award of contracts have been interpreted to require award after
advertising to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid is responsive to the terms
of the invitation, and it is elementary that bidders must be adequately advised
beforehand of all material requirements which will affect their costs or ability
to perform. Invitation for bids were designed to secure a firm commitment
upon which award could be made for securing the Government's requirements
described therein, and not as a first step for subsequent negotiation procedures.
In view thereof, there would appear to be a technical defect in an invitation's
requirement for submission of a program subject to Government approval prior
to contract award which does not include or incorporate definite standards on
which approval or disapproval will be based. We believe that the basic principles
of competitive bidding require that bidders be assured that award will be made
only on the basis of the low responsive bid submitted by a bidder meeting es-
tablislicd criteria of responsibility, including any additional specific and definite
requirements set forth in the invitation, and that award will not thereafter be
dependent upon the low bidder's ability to successfully negotiate matters men-
tioned only vaguely before the bidding. We are therefore advising the Secretary
of Labor that if the proposed order is adopted it should be appropriately imple-
mented, before becoming effective, by regulations which should include a state-
ment of definite minimum requirements to be met by the bidder's program, and
any other standards or criteria by which the acceptability of such program will
be judged.
`As to any added delay or cost to the Feder'abai'd highway program which might
be occasioned by the requirement for acce~viable affirmative action programs by
contractors and subcontractors, such factors would not negate the apparent
legality of the `requirement. As indicated above, one `of the basic requisites in
awarding contracts pursuant to competitive bidding is that `award be made to
a responsible `bidder, and added delay and cost in determining the responsibility
or acceptability of the low responsive bidder are matters commonly associated
with the `awarding of such con:tradts.
Although, as you state, imposition of the procedures proposed by the Office
of Federal Contract compliance will no doubt create other legal and practical
problem's, we believe that many areas of such contemplated problems may be
subject to resolution or disposition by regulations promulgated by the Office
of Federal Contract Compliance or by implementing regulations of the agencies
as provided for in "the proposed order. In any event, we cannot conclude at this
time theA the proposed requirement for submIssion of acceptable affirmative ac-
tion programs prior to awarding federally assisted construction contracts is
as a matter of law clearly incompatible with competitive bidding requirements
of 2 U.S.C. 112, and therefore illegal, provided the implementing regulations dis-
cussed above are issued before the proposed order establishing such requirement
becomes effective.
We trust this serves the purpose of your `letter of April 8. Please `let us know
if we can be of any further assistance in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
FRANK H. WEITZEL,
Assistant Comptroller General of the United States.
Mr. CRAMER. Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Are `there any questions on my right?
Mr. CRAMER. May I also ask, the other letter that was read earlier,
submission of Mr. Hughes on relocation
Secretary Boi~. We have not, we do not have that letter, Mr.
Cramer.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. T'he gentleman from Texas, Mr. Roberts.
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Secretary, we have a problem on right-of-way
acquisitions. I am not sure the problem is not statutory and I seek your
advice.
Under our State highway procedures, an appraisal is made by an
employee of the highway department. After this appraisal has been
PAGENO="0256"
246
made, a highway department land acquisition man contacts the owner
and says in effect; "We are going to take this piece of property for
highway purpose.s and we are prepared to make you an offer in line
with our appraisal." In a speciflc case, the appraisal was $87,000.
Regardless of the appraisal, the owner usually says that's not
enough. Eventually, the land acquisitioii maii secures a counter offer.
Again. in this specific case the counter offer was $100,000 against an
orioinai offer of SST.000.
Then the acquisition people. say that they have no authority to exceed
the appraisal. So the owner ified a suit and received an out of court
settlement., not the 100.000 which the owner was willing to take, but
for $~50.000. This has happened many, many times.
Now, Mr. Secretary, is it the fault of the statute or the fault of the
procedure that there can be no adjustment after the original appraisal?
In almost every case we have taken a tremendous shellacking once
an owner goes to court.
If we authorize a 10 percent adjustment or some other flexible
figure over the original appraisal which would be less than the court
costs involved, we could save a substantial amount of money. I can
give von four or five specific cases where the award was more than
double. the amount for which the landOwner was willing to settle. I
hope some flexibility can be granted.
Secretary Bovu. That may raise some question about the quality of
the appraisers that are used, Mr. Roberts. But the answer-do you want
to know specifically whether State law prohibits going above the
appraisal or whether Federal law prohibits going above?
Mr. ROBERTS. Yes, whether our basic law is at fault.
Secretary Bo~m. I think we will have to submit this for the record.
Mr. ROBERTS. I will withdraw it and take it up with Frank later.
Mr. Secretary.
Secretary Bom. All right.
Mr. KLnczvxsKI. Any questions on my left?
Mr. CLEVELAND. Yes.
Mr. KLUCzYNSKI. The gentleman from New Hampshire.
Mr. CLEVELAND. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Schwengel.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Mr. Secretary, it is good to see you here with the
committee.
Secretary Bov~. Thank you.
Mr. SOUWENGEL. I had the pleasure of working with you on the
tremendous problem of building roads.
I listened with increasing interest to yOur testimony and compliment
you on your presentation.
But I have some questions. Some of the questions have been asked
and have been clarified, but on the testimony relating to safety and
research on safety, it quickened my interest because of some experience
we had had in Iowa. A year ago you h!adl some rules and regulat~ons
where Federal money was involved and those regulations had not been
relaxed, changed. You put about seven small counties who have respon-
sibility for building roads in the country out of business, and it
occurred to me. that, frankly, you relax and change your position. but
not without stirring up agony-and there is still apprehension about
what you may do.
PAGENO="0257"
247
I am very much in favor of research on safety, but I just want to
make the suggestion and ask whether or not a better approach could
not be taken to the reso~ution of the problem on safety?
I suggest to the committee that you set up a system whereby you
involve counties and cities and States who have experience here. Let
them share in the experience. We then would find some better answers
and avoid some of the very obvious mistakes that you have made.
Secretary Boivm Mr. Turner is familiar with this situation, Mr.
Schwengel, and I would like to ask him to respond to you.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. All right.
Mr. TURNER. The situation is just about as you have described it,
Mr. Schwerigel. But since that time, we have had considerable discus-
sion with the counties that you have referred to, with the State
highway department, with representatives of the National Association
of Counties. And I believe we have developed a satisfactory relation-
~hip very similar to the kind that you have suggested.
I hope that similar situations in the future will not produce the
amount of noise and storm that that one did in Iowa.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Now, do you involve these people with your
research or do they have a voice, an opportunity to make testimony,
and opportunity to make suggestions on what should be researched on
safety and an opportunity to present their experience and so on?
I am basing my question specifically on the county road system.
Mr. TURNER. No, the situation that you described was a study that
was made by a special committee of the American Association of State
Highway Officials. It did not include any representatives of the county
groups at that time.
The booklet report that was prepared as a result of the study was
passed on by the American Association of State Highway Official as
a guide with respect generally to roadsides, the obstructions and the
shape of the cross-section, and things of that nature that might have
an influence on safety. And it is because AASHO had approved the
results of the study and the Bureau of Public Roads, we also adopted
it and made it applicable to the extent possible on all projects sub-
mitted after the date of the adoption of the study report, and this
was made applicable to secondary projects as well as to the Federal-
aid, primary and urban projects.
Now, I believe that while the county officials did not, either per-
sonally or through their representatives, participate in that original
study, we do have at the present time a working relationship with
them, which is an outgrowth of that experience, and I do not believe
that in future we will have a repetition of that same kind of situation.
Mr. SOTIWENGEL. You had a working arrangement. I appreciate that
much. But would it not be better to get the actual representation, let
them have a voice in the research and the explorations; and continuing
interest in it? It seems to me now that they are heard, but they still
have no voice in it. Is that not right?
Mr. TURNER. Well, they do not have a voice in the sense of having
a vote with respect to whether or not you approve an individual pro-
ject to be researched. In that sense they do not have a part in it. But
they do have an input into the discussions on programs, items that
they consider to be a high priority with respect to research on any
subject, safety or anything else.
96-030-68----17
PAGENO="0258"
248
We have, as you know, a board of ~tdvisers from the county engineer
group, and they meet regularly with us as our employees. They are
consultants to us in the Bureau of Public Roads. And we meet with
them about twice or three times a year to exchange views with them
and get their recommendations to us as representatives Of the county
group on county problems. And we use that in connection with our
administrative selection of research projects, design standards, and the
general control of the Federal-aid secondary program.
I believe that is a good working arrangement and a. better relation-
ship possibly than trying to get some sort of an ad hoc input to it
from a committee on the outside representing the county people.
Mr. BRIDWELL. I would like to supplement. that, if I may, Mr.
Chairman.
I think it is appropriate to the comment that Congressman Schwe.n-
gel has made, or the question that lie has raised, and it. also goes to
questions raised by the chairman.
For over a. year, we have attempted for the first. time. to send out for
comment and suggestion to the State highway departments, council of
State governments, and in some instances county officials and mayors,
proposed regulations or proposed policies, proposed procedures, for
their comments, so that they could have an input into the actual policy
and procedures of the views in carrying out the highway program. So
that., as a matter of fact., is why you received the comments you did
from the States regarding the 4(f) and two-hearing process, because
we asked them for their comments and suggestions on this kind of
material.
Mr. KL~czvxSKI. Mr. Schwengel-
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. KLuczYxsKI (continuing). There is a very important rolicall
and I know that the Secretary and his associates will appear before we
wind up the hearing and you will be the No. 1 man.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Thank you very much.
Mr. KLIJCZYNSKI. Thank you.
The meeting is adjourned until May 28 at 10 o'clock.
(Whereupon, at 4:08 p.m., the subcommittee was recessed, to recon-
vene at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 28. 1968.)
AMERICAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION,
TVasliington, D.C., June 12, 1968.
flon. GEORGE H. FALLON.
Chairman, Committee on Public Works,
Re yburn House Building,
Washington.. D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN FALLON: Enclosed please find a Prepared statement by our
association regarding Section 14 of HR. 11134. As we mentioned in our state-
ment, it is our belief that this legislation constitutes an important step towards
relieving traffic congestion in our major cities.
We request that this statement be made a part of the printed record.
Yours very truly,
ROBERT SLOAN.
STATEMENT OF THE AMERICAN TRANSIT ASSOCL&TION
This statement is submitted on behalf of the American Transit Association, a
voluntary trade association of privately owned companies and publicly owned
systems engaged in transporting passengers by rapid transit cars, streetcars, and
motor buses, in urban, suburban, and interurban service. The members of A.T.A.
transport more than 80% of all local transit riders throughout the United States.
PAGENO="0259"
249
In connection with the Subcommittee on Roads' consideration of the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1068 the American Transit Association wishes to take this
opportunity to give its wholehearted support to Section 14 of H.R. 17134, the
section which proposes fringe parking facilities.
Section 14 of the bill would authorize Federal assistance for fringe parking
facilities in urban areas with a population of more than fifty thousand. The land
used for the facilities must be part of, or adjacent to, the right-of-way of a
Federal-Aid highway. The section further requires that the facility be integrated
with existing or planned mass transportation facilities. The section sets Federal
participation at 75%, such funds to be provided from the Highway Trust Fund.
Parking fees may be charged for the use of the facilities, however, the rate
cannot be in excess of that required for maintenance and operation.
Today our urban centers are confronted with many problems but none is more
serious than that of congestion-population congestion, bou~iiig congestion, and
traffic congestion.
It is our belief that the fringe parking principle, as presented in 11.11. 17134. if
enacted will significantly alleviate the traffic and parking congestion which i~
now so commonplace in the central business districts of our nation's major (itiO~.
In turn, congestion in population and housing will also be benefited by allowing
better utilization of limited available downtown space.
In its present form, H.R. 17134 would require that all fringe parking facilities
be integrated with existing or planned mass transportation facilities. Such a
requirement recognizes and helps implement the underlying philosophy behind
such an undertaking. Namely, that for such a program as this to be successful
the parking facilities must be located away from the downtown area. To do other-
wise would simply provide supplemental downtown parking and thereby cause
more, not less, congestion on the approaches leading to the downtown area.
It is, therefore, respectfully requested that this Subcommittee give favorable
consideration and approval to the Fringe Parking Section of HR. 17134, which
we feel is an important step toward relieving a major concern facing our cities.
It would be appreciated if this statement would be made a part of the printed
record.
PAGENO="0260"
PAGENO="0261"
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT-1968
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1968
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
SUmOOMMITTEE ON ROADS
OF THE COMMITTEE ON PuBLI0 WORKS,
Was1th~gton, D.C.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:10 a.m., in room
2167, Rayburn Building, Hon. John C. Kluczynski (chairman of the
subcommittee) presiding.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The subcommittee will come to order. The Sub-
committee on Roads is continuing hearings today on various matters
concerning the Federal aid to highways program legislation, which
was introduced by myself and Mr. Fallon.
As I indicated in my opening statement the other day when testi-
mony was received from the Department of Transportation wit-
nesses, we intend to cover all phases of the hio~hway program and all
matters related to it, directly and indirectly. T~ierefore, I might advise
all those present today, as they have already been notified, they may
comment on any matter of interest concerning the bill and its effect
on the highway program.
I am delighted to have as our opening witnesses Mr. John 0.
Morton, president of the American Association of State Highway
Officials, from the State of New Hampshire, and Mr. A. E Johnson,
executive director.
Gentlemen, will you kindly take the witness stand?
Mr. CLEVELAND. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to add a word of
personal greeting to the first witness, John Morton, who has been before
this committee so many times that he hardly needs any further in-
troduction. I think you will agree with me that he always has some-
thing worthwhile for our consideration.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Where is Mr. Morton from?
Mr. CLEVELAND. Mr. Kiuczynski, this is a State that is beautiful
without Federal aid.
STATEMENT OF JOHN 0. MORTON, PRESIDENT (NEW HAMPSHIRE),
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALS; AC-
COMPANIED BY A. E. JOHNSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; AND
ROSS G. STAPP, CHAIRMAN, AASHO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT
Mr. MORTON. I thank you for your kind introduction. Our associa-
tion was requested to make some comment on vehicle sizes and weights
and therefore I would like to make just a brief statement.
Mr. KLUOzYN5KI. Do you have a prepared statement on this?
Mr. MORTON. Yes.
(251)
PAGENO="0262"
252
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, we know that time
is short and the subject of allowable vehicle sizes and weights is ex-
tremely important, so we will file two of our three statements with
the attached supporting material for the record and respectfully a.sk
that you review it carefully before taking any final action.
I refer specifically to my forma.l statement with the attached
AASHO recommended policy, and the statement of Mr. Ward Good-
man, direc.tor of highways of Arkansas, and chairman of the committee
on bridges and structures.
We would like to have Mr. Ross G. Stapp, chief administrative
officer of the Wyoming department, and chairman of our committee
on transport, read his statement, for it goes into many of the things
that we found out in the AAST-IO road test project in Illinois con-
cerning the effects of vehicle weights and frequency of loadings on
highways.
In general, the bill, as passed by the Senate, is generally accept-
able to us as it referes to the maximum allowable single- and tandem-
axle loadings, as well as the use of the bridge gross weight. formula,
and its application not. only to the extreme front and back axles of
a vehicle or combination vehicles, but also to the intermediate-axle
groupmgs.
From our work at. the AASHO road test. research project, we found
that the loads specified in the Senate version, which includes all tol-
erances, is at. the upper limit that we can accept.
`We do call to your attention that the Senate version does not put
in limits on vehicle lengths and we must take issue with the so-called
grandfather clause in the Senate bill, because it would furnish a
means of further escalation of weights and sizes.
`We recommend your consideration of the one included in the
AASHO recommended policy winch would, by 1975, make all vehicles
conform with the maximum limits that would be included in federally
established ceilings on vehicle weights and sizes.
If it is agreeable, Mr. Chairman, I would like to have our Mr. Stapp
read his statement.
Mr. KLuczYxsKT. You may proceed.
Mr. STAPP. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, the
AASHO transport committee, which has been the group that over
the years has developed recommended policies for vehicle weights and
sizes using the Nation's highways, has the following official assign-
ment in our association:
To investigate and evaluate the various transportation needs that should
be served by the highway system of the tnited States: determine the degree
to which such needs are made by the highway system in its current state of
improvement under existing regulatory laws: and recommend such policies,
regulations, laws and practices as may contribute to improving the efficiency
of highway transportation with due regard for the conservation and cost of
the highway plant.
The membership of this important. committee is made up of four
chief administrative officers from each of the four AASHO regions,
and was first established in~ 1922. At. that time, highway engineers
and administrators were learning of the interaction between highw-ay
design, vehicle weights, and road life.
PAGENO="0263"
253
This was also at a period when the first research along these lines
was initiated, such as test road projects in Virginia, California, and
the Bates road test in Illinois.
During that time, the AASHO committee worked in joint session
with representatives of the National Automobile Chamber of Com-
merce and the American Investment Bankers Association. The latter
had generally handled bonds for highway construction work, which
was the usual way of financing highway construction until the newly
created motor-fuel tax became the major source of highway funds.
In 1925, the AASHO committee extended its activities to include the
classification of highways on the basis of the traffic carried, the regu-
lation of bus and truck traffic, utilization of the highways with refer-
ence to measuring the capacity of the roads, recommendation of
uniform vehicle laws, `and the principles that should govern the
determination of widths of right-of-way, provisions regulating extra-
heavy-load movements, seasonal load restrictions, and certain general
regulations including vehicle sizes using the highways. Our commit-
tee developed weight and size policy drafts in 1932, 1942, 1946, 1964,
and 1968 that were adopted by AASHO.
Early in the 1950's, the AASHO transport committee developed
a project statement for an AASHO road test research project. This
very complete and detailed document spelled out the objectives of
the research, the general requirements of the project, and specifica-
tions as to its location.
The project was finally activated by AASHO on February 22, 1955,
and was located near Ottawa, Ill., because the annual rainfall, frost
l)enetration, and native fine-grained cohesive expansive clay soils
all satisfied the general site specifications for the project as being
fairly average of conditions found throughout the United States.
AASI-IO asked the Highway Research Board of the National Aca-
demy of Sciences to undertake the administration and conduct of this
very important project. The Highway Research Board then established
a National Advisory Committee made up of approximately 30 out-
standing experts from universities, industry, Federal agencies, and
State highway departments who could contribute to the success of
the project.
Basically, the motivation of AASHO in starting such a road test
was to get the best possible information for reviewing and measuring
the equity of vehicle weight and size regulations, as well as checking
on structural design techniques for payments, evaluate bridge design
procedures, and to get the best. information available that could give
the optimum balance between the best use and best life of the highway.
In setting up the project, each of the five traffic. loops were half
bituminous pavement and half portland cement concrete pavement.
The various sections of pavements making up the loops were statis-
tically designed as to randomization and overlap of design from one
loop to the other to make comparison and analysis possible and
accurate.
The controlled loading that traveled over these loops for a period
of 2 years were trucks utilizing five sets of so-called companion single-
and tandem-axle loadings.
The project was originally designed with four major loadings, but
because of the studies directed by sections 108 and 210 of the Fed-
PAGENO="0264"
254
eral-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the Bureau of Public Roads financed
a smaller ioop to determine the requirements of the so-called basic
vehicle to help develop the incremental type of analysis pertaining
to contribution to highway costs.
For the four major loops, it was decided to have one set of loadings
at 18,000-pound single and 32,000-pound tandem, respectively, as per
the AASHO 1946 recommendation. Another set of loadings was
22,400 pounds single and 40,000 pounds tandem as the maximum range
that was actually allowed in any State.
We then established a set of loadings below ~and one above these in
order to give four points on any curve for a more exact analysis.
The loadings on this small fifth loop that was added by the Bureau
of Public Roads were 2,000 pounds and 6,000 pounds, respectively.
We will not attempt to go into all of the detail that came from this
$27 million research project, but the general conclusions and con-
sensus developed by the highway departments are outlined in the
AASHO statements being presented here today.
The section 210 requirement of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of
1956 directed the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with other
Federal offices and agencies, and the State highway departments, to
make a comprehensive study of: (1) the effects in design, construction,
and maintenance of Federal-aid highways from the use of vehicles of
different dimensions, weights, and other specifications, and the fre-
quency of the occurrences of such vehicles in the traffic stream; (2)
the proportionate share of design, construction, and maintenance
costs of Federal-aid highways attributable to each class of user on
such highways; and (3) any direct or indirect benefits occurring to
any class, in addition to the benefits from the actual use of highways,
which are attributable to highway expenditures.
In undertaking the study, four different approaches were used.
These were: (1) the incremental method, (2) the differential-benefit
method, (3) the cost-function method, and (4) the gross-ton-mile
method. There is still a fifth approach that could have been used
as a modifying factor, especially to the incremental method. We refer
to the highway geometric space requirement of the various size
vehicles in the traffic stream under varying conditions of traffic density,
geometric layouts, and terrain as related to grades and sight distances.
In other words, the equivalent space that a large vehicle actually re-
quire.s, as related to an equal number of automobiles, because of their
weight-power ratios, and the grades and alinement of the highway.
On a level piece of highway, where the truck is able to travel at
highway speeds, it actually requires the equivalent space of two auto-
mobiles, but when sustained upgrades are involved, and when passing
is not possible, the truck may act as an impediment to the traffic and
cause the practical capacity of the highway to be reached because
of congestion queuing up behind the slow vehicles. In rolling or
mountainous terrain, one truck may actually require an equivalent
space of 18 to 20 automobiles under such an evaluation.
The incremental method is based on the concept that the cost of
providing a highway increase with the weights of the vehicles to be
accommodated, and with the frequency with which they appear in the
traffic stream.
PAGENO="0265"
255
The cost of the highway adequate for the basic vehicle is. allotted to
all of the vehicles on a uniform basis, and the `successive additional
structural costs are assigned successively to those vehicle groups
that require the heavier construction increments.
No cost allocation method `actually gives a. final and indisputable
answer for the problem has many ramifications, `but the incremental
method is `so thoroughly grounded in results of `highway engineering
research and logic, that its findings command respect and confidence.
Basically, the incremental method shows that the larger trucks, even
at their present sizes and weight's, and not those that would `be `allowed
under S. 2658, do not pay their total share of the highway cost.
We also observe, that the trucks count their Federal excise taxes as
part of their contribution to highway financing, and `this is not the
case for the automobile component of highway traffic, although cars
too pay such excise taxes.
We do not raise this as a criticism, but point it out as a f'act.
In all four methods that were probed by the Bureau `of Public
Roads in the 210 study, two basic facts appeared: (1) that the heavier
trucks `and truck combination's should be paying more in relation
to the payments m'ade by the lighter trucks, and `(2) that vehicles using
diesel fuel generally shoul'd be paying more than like vehicles using
gasoline.
It was noted that the 210 study recommended `that the findings of
the differential-benefit study should be used to supplement those of
the incremental study, but they should not replace the incremental
findings nor is there any reason for averaging the cost allocation in-
dications given by the `two methods.
Permissible axle-load and gross-load limitations must, of economic
necessity, be related to the capabilities of the pavements and the
bridge structures to carry `such loads and survive for a reasonable life
expectancy.
Any contemplated revisions in such load limitations also must be
viewed from the effects that they will `have, n'ot only on new construc-
tion, but on existing facilities which must remain in `service.
Some significant results were obtained from the AASRO road test
project regarding the reduction in pavement life that can occur from
an increase `in axle loadings.
The work at the project developed `a method whereby various loads
can be brought to a common denominator, such as equating any axle
load with relation to the "equivalent number of 18,000-pound, single-
axle load applications." The results of such studies indicated that the
increase from the 18,000-pound to the 20,000-pound load can result in
an average loss of the remaining life `of between 25 to 40 percent. To
increase it to 22,000 pounds can result in the loss `of pavement life `of
close to 60 percent. To increase it to a 24,000-pound, single-axle load-
ing can result in the loss of remaining life of about 70 percent.
In reviewing the effect of increased tandem-axle loadings, `they
should be equated as against their "companion `single-axle loadings,"
that was also developed from the road test project.
The most part of our main highway system was designed for a maxi-
mum 18,000-pound, single- `and a 32,000-pound, tandem-axle loading.
In fact, this was the recommendation of our 1946 policy, and it is still
PAGENO="0266"
256
the statutory limit in over 30 States at the present time. We might even
state that it is also the general basis for the design of the Interstate
System..
The AAS}IO road test also showed the frequency of allowable axle-
loads is also a matter that must be taken into consideration.
Work at the road test. developed a method of converting any axle
loading into an "equivalent number of 18,000-pound, single axieload
applications" as a standard reference.
It was demonstrated that the 2O,000-pound, single-axle load is
equivalent to 1.60 applications of the l8,000-pound axle; the 22,000-
pound, single axleload is equivalent to 2.37 applications of the 18,000-
pound axle; and that. the 24,000-pound single axle is equivalent to 3.45
applications of the 18,000-pound single axle.
The results of the increasing frequency of loadings can be seen
from the following table developed for rigid pavements which, in turn,
is measured by the number of applications required to bring about.
fatigue failure in pavements of certain thicknesses. Flexible pave-
ments perform in a somewhat similar pattern, and it is readily apparent
that increasing loads seriously shorten the remaining life of the
pavements.
Our table on required pavement thickness in inches shows:
NUMBER OF SINGLE AXLE LOAD APPLICATIONS TO BRING PAVEMENT TO UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION
fin inches)
Applied axle load (hips) ioo,ooo 1,000,000 10,060000
18 3.8 5.8 8.4
20 4.3 6.2 9.0
22 4.6 6.6 96
24 4.8 7.1 10.2
The foregoing common denominator techniques used in conjunction
with traffic forecasts are used in cleterminiiig remaining life of high-
ways and in determining when funds will be needed for heavy mainte-
nance or strengthening operations or for replacement..
Recognizing the need to optimize the use of the extensive existing
highway plant, AASHO, through the transport committee, developed
a draft. policy of maximum weights and dimensions in 1964.
At the time of the balloting by AASHO, in 1964. the transport. com-
mittee. offered the State highway departments the option of voting on
either the 32,000- or 34,000-pound tandem axle, on the basis that the
optimum balance of the best use of the highway lay somewhere in that
range, and with the supposition that the Interstate System might. be
completed before too long, which would make the highway funds then
available to rebuild and modernize the some 200,000 miles of mainline
primary highways in this country within a reasonable time.
At. the present time, however, it. appears that the completion of the
Interstate, and eventually being able to turn our efforts to beefing up
the primary system, seems to be moving further and further into the
future, and that much of our highway system may have to accom-
modate increasing traffic densities and weights longer than we had
hoped.
PAGENO="0267"
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At the last annual meeting of the. association in Salt Lake City, it
was the recommendation of the transport committee that the State
highway departments have another opportunity of voting on a 34,000-
pound, tandem axleioa.d limitation.
This was the top figure that came out of our studies at the test road,
that would give more liberalized Use of the highways in transporting
goods, but still get an acceptable ren'iaining life of the highway
investment.
In this most recent balloting, more tha.n half of the States approved
of t.he 34,000-pound figure, but it lacked a few votes getting t.he
necessary two-thirds approval to become an AASHO policy; there.-
fore, our official position remains at the 32,000-pound, tandem-axle
figure.
Very often you hear the statement that the structural capacity of a
highway can be beefed up relatively easy by adding some resurfacing
to an existing pavement.
This is not as simple as it might sound, for these additional layers of
resurfacing do not develop nearly the additional pavement strength
that they would have if they had been incorporated as a monolithic
part. of the original pavement design and construction.
Also, the effective and serviceable life of such resurfacing or over-
lays is hard to predict, but generally the history of their effectiveness is
limited to about 10 years.
Using the information that we had learned from the test road. the
AASHO transport committee made a survey in 1962, in which ~28
States participated, for evaluating the remaining life of representative
existing highways, and the effects of increasing load mcrements ~
them. The survey resulted in a cost estimate of resurfacing the ma.]or
below-st.rengt.1i highways at. a billion dollars, if tandem axieloads
were increased t.o 35~000 pounds. It was assumed t.hat such an expendi-
ture would be spread over a 10-year period.
In other words, such a program would require at least two-tenths
of our present. ABC authorizations. To increase the strength or beef up
t.he pavements by resurfacing to accommodate ~2,000-pound, single-
and 38,000-pound, tandem axieloads would run the cost t.o about 2 bil-
lion, and could be expected to be a recurring cost every 10 years until
the road could be rebuilt.
In developing the bridge formula a.t the AASHO road test project,
it was assumed that because of the rather conservative allowable
stresses assigned to concrete a.nd steel at the time that our 11-15 design
bridges were built., which is the predominant bridge on the State high-
way systems, we could probably overstress these structures up to about
30 percent and still be safe, but with a sacrifice in remaining life of
t.he. structure.
After 1942, brid~es on major highways were designed for an 11-20
loading, and a modification of this, the HS-20 loading, has been used
in designing t.he bridges for the Interstate System. but the allowable
desi.~n stresses a.re nearer the yield strengths and do not have the
built-in safety factor of the older 1-11-15 structures. These loadings
assume a maximum axle loading of 32,000 pounds, so anything in
excess of this would, in effect, be overstressing these bridges. The 11-15
bridge was designed for a- maximum axle loading of 24,000 pounds.
PAGENO="0268"
258
The bridge formula is not only important in developing a maximum
allowable gross weight for the vehicle, but alsomust be used to control
intermediate axle groupings under the vehicle because of the effect of
such group loadings on bridge floor design, and especially the effects
on negative moments on the large number of continuous bridges that
are in use.
In a study undertaken by the AASHO Bridges and Structures
Committee in 1964, the following results were noted:
PERCENTAGE OF AREA OF BRIDGE DECKS DESIGNED FOR LOADINGS
lb percenti
System
11-15 or less
-1-16 to 1-20
115-20 or
greater
Interstate
6.7
4.4
88.9
ABC
53.3
24.0
22.7
We want to point out that there is no easy or economical way to
upgrade an existing bridge structure for either increased axle or
gross loads.
Generally, such bridges of low structural capacity must be replaced
if the gross or axle weight allowances are substantially increased. Of
course, when a section of highway is rebuilt to modern standards, sub-
standard bridges that are either structurally or functionally obsolete
are replaced as part of the project.
The bridge investment in our highway system is indeed a large figure
running about 25 to 30 percent of the total highway investment.
There are two factors that appear in our new policy for the first time.
One has to do with maximum allowable tire inflation pressures. This
is included because of some tire developments that could cause exten-
sive damage to certain types of pavements. The specified maximum
tire inflation pressure that appears in the AASHO recommended
policy does not affect any tires currently in operation.
The other factor has to do with weight-horsepower ratio of vehicles
to discourage the use of grossly underpowered vehicles that would
impede traffic. This part of our recommended policy was developed
from discussions with truck manufacturers and truck operators.
We wish to make one point very clear. Specified maximum axle. and
gross weight limitations must be all inclusive for we have found too
many enforcement problems in attempting to allow tolerances in
addition to so-called maximum weights.
In reviewing S. 2658, as passed by the Senate, it is our opinion that
the 34,000-pound, tandem-axle weight is the maximum that we can
accept. We must, however, disagree with the so-called grandfather
clause provision which would establish January 1, 1968, in place of the
July 1, 1956, date originally specified in section 127 of United States
Code 23. This action, instead of encouraging uniformity in vehicle
sizes and weights, would add encouragement to further escalation.
We recommend the provision contained in our recommended policy
of 1968. which would require all vehicles in operation to conform with
the so-called maximum weights and sizes by July 1, 1975.
PAGENO="0269"
259
We also note that S. 2658, in its present form, is silent on the matter
of overall length Of vehicles. `Inasmuch as the State highway depart-
ments do not agree with: separate limitations on the interstate high-
ways and the rest of the State `highway. systems, a maximum overall
length `of a combination vehicle was set at 65 feet by our balloting
procedure.
In some of the Western States, vehicles in excess of this are currently
being operated, especially on interstate and similar highways.'
We certainly want the maximum use made of our modern highways
for hauling goods and people, but the Interstate System should not be
turned into freight-hauling arteries to the point that passenger traffic
is inconvenienced or crowded.
Multibottorn truck operation has been tried in various parts of the
country and no serious problems have been ~encountered on divided
highways where the normal traffic is not heavy.
It may be that in the judgment of your committee you may wish
to specify an overall length of combination vehicle that might travel
interstate and similar highways, but the AASHO recommendation,
we believe, is logical :for the balance of the State highway systems.
We still voice some cOncern about being `able to have two separate
sets of `stands: one for the Interstate, and one for the balance of the
system.
Regulations pertaining to vehicle dimensions usually specify that
tire bulge and approved safety devices can extend beyond the. maxi-
mum specified width of the vehicle.
It is understood that in some of the recent experimentation with
multibOttom operat'ion that rear-view' mirrors extend outside the
`vehicle for a considerable distance, which could cause problems when
two such vehicles were using adjacent lanes. This matter deserves con-
sideration and approved safety devices, such as rear-view mirrors
should `probably be limited to current practice.
in closing, we ask that you study the AASHO recommended policy
thoroughly before taking any'final action in your committee.
We are certain that the trucking industry has developed facts and
figures on `the operating costs, based on payload ton-mile unit, as the
size and gross weights of the vehicles are increased.
We would like, however, to refer you to Highway Research Board
Bulletin No. 301 entitled, "Line-Haul Trucking Costs in Relation to
Gross Vehicle Weight," dated 1961.
This study indicates that beyond a certain point increases in the
`maximmn gross weights do not yield corresponding savings in operat-
ing costs on a payload basis.
The bulletin indicates that the curves flatten out and show a de-
creasing' or almost no additional benefit after the maximum gross
weights are reached that are recommended `in the current AASHO
policy.
in this statement we have attempted to give you some of the back-
ground of weight and size limitations, some of the interactions between
loads and facility life, the economies of highway transportation, and
the need for having weight: and size regulations. ` `
Thank you. `
Mi KLuozYNsT~I Thank you for your splendid statement
PAGENO="0270"
260
Do the members have any questions or any comments?
Mr. CRAMER. I think you have answered some of the questions that
I had in mind with your statement. However, I had a couple of matters
I would like to get your expert advice on.
The Senate bill, as passed, as you indicated, increased the weights of
vehicles permitted to operate from 18,000 to 2'2,000 pounds maximum
and from 32,000 to 34,000 pounds for tandem axle. It would change the
overall gross weight limit from 73,200 pounds to a weight determined
by formula based on the number of axles. As the bill is written, there
is no limit on overall gross weight. that would be permitted to operate
on the Interstate System.
Do you think this presents a danger to the present structures?
Mr. STArr. Yes, sir; I think there should be an overall weight and
an overall length. I would like to have Mr. Johnson elaborate a little
more on that.
Mr. Jonxsox. Gentlemen, at the time we developed the recom-
mended policy by AASHO, it was the feeling of the highway depart-
ments that. we should not have separate weight and size limitations
between the Interstate and the rest of the highway system. They an-
ticipated serious enforcement problems in so doing.
But you will remember that the original section 27 was silent on
length, also. As a result of the balloting, the State highway depart-
ments suggested a maximum of 65 feet. We find quite a difference in
the. eastern part~ of the country and the western part of the country
in this regard.
In the eastern part you have more serpentine alinement on your
highways. You have narrower roads, you have more of the roads
going through cities.
So there is a difference of attitude as to what should be the maximum
length.
We do recommend that on the State highway systems it be 65 feet.
In Mr. Stapp's State of Wyoming, and in some of the other States,
the triple bottom is currently in operation on an experimental basis.
That is 105 feet long. I think Mr. Stapp can tell you more about how it
is working out there than anyone else.
Mr. STAPP. Mr. Cramer, we have nm tests~ on that this last winter,
and we will run more this summer on the three bottoms on the four
lane, 105 feet in length. I will have to admit that they track better than
some of the semis that are on our highways. I have recommended to
our commission that they be allowed on the four-lane divided, but not
on many of our narrow three-lane roads, because of the problem of
passing gets into a traffic hazard with 105 feet on some of the narrow
two-lane roads.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you think that setting a length limit, in effect,
would result in a maximum limit providing the pressures that would
then be exerted possibly against the State legislatures to go to that
mnaximum?
Mr. MoRToN. Mr. Cramer, if I may make this comment, I think the
setting of length would have this tendency to regulate the weight and
control it along the lines that our association believes it should be
controlled.
Mr. CRAMER. Whatever maximum limits we set, it appears that it
is a.n open invitation to go to that. maximum on the part of the legis~
PAGENO="0271"
261
latures. I think we have to consider that in determining whether a
maximum should be set in all respects; that is, the length, the overall
weight, and so forth.
Secondly, relating to the length, there is considerable mileage of
two-lane highways in the Interstate System. With the additional time
and distance required for passing by a 98-foot-long vehicle, do you
think that would cause any undue hazard?
Mr. STAPP. Yes, sir; I do.
Mr. MORTON. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. Of course, we have provided, as I recall it, that those
two-lane highways must become four lane; so we are looking in the
distant future, and it might not be a serious problem on the interstates.
Mr. STAPP. That is right.
Mr. CR~1i~n. On this grandfather clause problem that you brought
up in your testimony, do you know how many States have increased
the limits on motor vehicle weights since 1956?
Mr. MORTON. I am advised that in the statement I am making we
have incorporated information to the effect as to what the States are
currently using. We can develop that information and file it directly
with you.
Mr. CRAMER. Can you provide us with that information?
Mr. MORTON. Yes, we can.
Mr. CRAMER. The grandfather clause in the Senate bill would limit
the width of vehicles permitted to operate on public highways. You
have a copy before you.
On line 19 it says, "Using the public highway of such State under
the laws and regulations established."
This grandfather clause is contained in the bill. Should it not refer
to weights and widths permitted by State law on the interstate rather
than on noninterstate highways? This applies to all highways. If you
will look on page 2, you will find it specifically refers to public high-
ways rather than interstate, meaning all public highways.
Mr. MORTON. Our recommendations really are to the effect that they
apply to all of the highways that are on the State highway system,
whether they are interstate or noninterstate.
Mr. CRAMER. We are talking here about the grandfather clause,
where the States have increased these weights and widths on other
than the Interstate System, perhaps sometimes in excess of what is
permitted on the interstate.
Mr. MORTON. That is so.
Mr. CRAMER. Would you give some further consideration to that
question, relating to whether that should be limited to the Interstate
System?
I have just one other question in view of our other witnesses and
our time.
If the State violates the weight and size limitations of State and
Federal law, whether it is inadvertent or otherwise, it can be penal-
ized 100 percent of Federal-aid highway funds. Although the weight
and dimension limitations apply only to the Interstate System, they
can be penalized on funds for all systems. Do you think any adjust-
ment to the penalty provision is justified?
Mr. MORTON. Yes. Tinder the present regulation, that is the case.
PAGENO="0272"
262
Mr~Om~i~n. mother words, do you think they should have penal-
ties on all systems? Do you think that is a. soimd policy position?
In other words, the State could lose 100 percent of their money,
ABC a~ well as interstate, if they do not conform to. interstate
standards.
Mr. MORTON. I think my personal view is tha.t our interstate is
built to the highest standards of: any highway system that we have.
These encroachments that have gone toward increasing the weight on
other parts of our State highway system are not completely desirable,
by any means.
Mr. CR~n~n. Because these are such technical questions, but we will
have to deal with them, I suggest, Mr. Chairman, that I ask the asso-
ciation to answer this series of questions for our purposes when we
get into further consideration of it.
Mr. MORTON. We will be most pleased to do so.
Mr. Cn~rnR. Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Harsha?
Mr. HARSHA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
WTouJd it not be better to let the States continue to handle the
problem of weight and size limitations rather than the Federal Gov-
ernment?
Mr. STAPP. We like to have the top ceiling in the States control that,
because, for example, it is the States in the East who do not like as
long a load as we do in the West; and I: think it would be well to have
an upper limit and let the States follow through with their own
regulations.
Mr. H~&RsB~&. But that at least gives an incentive to the States to
go to the maximum limit.
Mr. Smm. If you do not have an upper limit, it gets to the place
where one State will go higher and then the pressure is put on to get
the other States to that top limit, until you have a ceiling on the
upper limit.
Mr. HARSHA. Do you propose to have the same ceiling on interstate
and primary roads?
Mr. STAPP. It is my personal opiniOn that we should have less on
a two-lane highway. Of course, we still must have one system. it is
hard to control. According to the balloting of the AASHO repre-
sentatives, whom I am representing today, they say 65 feet should be
the maximum, so that is what we have to use.
Mr. HARSHA. For both highways?
Mr. STAPP. Yes, that is the maximum.
Mr. HARSHA. Then if you limit the length to 65 feet for two lane,
you do not employ the full maximum use of the four-lane highway,
do you?
Mr. STAPP. That could be, but I can only represent the majority of
AASHO, which is a two-thirds majority, and they voted for the 65
maximum length.
Mr. HARSHA. How many voted for the 65 maximum?
Mr. STAPP. It was in excess of two-thirds. It had to be at least a
minimum of 36. I do not Imow exactly,~ but there were at least that
number.
Mr. HARSHA. Thirty-six of the 50? :
Mr. STAPP. Yes, sir.
PAGENO="0273"
2.3
Mr. HARSHA. Back on page 5; of your testimony you said that ballot-
ing on the 34,000-pound-weight figure lacked a few votes of getting
the necessary two thirds Theiefore, your position w `ts on the 32,000
pound `~xle flgiue
* How many voted on that particular issue?
Mr. STArr. It lacked two of getting the 36 votes. It was either 33
or 34 votes in favor of the 34,000 pounds. It was very close.
Mr. HARSHA. Did all 50 States vote? *
Mr. JOHNSON. All 52 member departments voted.
Mr. STAPP. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are also in-
cluded in AASHO. ,* . S
Mr. CLAUSEN. On that very point, I do not know that I fully under-
stand exactly what you are trying to get at. You are trying to suggest
that your own position is to recognize a 34,000-pound figure as the
real desire of AASHO, or what is your position?
Mr. STArr. That is the maximum, Mr. Claussen, that we could ap-
prove, due to the test road results; but we have to stand on the 32,000
because the 34,000 did not receive a two-thirds majority.
The maximum we could agree to under any circumstances would be
the 34,000.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Additionally, you cannot recognize anything over 32,
but you have a personal desire to recognize 34; is that right?
Mr. STAPP. That is right.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Is that not what is in the Senate version?
Mr. STArr. That is right.
Mr. HARSHA. Mr. Stapp, you say there had to be 36 members voting
for the 65-foot length?
Mr. STArr. Yes.
Mr. MARshA. Can you tell me whether it was 36 or 37 or what?
Mr. STArr. We do not have the results here; but they can be obtained
and sent to you, if you would like.
Mr. MARSHA. Was that also a close vote?
Mr. STArr. I do not believe so; but it can be sent to you, if you would
like, Mr. Marsha.
Mr. Il-TARsHA. That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCzYNSKI. Mr. Dem~y?
Mr. CLAUSEN. Mr. Chairman; .Ihad one more question.
On page 2 you indicated that the. site specifications for the project
had been fairly~ average of conditions found throughout~ the United
States.
Out in California, particularly in the northern part of California,
we have rather extraordinary rain conditions. I would like to have
you give me an indication of something other. than just the clay soils,
and also the amount of frost penetration that you consider to be
average. S * *~ 5
Mr. MORTON. I believe we will have to take the position that in run-
nmg a test we try to get some `~rea where conditions basically iepresent
the average conditions in the country. Frost action and excessive mois-
ture could be influential in deteriorating the stability of the subsoil to
support these heavy loads. S
Then you would have to treat that particular locality by adding to
your foundation under your pavement or with the thickness of your
p'tvement
96-030-6S----iS
PAGENO="0274"
264
My particular State is subject to extremely heavy frost action. The
results of the test road, where they form a good basis for evaluating
pavement thickness, basic thickness and so forth, again for your own
particular special conditions, we have to take this information and
then interpret it in the form of how much frost penetration do we
have, what is the type of soil, which actually requires us to go much
heavier in foundations than would come out from the test road, a rec-
ommendation from the test road.
Am I making myself reasonably clear?
Mr. CLAUSEN. Partially, except. for the fact that you did not answer
the question about the amount of precipitation.
Mr. JoHNsoN. Mr. Clausen, at the time we started the test road, we
took an average of frost penetration in the ground, rainfall for the
United States, and we also specified that the site would have to be a
clay soil, a cohesive, expansive clay soil, because those are the soils that
give you some of your greatest design problems in highways.
We went to the various States with this specification and asked them
to submit a site for our consideration to carry on this big road test
project.
Illinois submitted a site in the vicinity of Ottawa, in the south, and it
did meet those specifications; so it was average frost penetration and
average rainfall.
I believe it was 20 inches of frost penetration and 40 inches of rain-
fall; but I am not certain as to those exact figures.
Mr. CLAvSEN. I will not prolong the question on this, but I think we
~re treading on rather thin ice in trying to arrive at average condi-
tions in one selected site for any form of testing. It seems to me that
the States themselves are going to have to be given maximum consider-
ation in their own recommendations on this.
Mr. Jonxsox. Part of the test road project itself was satellite tests,
to relate the test road in Illinois to their own particular conditions.
Mr. MOEWEN. In your statement you referred to the problem of the
mirrors that sometimes extend way out. Does AASHO take a position
regarding the maximum width of the vehicle?
Mr. MORTON. Yes.
Mr. STAPP. Yes.
Mr. MGEWEN. Was that in your statement?
Mr. JOHNSON. No, sir; it is in the policy.
Mr. MCEWEN. That is in the testimony that was included in the
record?
Mr. MORTON. Yes.
Mr. MCEWEN. I will defer further questions for the time being.
Mr. PENNEY. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLucz~xsKI. The gentleman from Nebraska.
Mr. PENNEY. Mr. Stapp, in your testimony you say:
Basically, the incremental method shows that the larger trucks, even at their
present sizes and weights, and not those that would be allowed under S. 2658, do
not pay their total share of the highway cost.
You list four other methods up above. Did you try a.ny other tests
with reference to this statement as to the larger trucks paying their
total share of the highway cost?
Mr. *STAPP. This was the 210 study made with the Bureau of Public
Roads, with material they requested and information they requested
PAGENO="0275"
265
from the State highway departments. This was the result, and it
applied equally to all other categories.
Mr. DENNEY. But that is the only test you did make; is that correct?
Mr. STAPP. That is correct.
Mr. DENNEY. Then you said:
In all four methods that were probed by the Bureau of Public Roads in the 210
Study, twO basic facts appeared: (1) that the heavier trucks and truck com-
binations should be paying more in relation to the payments made by the lighter
trucks, and (2) that vehicles using diesel fuel generally should be paying more
than like vehicles using gasoline.
Is that based on the fact that they must use more gallons of gasoline?
Mr. STAPP. That is right.
Mr. DENNEY. You recommend they should be paying more. How
would you recommend to this committee we should be determining how
much more they would pay, through license fees or what?
Mr. STAPP. We did not make a recommendation on this. That is for
the wisdom of you people.
Mr. PENNEY. You are not recommending any method of collecting
more. All you are saying is that they should be paying more; is that
right?
Mr. STAPP. Yes, sir.
Mr. PENNEY. Could that be covered under the weight limitations
that you have recommended in your statement?
In other words, what I am trying to get at, what weight limitations
did you use, and what. overall length limitations, in arriving at the
conclusion that under the incremental method they were not paying
their total share of the cost?
Mr. !STAPP. Mr. Joimson is closer to this ~21O study.
Mr. JoHNsoN. This ~lO study actually made a study of the trucks
actually in use on the roads at that time.
Mr. PENNEY. There are some trucks that have a 98-foot length; is
that not correct?
Mr. JohNsoN. Yes, but this did not have any particular relation to
that length. There is a certain number of over-the-road trucks, the
heavy trucks, some propelled by gasoline and some propelled by diesel
fuel. This reference has to do with those that pay diesel fuel at the
same tax rate that they pay for a gallon of gasoline. They actually get
a little better mileage out of the diesel fuel. So, therefore, they are not
paying, really, as much into the trust fund as a like truck, a similar
weight truck, that uses gasoline.
Mr. DENNEY. You are not recommending to this committee that we
put in the regulations a law having to do with gasoline and diesel fuel,
are you?
Mr. JOHNSON. No, and I would imagine if there was anything to be
considered on the matter, it would be in another jurisdiction.
Mr. PENNEY. I am trying to find out why such a statement was
made.
Mr. JOHNSON. We were asked to outline what we found out on the
test road before this committee.
Mr. PENNEY. I see.
That is all, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Are there any other questions?
If not, thank you, Mr. Stapp.
PAGENO="0276"
266
Mr. MORTON. Mr. Chairman, if you are agreeable, I will proceed to~
read my statement made in connection with H.R. 17134.
Mr. lcLtrczyNsicr. Mr. Morton, do you want to ret~d the full state-
ment or do you want to cover the highlights?
Mr. MORTON. I feel it would be more appropi~inte if I read the full
statement, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KL~CZYNSKI. You may proceed.
Nr. MORTON. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am
John 0. Morton, commissioner of highways for the State of New
Hampshire, and president of the American Association of State High-
way officials.
The AASHO testimony today is based on the results of a survey
made of our member departments after they had reviewe;d H.iR. 17134~
We will also comment on some related subjects.
A copy of the above-mentioned bill was sent. to the States for their
review on April 25 and to date we have received replies from 47 of the
State highway departments. The following comments refer to the sec-
tions of H.R. 17134.
Section 2: Interstate autlwrizations.-Seventeen of the States felt
that this section was acceptable as written.
Eighteen wonder why the Interstate authorizations were set at. $4
billion a year after the 1970 fiscal year, and whether or not it should
increase in line with expected trust fund income, so as to complete the
Interstate program as early as possible.
Some of the States were of the opinion that ~4 billion might be. too
high, and that more of the money should probably be channeled into
mounting urban problems and updat.ing our primary system which
are becoming extremely pressing needs. The interstate authorizations
for 1970 and 1971 are generally satisfactory.
Section 8: Approval of the 1968 Interstate cost estimate for appor-
tioning funds for the 1970 and 1971 fiscal years.-Affirmative action
on this matter is required by your committee in order that the 1970
fiscal year interstate funds can be apportioned to the States during the
coming summer months and not delay the program.
Section 4: Extension of time for the. completion of the Interstate
program.-The specified date of June 30, 1974, is unrealistic and inac-
curate when one considers the latest interstate, cost estimate for com-
pleting the Interstate System, the amount of money that will be avail-
able in the trust fund, and the continuing factors that increase the
cost of building highways.
Based on the trust fund revenues and the 196~ interstate cost esti-
mate, and with $1 billion of the trust fund being assigned annually to
an ABC program, with the balance going to the Interstate System as
now designated would probably be late in the 1975 calendar year.
Considering the additional cost introduced by the 1968 cost estimate,
and making the same assumptions, the completion date will probably
be somewhere around 1978 or later.
~Section 5: ABC and other authoni~ations.-Eighty percent of the
member departments feel that the section pertaining t.o the ABC pro-
gram is generally satisfactory, except some would not be disappointed
if more moneys would be made available for the ABCcategories. How-
ever, t.hey realize this would extend the actual completion date of the
Interstate System further into the future. .
PAGENO="0277"
267
We recommend that if Congress gives consideration to the authori-
zations proposed in section. 5(2) on `the subject of traffic operation
projects in urban areas, that your action be for a biennial period oniy
in line with ABC program practice. ` .` . . .
Many of the States feel that the increase in funding included in this
subsection should not be limited .to a `TOPICS program alone, but
should also .be~ available for improvements on the ABC systems.
In fact some of the States are of `the opinion that the cities involved
in the proposed TOPICS activity would not be able to furnish match-
ing money at the present time and, of course, the States are limited
`to expending their own `funds for matching purposes and for main-
taining and operating these roads' that are included `in their official
State highway systems.
The proposed program~ as outlined in I-LR. 17134, would include
many streets off the State highw.ay systems.
In regard to the proposal for providing authorizations for the traf-
fic operation program in urban areas, we would strongly suggest. your
committee give consideration to make any additional funds available
for establishing and helping finance necessary improvements on a new
Federal-aid category which our After 75 Comin'it;'te.e on a continuing
Federal-aid highway program calls a Federal-aid metropolitan arte-
rial street system.
Such a system would `be developed in the 233 metropolitan areas
through the 3C planning process in accordance with section 134, `title
~3, LTnited States Code: Highways, and would give to the cities the
same kind of participation in the Federal-aid highway program that
is now available to the counties in the secondary program.
AASHO, the National League of `Cities, and the National Associa-
tion of Counties are all in accord that such a system is essential and
`should be provided for as soon as possible in light of the expanding
transportation needs.
AASHO `has agreed with the National League of `Cities that a sep-
ara.te Federal trust fund, separate and apart from the highway trust
fund, would be a desirable thing to help provide money `to the cities
for transportation purposes for which the highway trust fund is not
allowable.
The National League of Cities `has been `talking in the neighborhood
of a billion and a half dollars annually. We make no recommendations
as to how the money would `be raised, `but we agree that something of
this nature is desirable to cope with the ever-expanding transportation
needs of the cities and could be used for furnishing parking facilities,
su'bsidizing mass transit operations, and o'ther things that are outside
the scope, purpose, and intent of the highway trust fund, but are
needed. We do not want such a new trust fund to `be a `part or special
account in the present highway trust fund or to be financed from
any of the present revenues assigned to the highwa,y trust fund.
Since our after 75 committee will be talking to your committee on
June 3 on the subject of our after 75 recommendations, we will go
into more detail on this and other items mentioned later in this state-
ment at that time, which we understand will `be `before the time that
the record is closed on these current hearings.
PAGENO="0278"
268
The State highway departments are generally, in accord with the
recommended authorizations for roads and trails in the public land
highways coming from the highway trust fund.
The most conservative estimate of highway needs is so much greater
than available highway funds in sight that we must oppose anything
that might further dilute the highway trust fund.
Section 6: Authorization of the highway safety prograrns.-About
half of the States that responded felt that. the. proposal was generally
acceptable as written; however, seven were of the opinion that too
much was recommended for the second, year. It is interesting to note
that 18 States made no comment at all on section 6.
It is unusual for the State highway departments to offer no corn-
rnent on legislative proposals, and in our responses relative to this bill
under considerat.ion we had several such reactions.
Section 7: Authorization, for highway safety research and develop-
ment pro grarn.s.-We received the same reaction from the State high-
way departments on this section that we received on section 6. Some
of this attitude may be the result of a lack of adequate dialog at the
State level between those handling the State safety programs and
the State highway departments.
Section 8: Authorization for high way beauty.-T'wenty-six States
felt that the language as written was generally acceptable; however,
there. was considerable. feeling that the penalty clause in the present
beautification language should be eliminated.
Some suggested a slowdown of the program until it. is determined
the general direct.ion in which the highway beautification program is
to take and until it is better defined and stabilized.
Nine States made no comment on this section.
The Sta.te highway departments are for an effective beautification
program and they would like to stop the growing ugliness along our
highways, but. we feel that something more definitive, could be done
in defining the program to make certain that. the funds expended do
not produce disappointing results in the long run.
Section. 9: Advance acquisition of rights-of-way.-The State high-
way departments generally are in accord with the purpose of this
section, how-ever, eight. opposed it..
Some felt that the 7-year limitation should be lifted.
The AASHO After 75 Committee has been developing a. proposal
along this same subject. In essence, it. provides a. ~1OO million revolving
fund to be financed from the highway trust fund, with no interest
being charged a State for using the revolving fund. It would be made
available to a State upon application, and could be. used only if con-
struction were 5 years or more in the future, a.nd it. was desirable to ob-
tain the right-of-way in advance, and without the State using current
funds needed for construction.
The States supported the AASHO-developed version by a 91-per-
cent vote. T\~\Te will be explaining this in greater deta.il when our After
75 Committee appears before your committee.
Section 10: Defi.nition.s of forest roads and trails and forest develop-
ment roads and trails.-Roads and trails under these categories do not
involve all of the highway departments, but only about half. As a
PAGENO="0279"
269
result, we..fou.ndthathalf f the Sthtes felt the definitions as written
are generally acceptable. The other half offered no comment..
Section 11: Amendment dealing with forest development roads and
trails pertaining to the sire of project where bids would be solicited for
construct ion.-The comments received on this section from the State
highway departments were almost identical to those pertaining to sec-
tion 10.
Section 12: Urban area traffic operations improvement programs,
TOPICS pro gram.-In response to this section, we received the same
type of replies from the State highway departments that we got per-
taining to the authorizations for the same purpose.
Less than half the States felt this proposal as written was acceptable,
and an equal number felt that it should not be tied specifically to a
TOPICS program, but the legislation should make the money availa-
ble for improving the ABC systems.
Four felt the proposal was not spelled out in sufficient detail to
clearly understand the intent. Five States offered no comment. In
general, much can be accomplished through the TOPICS type of
program.
Section 13.-Whether or not this section is enacted would depend on
whether or not your committee saw fit to provide for an urban area.
traffic operations improvement program.
Section 14: Fringe parlcing.-Only five of the State highway depart.-
ments felt that this proposal is acceptable as written.
Eleven States are completely opposed to it on the grounds that it
is further fragmenting or diluting t.he highway trust fund, which was
intended originally for constructing an Interstate System and to main-
thin a certain minimum level of development on the ABC systems dur-
ing the time the Interstate System was being built.
Thirteen States would accept. such a. program, if the financing were
not. to come from the t.rust fund, or in case the parking facilities could
be self-financing and self-sustaining.
Eighteen States offered no comment whatsoever on sect.ion 14.
To have any chance of success, fringe parkiiig must provide con-
venient, adequate, safe parking, and be served with convenient, ade-
quate., comfortable, and attractive commuter service at reasonable
costs.
This is t.he type of program that. might be included in a separate
trust fund program, as proposed by the National League of Cities.
It has generally been the policy of the State highway departments
that. parking facilities should be included in overall transportation
planning in urban a.reas, and that t.hey are a. necessary part of trans-
port.ation, but. since conventional highway needs a.re so much in excess
of available highway funding, some other means must be found to
supply the facilities, especially since t.hey are generally patronized by
repea.t users and the.y are for the almost exclusive benefit of the local
community or urban area.
AASHO will make recommendations on t.his subject at the time that
our After 75 Committee reports to your committee.
During the time of the annual meeting of the Mississippi Valley
Conference of State Highway Departments, in March of this year,
that regional highway association adopted a resolution entitled
PAGENO="0280"
270
"Proliferation of Activities and .Memdranda," in which it states that
the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Adminis-
tration are delving into new areas in transportation and particularly
in highways, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that many
studies and investigations are being made in these new areas and each
new study and investigation results in time-consuming conferences on
the part of the State highway personnel and apparent expansion of
Federal staff, and that each of the aforementioned activities result in
greatly increased numbers of instructional memorandums, policy and
procedure memorandums, and circular memorandums, to the extent
that it is becoming increasingly burdensome on the administrative staff
of the respective highway departments to read and analyze such
memorandums and respond thereto, and that many of. the memoran-
dums are apparently written by individuals having limited experience
in the respective area covered, and that many of the new areas involved
matters which are within the authority and responsibility of the
respective States and their State highway departments.
A copy of this resolution was sent to tiie American Association of
State Highway Officials. As a result, the State highway departments
were polled as to their attitude on this matter and, as a result, 46
States have responded a.nd 46 States are of the opinion that Congress
must define the respective roles of the State highway departments and
the Federal Government in carrying out the Federal-aid highway
program if the partnership concept is to survive.
They are all concerned over new philosophies of nonhighway people
in authority that are being forced on the highway departments, the
fragmentation of authority to others having no official responsibilities
in the program, and the eroding of responsibilities assigned by the
States to their highway commissions.
We ask your committee to direct the Federal Highway Administra-
tor, in cooperation with the State highway departments, to study this
matter thoroughly and to come to your committee with joint recom-
mendations as to the responsibilities prerogatives and actions that
will be assigned to the State highway departments and those of the
Federal Government.
In order to speed up the Interstate program, we would also recom-
mend that the Congress write some language in title 23, United States
Code: Highways, that the Secretary and the State highway depart-
ments shall reach agreement before December 31, 1969, on the ap-
proved location of all remaining segments of the Interstate System,
that are included in the 1968 cost estimate, House Document 199, 90th
Congress, second session, and in case such agreements vary from the
location actually used as a basis of estimating the cost in the 1968
estimate, the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the Public
Works Committees of Congress, before approving any funds herein
authorized to be expended on such revised locations.
In case approval of a location or segment of the Interstate System
upon which the above cost estimate was based has not been reached
or a revision in the location has not been cleared, as provided above
by the date of December31, 1969, the funds contained in the above-
mentioned cost estimate for financing such segments of the Interstate
System shall lapse, and shall not again be included in a subsequent
PAGENO="0281"
271
cost estimate submitted to the Congress in compliance with section
104, title 23, United States Code Highways
We believe that we are far enough along in the interstate program
that our cost estimates should be based on logical locations, and when
your committee approves an estimate that you have the right to assume
that any portion of the estimate is based on a suitable or logical
location.
We believe that such action on your part would resolve some of
the controversy that now exists as to highway locations.
At the risk of being charged as insensitive to recreation conserva-
tion and historical sites, we believe there is an overemphasis and over-
enthusiasm in administering section 4(f) of the Transportation Act of
1966, to the point that needed highway improvements are being
delayed and complicated and that section 4(f) is being used to re-
open decisions previously made or to slow down the program.
We can assure the committee that as responsible State agencies, we
must answer to the public, and we are closer to the public, and we
are as interested in preserving esthetics and historical sites as any-
one else. We believe that the Congress wrote its intent regarding
the administration of section 5(f) in the legislative history, but now
we feel that that intent should be spelled out in legislation.
We are conscious of an involvement by nonhighway oriented attor-
neys and policy planners in the Department of Transportation in
writing minutia and details in instructional and procedural memo-
randums pertaining to section 4(f), and that much of this detail
dei~nitely enroaches on the authority and responsibility vested by
the States in their highway commissions.
The same thing that applies to section 4(f) also applies to memo-
randa regarding public hearing procedures. The procedures go into
complete detail and would over-legalize every component of the pub-
lic hearing procedures.
Under the draft memorandum, any highway opponent could stop a
highway project for an almost indefinite period.
The public hearings required by the Congress were originally in-
tended for the public to have a highway proposal explained to it by
its highway department, and for the opportunity to comment on the
proposal and on a basis that it would not require witnesses to be ac-
companied by legal counsel.
The detail in the 20-8 memorandum on public hearings practically
strips the State highway commissions of any prerogatives in this
area, and fragments the control of a highway program to almost any
group that might wish to become involved.
Under the new philosophy in the Department of Transportation,
there is a failure to recognize the 50-year old Federal-aid highway
program as a joint partnership program with the States having the
right of initiation of projects and realizing that the States are putting
some sizable chips into the program themselves.
There seems to be an overriding philosophy that the highway pro-
gram is a Federal program, and that the States should be told what
to do and how to do it in detail.
In fact, the basic Federal-aid law prescribes that a. State must have
a competent and adequate highway organization to participate in
PAGENO="0282"
272
the program and we believe that this should still be the requirement
and that the State highway commission should be allowed to exer-
cise their basic responsibilities and be accountable to the public.
~Te are not suggesting that we should be allowed to operate without
any controls for such regulations are essential to protect the Federal
interest in the Nation's highways, and to coordinate a. joint venture
program.
We have not known too much about how the recent Reorganization
Plan No. 2, involving an agreement between the Departmetn of Trans-
portation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
might affect the urban transportation planning process, as contained
in section 134, title 23, United States Code: Highways.
We have studied such material as is available to us and, at the
present time, have a special committee in AASHO studying the mat-
ter now and in the coming weeks to help us develop a policy position
on the subject.
We did, however, find the letter from Mr. Cecil Mackey of the
Department of Transportation to Chairman Fallon, and Secretary
Boyd's recent statements before your committee assuring, but in some
degree seemed to conflict with our understanding of some of the agree-
ments between the two Federal agencies.
We would hope that~ the role of HUD, which we agree has a part in
urban planning, would be only advisory to the Department. of Trans-
portation as it might. affect. the approval of highwn.y proposals.
The State highway departments and the Bureau of Public Roads
have been the pioneers in developing highway planning techniques and
procedures.
The State highway departments have insisted, over the past half
century, in dealing with one Federal agency only. If other Federal
agencies have an interest in the project or the program, we depend
upon the Federal agency administering our program to deal with the
other Federa.l agencies at an interagency level, but that these other
agencies would have no direct veto authority over the States' proposals.
Planning is the fundamental tool which the State highway commis-
sions must utilize to carry out their assignments of creating, building,
maintaining, and operating a. State highway system.
Recently, we sent to you a. resolution adopted by our executive com-
mittee regarding some complications that we were having in regard
to the bidding procedures in the highway program in complying with
the equal employment opportunity program.
We believe that. the objectives of the Federal equal employment
opportunity program can be accomplished without eroding the com-
petitive bidding process that has been used over the years in the
highway program, and without adding to the cost. of the highway
program.
Highwa.y bidding procedures developed over the past 50 years are
very precise, sophisticated, and competitive. They are definitely in the
public interest and we feel they must be protected.
In this regard, we believe that the matter has now been straightened
out due to the efforts of Congressman Cramer and others. Much of
the problem was brought about by attempting to apply the same type
of negotiation with low bidders used in supply-type Government. con-
tracts to the highway program type of bidding.
PAGENO="0283"
273
There seems to be a current tendency to downgrade experienced
highway professionals in favor of people in other fields that are
relatively inexperienced in highways, thus failing to utilize fully the~
vast resource and background already available to solving essential
highway transportation problems.
This is causing severe morale problems in the highw'a.y departments
and even in the engineering schools. It seems to be the "in" thing to
criticize the highway program and the highway engineer, even though
both are an essential part of the future of this country.
We are still looking at the "design concept team" approach, and
will be interested in the results that it might produce, and as to the
time and money that might be involved.
We are also concerned about the tendency to deal directly with
dissident groups by going around State highway departments instead
of going through channels. The Federal role should be one of ap-
proving or denying a States' proposal in whole or in part and not
making agreements directly with local people or officials.
We are also concerned over the philosophy that local lay people have
a more prominent role in highway location and design. Some of these
particular problems are in declining corridors where the new highway
improvement will surely reconstruct the entire corridor because a new
highway is a very real catalyst. We should not attempt to conform too
greatly to the existing community that is almost certain `to change.
We are firm believers that local people should have a role through
the public hearing and have recourse through their appropriate elected
officials who, in turn, should and must participate fully in the planning
process at the project. development stage. To allow local people to have
a greater voice in the highway location and design for which they are
not trained, w-ould negate the expertise `of trained highway
professionals.
Highway officials are unlikely to insist on a project that does not
have the approval of appropriate elected local officials. Highway
officials certainly will insist that t.heir project not only serve the pri-
mary purpose of the facility, but that it will be an attractive and
good neighbor `to the community traversed.
We would suggest that Congress also give consideration to strength-
ening the role of the Bureau of Public Roads by putting the highway
and traffic engineering portion of the safety program into that. agency,
and lodging the remainder of the safety program dealing with vehicles
and other items in the relatively new National Highway Safety
Bureau.
We believe that the public works committees should give attention
to amending Title 23, U.S. Code, Highways, to require all levels of
government., including the Federal, to hold public hearings before
reserving lands for any purpose where such a reservation might create
physical barriers to fut.ure transportation needs, and that such a
proposal would have. t.o receive the approval of the Sta.te highway
department involved, and the Secretary of Transportation.
At the present time, highway departments must hold hea.rings
regarding their programs and we believe that .the same should hold
true for other agencies when their programs might `affect present or
future highway transportation needs.
PAGENO="0284"
274
At the present time, certain reservations, such as the establishment
of a primitive area, can be made unilaterally by an executive depart-
ment without a hearing and before congressional action might for-
malize it is a wilderness area reserve.
We believe t.hat similar hearings and approvals should be required
where major changes in zoning are involved that could obsolete existing
facilities on a Federal-aid route or require extensive improvements.
on that route, especially where such change in zoning was unantici-
pated and unirnown at the time that the highway facilities were
provided.
At the present time., highway departments must hold hearings
regarding their programs and we believe the same should hold true
for other agencies as their programs might affect present and highway
transportation needs.
At the time our "after 75" committee appeared before your corn-
mittee last June 7, 1967, we called your attention to the numerous
planning reviews, consultations, coordinations, concurrences or
approvals, either required by statute., Executive order or other means,,
affecting the conduct of the highway program. It wa.s contained on
pages 30 a.nd 31 of the Preliminary Report of AASHO on the Federal-
aid Highway Needs after 1972 (90-6) 90th Congress, first session..
We would ask that you again review that tabulation.
This particular comment is not intended to reflect on the men hol ding'
the positions a.t this time, both of whom we hold in high esteem, hut
looking to the future and considering some of the contemporary phi-
losophies surrounding the highway program, we. would suggest that
your committee might wish t.o spell out certain qualifications and duties
for the Federal Highway Administrator a.nd the Director of Public
Roads, to make certain that they have the qualifications, interest, and
background for administering t.he highway program.
At the time we appeared before your committee on February 21 of
this year, we submitted some dra.ft language that would stabilize the'
financial aspects of the highway program, or at least minimize some
of the uncertainties of cutbacks and threatened cutbacks.
It would also specify a time that the States would receive their fiscal
year apportionments, and suggests language intende.d to strengthen
the contractual obligation feature of t.heihighway program which the'
States consider essential if a. Federal-aid highway partnership pro-
gram is to continue.
As we remember, at the time of the joint hearings on the subject of
the November 1966 cutback, the Department of Transportation intro-
duced an Attorney General's opinion which, in effect, stripped this
basic contractual obligation of `some of its meaning. We recommend
that your committee study this submission we made on February 21
and take steps to strengthen the contractual obligation feature of our
program to the point that we have believed existed and upon which the
States made their financing and construction plans. as well as awarding
contracts.
We also recommend to you that you direct the Bureau of Public
Roads, in cooperation with the State highway departments, to make
a functional classification of the Federal-aid primary and secondary
systems, to treat the States equitably, and to be assured that the right
road is in the right system, and that after this is done that there be a
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275
highway needs study made on those revised systems on the basis of a
manual developed jointly by the Bureau of Public Roads and the State
highway departments.
A better cost estimate on total highway needs than now is available
is needed. Although the ones presently available do give us valuable
information as to the enormity of the problem, as compared to the
funds available, there has always been some variation in the estimating
procedures used by the States in estimating needs on the Federal-aid
systems, other than the interstate.
There is quite a variation from State to State as to the percentage
of the public roads included ;~fl the Federal-aid secondary system which
has been reflected in the respective estimates.
You have sdlicited comments from the several State highway depart-
ments regarding additions to the Interstate System. At the time our
"After 75" Committee appears before your committee, we will go into
this mat;ter and give you the position on this important subject, and
the reasons behind that position as developed by our member depart-
ments.
We have spent a great deal of time on the matter of a functional
reclassification and adding to the Interstate System, and we believe
that we will have something constructive to offer.
We believe the State highway departments would be content if your
committee were to decide to report out at this time a simple, uncluttered
authorization bill that wOuld approve the 1968 interstate cost estimate
for apportioning purposes, and provide for the necessary biennial
authorizations to keep essential existing programs going and to con-
sider some of the other proposals that are before you at a later time.
Thank you for the opportunity of appearing before your committee
to express the views of our member State highway departments.
Mr. KLuozYNsKI. Thank you, Mr. Morton.
It is always a pleasure to have AASI-iO before this committee. You
have been very helpful to this committee at all times.
Do the committee members `have any questions?
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Morton, `I have appreciated very much your state-
ment, particularly your referei~ces to the `continuation of the partner-
ship contract and obvious `problems we `are getting into with new
programs and new moneys coming out of the trust fund and so forth.
My first question relates to some of those subjects. On page 1 of your
statement you referred to a million dollars annually for the ABC
system, with the balance going to the Interstate System.
Actually, the balance under this proposed bill and other proposals
being made, including the TOPICS program, transferring the forest
highways and public lands highways to come out of the trust fund,
means, in effect, does it not, that this actually ends up coming out of
the interstate money?
In other words, ABC sticks to a million a year, and what is left goes
to everything else. When you start adding to those everything elses, in
addition to the Interstate System, then you automatically reduce what
goes to the interstate, do you not?
Mr. MoRToN. You extend the time it takes to complete the Inter-
state System.
Mr. CRAMER. So, in effect, the Interstate System, by the operation
of the program, out of the trust fund, gets last priority?
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276
Mr. MORTON. That. is right.
Mr. CRAMER. Everything else comes before it, such as beautification
and safety, and so on.
The suggestion of the administration is that this Topics program,
$2.5 million a year for 5 years, for forest highways $33 million, and
over 5 years $166 million, and public lands $16 million a year or $80
million over a 5-year period, and whatever fringe parking costs, that
without fringe parking is about $1.5 billion. They have no hesitancy in
recommending that coming out of the trust fund, with the result that
it stretches out the Interstate System further.
What is your reaction to that?
Mr. MORTON. I think I should speak personally. I think the import-
ant thing here would be to complete the Interstate System and make
this a usable system as quickly as we possibly can.
I recognize that we have the tremendous population trends toward
suburbia, and that. there is more and more attention that must be
given to the highway problems in the cities. When you start to take
it away from the trust fund, you will just dilute your ability to com-
plete the Interstate System.
I think a completed Interstate System will do a great. deal for this
country. We are perhaps 65 or 68 percent complete at the present time.
Mr. CRAMER. Maybe if we set up a second priority for interstate,
they would not be so anxious to recommend new programs.
Mr. Johnson, would you care to comment on that.? Maybe that is the
way to solve this problem of constant new programs to take funds
out of the trust fund, is to give interstate a second priority. Maybe it
would also give more money to the trust fund.
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. Cramer, I believe in the language of the 195~
act~ that was what was intended. It said the. ABC authorizations would
come out first in the apportionment. process, and the rest of it would
go to the interstate. I think that was what we were talking about at
that time.
Mr. CRAMER. At that time we had only two major programs, the
ABC arid interstate, so there wasn't a-ny problem.
It is now being interpreted in view of new programs being l)r0P05ed
and enacted, that the interstate, in effect, has last priority. Perhaps
we coukl solve this whole problem by giving the interstate the priority
it was intended in the first place.
Mr. JoiIxsoN. I think there is a great deal in favor of such a state-
ment.
Mr. CRAMER. And then provide the a:lternative that these other pro-
grams come out of whatever surplus is left in the trust fund, or out
-of the general fund. We could dream up programs here, and they have
for some time, as to how to spend this trust fund money at the expense
of the Interstate System.
It is my opinion that completion of the Interstate System is one of
the highest priority items, and was so established in 1956; but it is
losing its priority.
Mr. MORTON. I agree with your statement.
Mr. CRAMER. When we get cutbacks from the trust fund, a good por-
tion of that comes out of the interstate.
Mr. MORTON. That is right.
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277
Mi Cii ~MER You suggest that the funds foi this ~ progr'irn
should be made available for projects on ABC as well.
Is it your understanding that such funds would not be available
under the present wording of the bill?
Mr. MORTON. I believe that under my interpretation of the bill these
funda:would not be available for ABC sections of highway.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you agree with that?
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. Cramer, I believe that under the present lan-
guage a TO~JC5 program can be carried on through the regular ABC
authorizations under the Federal-aid system, and comes out. of the
regular ABC. If they are going to have some additional authorizations,
another quarter of a billion, we have made some recommendations that
the use should be expanded to use on interstate and not. on the Topics
alone.
One State called us and indicated that their cities could not match
this sort of program at the present time.
Mr. CRAMER. If these funds are expended on the TOPICS program,
as I understand they can be, on non-Federal-aid highways, do von
think that expenditure should come out of the trust fund where they
are spending this money in non-Federal-aid highways?
Mr. JOJNs0N. We are recommending that at some time there he
another Federal-aid system program created in the cities which would
be off the Federal-aid system and give them the same deal t.he counties
have in the Federal-aid secondary.
~The way this is written here in the bill, it. would apply to roads off
the Federal-aid system ai~d off the State highway systems, which
would require matching on the part of the cities.
The States could not match it. It would be coming out of the Trust
Fund.
Mr. CRAMER. The trust fund that otherwise is used for Federal-aid
highways?
Mr. JOHNSON. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. So it appears this trust fund has become quite a
grab-bag. They keep dreaming up new programs to come out of the
trust fund, even though it means less highways being built.
Mr. JOHNSON. I think any program in history, after so long a time,
has ha,d all sorts of appendages and sophistications added to it, even
before you took care of the. basic requirements of the program.
Mr. CRAMER. On page 4 you discussed advance acquisition of right-
of-way and indicated that eight States oppose the legislative proposal
before us of $100 million.
Can you indicate why, in your understanding, those States opposed
the setting up of $100 million for advance acquisition?
Mr. JOHNSON. These eight States wereof1h~ opinion this program
was not needed, or at least not in their States. We did not say that we
approved the language in the bill in that first sentence, but ~ye said
that the States generally were in accord with the purpose of this
section.
MV. ~ As you know, I was the author of the 7-year advance
acquisition position, but it has not been taken advantage of by too
many States, because most of them would rather spend the money on
construction. That is understandable, because th.~e is not enough
money to do the construction anyway.
PAGENO="0288"
278
Mr. JOHNsoN. The advance acquisition program could be:helpeU
along if we were able to get this right-of-way at an earlier period, in
the project development At the piesent time we almost have to have
final construction plans before it can be used.
Mr CRAMER Do you not think m the long run it ~s ould end. up saving
far more money than it actually costs by acquiring in advancer?
Mr. JOHNSON. Yes, I think in California, for example,. where4hey
have a $30 miffion revolving fund, they have saved $600 or $7~00
million all told as a good estimate over the years.
Mr. Ci~n~n. You have discussed a revolving fund. I am sure yofi ~.
are familiar with the fact that the administraton bill does not pro-
vide for a revolving fund.
Mr. JOHNSON. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. I have introduced a bill, H.ZR. 16622, along with a
number of other members of this committee, providing for a revolving
fund, carrying out the acquisition of right-of-way recommendations
with the study which this committee directed, the 100 million for a 3-
year period, giving us a total of 300 million to put into a revolving
fund.
What is your reaction to that proposal?
Mr. JoHNSoN. In talking this inatte~' over with the State highway
departments, the State that has had the most experience in the re-
volving fund, California, recommended that we not get it above $100
million, and that would be a revolving fund, that is, used, that it be
brought back up to $100 million; and, as it is repaid, it will be repaid
into the Trust Fund.
They are of the opinion that if you get too large a total in the
revolving fund there is a tendency on the part of land developers
and others to come in and make certifications about their intentions
which are not entirely right in order to get some money to operate on.
Mr. CRA~xEn. As I see it, the basic problem with regard to the
$100 mi]iion linjitation is that if that* is absorbed in the first couple
of years, which I would anticipate it would be, then you might have
a substantial waiting period before the moneys paid back in con-
struction occurred.
Mr. JOHNSON. That is right.
Mr. Cn~j~j:i~n. So there is a question on that. I assume you support
the concept.
Mr. JOHNSON. We do, and we do not think that the money ought to
be apportioned to the States. It ought to be used when a State needs it.
It ought to be used on application.
Mr. Cu~!ER. Relating to fringe parking on page 5, you say that oily
five States favor the fringe parking proposal as written. Could you
indicate what those States are?
Mr. JOHNSON. ~o. We can furnish that to the committee.
Mr. ~nA~rnR. That is another area wlie~ we do not imow what the
cost is going to be, where it ends up as a Trust Fund expenditure. Is
that right?
Mr. JOHNSON. Indirectly it is out of the Trust Fund, yc~ It could be
used out of an authorization for any of the Federal-aid sysLen-~s.
Mr. CRA~rER. So it comes out of that money?
PAGENO="0289"
279
Mr. JoHNsoN. Yes. I believe the statement was 466,000 spaces at
about $1$)O0 a space, was the estimate made by the Department of
Transportation..
Mr. CRAMER. To the extent to which it relates to the Interstate Sys-
tern, it would thus increase the cost of that system and be further
stretching that out; is that correct?
Mr. JOHNSON. It would be estimated at about half a billion dollars.
Mr. CRAMER. I can foresee in the Washington area, with this cir-
cumferential, where there are something like 36 major interchange
areas, where they could ask for such parking at all of these places.
You are talking about probably some very substantial funds out of
the Trust Fund.
My own reaction is that I do not think enough study and careful
preparation were given to that proposal.
Nobody suggested where the money ought to come from.
Mr. JOHNSON. Historically the highways departments have never
felt this sort of thing should come from the Trust Fund.
Mr. `CRAMER. There is no definition relating to what fringe parking
is in the proposal, is there?
Mr. JOHNSON. I think some of the States brought that up. I do not
know whether we mentioned it or not.
Mr. CRAMER. You have referred to overemphasis in administering
section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation, having to do with
park lands. This has been raised by a number of people and of course
4(f) reads, in the first sentence, "The -Secretary shall cooperate and
consult with the Secretaries of Interior, Housing, Urban Develop-
ment, Agriculture, and of the States developing transportation pro-
grams," and so forth.
Then it goes on to a `discussion of minimizing harm to such park and
recreation areas, and so forth.
This is interpreted as not permitting the use of these lands for
highway purposes, the comparative costs notwithstanding; is that
correct?
Mr. JOHNSON. That is right.
Mr. CRA~1IR. Could you explain to us what your overemphasis is,
what you mean by that?
Mr. JOHNSON. Well, we might cite the particular instance here in
Washington where the Virginia Department has an agreement about
the location of the Three Sisters Bridge. We might cite the situation
in San Antonio, Tex., where the city actually voted a bond issue to
get the right-of-way which involved getting a little section of a park
area, and they were asked to come back and consider a location taking
several hundred houses instead.
There is a situation south of San Francisco, which I am certain the
California people could talk on.
There are others around. That is the type of thing we are talking
about.
We have got one down in Memphis, Tenn., dealing with a park.
Mr. CRAi~tEn. Do you know how much more it is going to cost the
State of Colorado, for instance, for 1-70 if it cannot go across the
primitive area?
96-030-68------19
PAGENO="0290"
280
Mr. JoHNSoN. No, but that was the major reason ~or which we
made. this. recommendation for hearings before primitive. a2~eas could
be set' asid~.
Mr. OA~EER. I understand it is substantial. .~ -
Is it your position that you feel that the comparative costs and
advantages and disadvantages should be considered rather than this
being administered as a prohibition, in effect?
Mr. JOHNSON. The States should take a look at every alternative
location. In this matter that we had down in San Antonio, where the
local people actually approved the location and ordered the bond issue
to buy the right-of-way, I do not think it should have been opened
up again.
Mr. CRAMER. That was a city park, was it not, not a federally owned
park?
Mr. Joiixsox. That was a city park. Ase I understand it, there were
close to 500 houses that would have to be moved in the alternative
location that was asked to be considered.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you have some language you suggest relating to
this section that would put it in proper focus in your opinion?
Mr. JOHNSON. Congress wrote a pretty good legislative history on
that section.
Mr. CRA3r~. It is being ignored, so I thought we might write some-
thing into law.
Mr. JOHNSON. I think if that legislative history were put into the
act, a condensation of it, it would do the job.
Mr. CRAMER. I would like to ask you to consider perhaps embodying
that language in some manner in the legislation.
You have, referred to the Equal Employment Opportunity program.
I presume you are aware of the fact that the Comptroller General has
recently provided that specific regulations must be adopted by the
Department of Labor. With specific criteria established as a condi-
tion precedent to the bid process, do you think that is satisfactory,
realizing that Equa.l Employment Opportunity is the law? It is an
approach to this problem, assuming that the Department of Labor
might be kind enough to consult with this committee and perhaps with
some of the States?
Mr. MORTON. Yes, I think this is real major step in the right di-
rection. I think your committee should meet with them and work out
some of the details. I think this is a long step toward being able to
specify in the contract exactly the terms that the contractor will be
confronted with when he is the low bidder and performs the work.
Mr. CRAMr~. We wrote on this subject again of preservation of
park lands, in the 1966 Highway Act, public volume 9574, language in
there, and this is what I wanted to call your attention to, Mr. Johnson.
It took into consideration park lands us~.
We wrote in that any land from any Federal, State, or local gov-
ernment, park or historic site, the Secretary shall not approve any
program which requires the use of this unless such program includes
all possible planning, including consideration of alternatives to the
use of such land to minimize any harm to such park or site resulting
from such use.
Mr. JOHNSON. That language is all right.
PAGENO="0291"
281
Mr. CRAMER. We tried to balance off the merits of these proposals.
Then the Transportation Act came along, of course, the Reorganiza-
tion Act, which was publicized as really not making many, if any,
basic policy changes in basic law relating to highways. This is an
example where it did. They just sneaked a few things in here and
there, which, incidentally, they have done in a few other reorganiza-
tions, such as the Bureau of Public Roads, being downgraded.
I have just one other question because of the time problem. You
recommend that the State highway departments should make a func-
tional classification of Federal-aid primary and secondary systems~
Can you indicate a little more specifically what you have. in mmci
relating to functional classification?
Mr. MORTON. I would say that activity along that line is already
initiated. We would like to take a look at the total highway program
or the total highway system of this Nation, and we believe that through
proper study, roads can be assigned certain functional uses. Once we
get their functional uses defined, then, by a very careful need study
we can eventually develop a most realistic manner of apportioning
funds to the rehabilitation or operation of this total highway system.
Mr. CRAMER. This functional classification, what effect do you con-
template it would have on the apportionment procedures?
Mr. MORTON. I cannot say at the present time.
Mr. CRAMER. You think this functional classification ought to be
written into the law as a requirement, or should a study precede it,
or how should it be approached?
Mr. MORTON. I think a study should be authorized.
I think you have got to find out just exactly what the study is
producing. We believe that it can produce results that will be highly
beneficial, but I would not dare to project just exactly what those
results would be at this time.
Mr. CRAMER. Do you have any comment on that, Mr. Johnson?
Mr. JOHNSON. Yes, Mr. Cramer.
This study has actually already started~ The Bureau of Public
Roads has started it. They have been over to meet with me a half-day.
What they are thinking of doing is to write up the functional classifi-
cation that a primary road should do, what its performance should
be, and the same thing for a secondary road.
As you know, when you get on 301 and go from here down to your
home, you travel over several sections of secondary Federal-aid high-
ways on Route 301. They were put there for the purpose of having
money available, or that was where the `funds were available at the
time that the projects were actually built. So we do have roads that
are actually on the wrong system as far as classification is concerned.
We would like to get a ~`-percent primary system that is a primary
system, the roads serving the primary function. What is a primary
system supposed to do?
The `secondary system, then, would connect with and supplement
and feed to the primary system and do what a secondary road is
supposed to do.
If we can get those done, get that reclassification done, and then get
it on a uniform basis, we can give a `far better estimate than is currently
available in the highway program.
PAGENO="0292"
282
We have, for instance, in one State, nearly every public road in the
State is on the Federal-aid secondary system, if it is not on the primary.
In a couple of other States we have only 5 percent of the public
mileage in those States on the secondary system.
So it is logical that no State is going to get enough money, secondary
money, ever to do 90 percent of its mileage. An estimate involving that
State that has 90 percent of its mileage on the second system is not
going to be in line with the Federal-aid needs of another State that
has 5 percent.
Mr. Cmuin. There has been some discussion by AASHO and others
relating to reprograming what to do, on a long range, concerning
metropolitan areas and so forth.
Do you think that such a classification should be first made before
questions of apportionment and other matters could be considered on
a long-range basis?
Mr. JOHNSON. Yes, I do. That is the reason we are asking you
for this.
Mr. CRAMER. If we are going to get at classification, we ought to get
at it pretty soon.
Mr. JOHNSON. We are asking that a cooperative study he made. We
think it would add a lot of prestige to it, and would help it along if
you would see fit to do so.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Cramer asked a question that I wanted to
ask. Mr. Johnson stated that he would furnish the committee with the
five States who had voted to take the money out of the trust fund for
fringe parking. I am sure the committee will be happy to have that.
We all know the trust fund is for the construction of roads.
I think you gentlemen will agree with me that money will be going
and going from the trust fund. Money is coming in every day, and
there is temptation, I am afraid, where that money ~s going in, to let
them put their hands in that barrel and shake out the salt and divert
that to some other agency.
I want you to know as long as I am chairman of this subcommittee,
and with this fine committee we have, we are going to protect that trust
fund. We are not going to divert any of that money for anything but
construction for roads.
I have said that time and again, and I mean it. We are going to
continue to do the same thing.
I am sure the members of the committee will support the chairman
on this.
Are there any questions of the gentlemen here?
The gentleman from California, Mr. Clausen.
Mr. cLAUSEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I do want to compliment all the gentlemen present. I think they are
a very fine panel, and have presented an extremely fine statement.
Throughout this statement I detect that you feel as though your own
personal activities are inhibiting you, they seem to be preventing the
activities that you felt were established. You have certain oppothmi-
ties to administer your program, based upon the 1956 act, and I detect
all through your statement that somehow you are being preempted
or postponed or in some way hindered in your normal, activities. Is
this correct?
Mr. MORTON. Yes. I think I could maybe define this.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Is this a general condition in all of the States?
PAGENO="0293"
283
Mr. MORTON. Yes, I think it is. I think we are reaching the stage
where through bureaucracy `they try to spell out every particular de-
tail. Consider the climatic conditions and the population and the
terrain in the States. They are individual problems. To me it is
impossible to write these directives so that they are gorng to fit the
situation in every specific State or every particular locality. We are
creating volumes and volumes and reams of paperwork that are not
meaningful as far as I can see. It is time consuming and it is taking a lot
of people to assemble this information.
I think after it is assembled there is very little value to it.
Mr. CLAUSEN. I note you are not offering any reconunendations for
additional moneys, and that will come later; is that right?
Mr. MORTON. That will be dealt with at some length, when we ap-
pear before you on June 3d.
Mr. CLAUSEN. There seems to be a general attitude that you do not
seem to `be coordinating within other transportation departments
within the confines of the States `as far as developing a balance in
your transportation system.
I know in the State of Oalifornia this is not true. Will you com-
ment on this briefly?
Mr. MORTON. Some people say that. I would like them to be specific
as to where we are not cooperating.
Mr. CLAU5EN. Throughout most of the States, is `there not an in-
creasing tendency on the part of the State departments and agencies
to want to coordinate among themselves, to come forth with a recom-
mendation as far as a balanced transportation system is concerned?
Mr. MORTON. Right. We consult with the Fish and Game Depart-
ment, Forestry and Recreation, Planning and Development. Many of
our hearings are before the public utilities commIssions. We consult
with the power companies, the water pollution people.
In all of these things where we meet and discuss, our hearings
are open. People come in and testify. We feel that we are working
cooperatively, with an open mind. There are always going to be some
people who say `the road as it is being laid out is not in the right place.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Then the final point. You made a comment about the
fact that the population is tending toward suburbia, and seems to
suggest that attention be given to those particul'ar areas.
I am one of those who feels that the way we can resolve the problems
of the cities is to reverse `this population trend. I think one of the ways
this can be accomplished is to improve our primary and secondary
roads.
I am of the opinion that the ABC program and its formula is
totally inadequate, but I realize we `have a basic financial problem in
the overall picture.
Are you `of the opinion that the primary and secondary road system
recommendation in the bill is adequate?
Mr. MORTON. No. We recognize that it is the `best we can do right
now with the fund's available.
Mr. CLAUSEN. So under these circumstances you are really holding
back on recommending what you would really like to?
Mr. MORTON. I think I have to go back. My first statement was
that I `think the greatest contribution we can make is still `to go ahead
and complete the Interstate System we have laid out. I think we see
PAGENO="0294"
284
this tremendous need for modernizing our primary highways and ex-
~pandin.g our secondary roads.
Our primary highways, I would say, that would connect between
centers of population, between cities where we do not have good
arterial connections at the present time, and the secondary system
that acts as feeders.
I think as far as the statement is concerned about the development
of suburbia, all of our records show that the core of the city is not
growing particularly fast. There is very slight growth in the core
of the big city.
But in suburbia, where the population explosion is taking place,
there is greater growth. That i~ where we see a need for primary and
secondary roads, to serve those areas.'
Mr. CLAUSEN. This committee generally feels that there is a direct
relationship between road construction that provides access into some
of the rural sections of this country and economic growth. In many
ways; this will do more to provide relief from the pressures that are
building up in the cities than any one thing I can think of.
* Do you agree with this,?
Mr. MORTON. Yes. I think our Interstate System is `doing a great
deal in that direction,' toward fostering this economic growth back
into the areas that are not so heavily populated.
Mr. KLUOzYN5KI. Mr. Morton, either you or Mr. Stapp testified
this morning that you were doing away with this 10 percent penalty.
Did I not hear somebody say something about doing away with that?
Mr. MORTON. We are opposed to any penalty being associated with
the highway beautification program.
Mr. KLuozYNsKI. We had 100-percent penalty, but in the amend-~
ment we adopted a 10-percent penalty.
Mr. Oim~r~. First it was no penalty, and we lost that.
Mr. MORTON. Some of us have thought that instead of a penalty
there might be a small bonus that would stimulate States to showing
good taste and judgment in executing at least. a reasonable beautifi-
cation program.
Mr. CRAMER. Will the chairman yielcT?
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Yes.
Mr. CI~a~rEn. In the State. of Florida, for instance, with t.he encour-
agement of Congress, and it `was quite proper they went. into a very
substantial safety program. It is going to cost a Jot of money. Lo and
behold, when their first year's appropriation came up, it was about
one-third of the authorization. This year it is no better.
There seems to be no great push, even .to get more money into safety.
But there isa terrible push to get tha.t beauty money going.
I just cannot see how, logically, you can put beauty ahead of safety,
No. 1; a.nd No. 2, we make all these promises of these big authoriza-
tions to the States. We insist on them acting, and if you do not actwe
are going to give you a 10-percent penalty on all your highways.
They go ahead and act and then we do not provide the. money for
it. That is not very fair treatment, is it?
Mr. MORTON. No, it is not.
* Mr. CRAMER. Tha.t is about what is happening. is it. not?
Mr. MORTON. Yes.
PAGENO="0295"
285
Mi CRAMER We tell them they have to adopt legislation for this
beauty program and then we don't put any money in it. I do not
think that is keeping faith with the States.
I think it is basic. We are faced with a similar problem in all of
these new ideas, such as fringe parking, topics programs, and forest
highways and what have you, and adding them to the trust fund.
We are faced with the s'tme problem of knowing full well that the
money is not going to be there
Mr. MORTON. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. So I think we have to view these very carefully and
not mislead the States and trap them into legislating on these pro
gi `irns and then ending up with no money and the States have to fi
nance the entire program.
Mr., JoHNsoN. Mr. Cramer, in some instances, that threat of a pen-
alty is an ii ritant to the legislatures
Mr CRAMER I used to be in a legislature I can see that it is
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Denney?
Mr. DENNEY. Mr. Chairman, I want to compliment the panel for
appearing before this committee.
Out in our State of Nebraska we have a great respect for AASHO.
I think you received a letter from the State engineer, addressed to
you, Mr. Chairman, asking unanimous cOnsent that a copy of his letter
that was sent to me, addressed to you, be included in the record.
Mr. KLuozYNsKI. Without objection, the letter will be included with
the other letters received from other State highway engineers in the
appendix to these hearings.
(Seep. 808.)
Mr. IDENNEY. Mr. Johnson, I take it from the testimony that has
been given here today, No. 1, you are opposed to the 10-percent
penalty, and you recommend the bonus that Mr. Morton was talking
about; and, second, it `seems to me the thrust of your testimony is that
we have to6 many chiefs around in the Federal Government, and you
have to hire lots of people to do the paperwork, and then you are not
quite sure of who you should see Is that correct ~
Mi MORTON That is right
Mr. DENNEY. And you would like to see this committee try to work
out some type `of legisintion so that the State highways departments
`md youi group would knon who to turn to if they needed help, is
that correct~
Mr. MORTON. Yes. I think honestly, going back over the years, we
hear. all this `grief about certain `highway projects, but I think when
you truly evaluate what has been accomplished in the past 50 years
or the p'mst 10 ye'ns, billions of dollais have been well spent and I
think sOnie real solid accomplishments have been made.
I hate to see the program deteriorated because a few people say it
just is not doing the `things they would `like to see it do.
Mr. DENNEY. In other words, we should have some nonproliferation
in Federal Government; is that not about right?
Mr. MORTON. I would say so. `
Mr. KLIITCZYNSKI. If there are no further questions, I want to thank
you, Mr. Morton and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Stapp, for your statements
before this committee. You have always been very helpful to us.
(Statement of Ward Goodman attached to statement `of Mr. Morton
follows:)
PAGENO="0296"
286
STATEMENT OP WARD GOODMAN, DIRECrrOR OF HIGHWAYS, ARKANSAS HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT, CHAIRMAN, AASHO COMMITTEE ON BRIDGES ANI) STEUCTURES;
HEARING S. 2658, ROADS SUBCoMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE PUBLIC WORKS COM-
MITTEE, MAY 28, 1968
Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen of the Committee, I am Ward Goodman, Director
of Highways for the State of Arkansas and Chairman of the Bridges and
Structures Committee of the American Association of State Highway Officials.
I am pleased to have the opportunity of appearing before you and express our
views on S. 2658, to amend Section 127 of Title 23, U.S. Code, relating to weight
and size limitations on the Interstate System which is a part of the Federal
Aid Primary System. For your convenience, my statements are listed first and
the discussion follows.
This statement pertains to the effect of the weight provisions of 5. 2658 on
bridges only. Discussions pertain to main carrying members. Overstress in
secondary members and floor system is just as critical but failure is not as
catastrophic.
The revised formula iii S. 2658 adds 4,000 pounds to every value listed in
Table I of AASHO "Policy of Maximum Dimensions and Weights of Motor
Vehicles to be operated over the highways of the United States."
The proposed changes by 5. 2658 will have little adverse effect on bridges
designed for HS 20-44 design load.
However, for all bridges in the United States, those designed for HS 20-44
represent a small percentage of all the bridges, which are presently confined to
the Interstate System.
Practically all bridges off the interstate system are designed for H 15-44 or
less.
The provisions of S. 2658 will overstress bridges designed for B 15 or less
to a dangerous extent.
Fatigue stress loss will reduce the safe life of a majority of bridges.
In a recent ballot, 18 Chief Highway Administrators who are charged with
the operation and maintenance of bridges and highways voted against raising
the present allowable 32,000 lbs. on a tandem axle by AASHO policy to 34,000
lbs. allowable, and all but a couple of the bridge committee members opposed
going above the design loading of 32,000 lbs.
It is important that the gross weight bridge formula will not only apply to
the overall well base of the vehicle or combination vehicle, but also apply to
intermediate axle groupings of the vehicle or combination vehicle.
It is our hope that the final version of the bill will contain a table similar
to that contained in the AASHO recommended policy showing maximum per-
missible gross weights to guard against misinterpretations and to aid in
administration.
It hasn't been too many years since the builders of bridges were building them
on the basis of intuition and experience. When the design of railroad bridges
became a scientific analysis based on assumed sequence of wheel loads spaced
very similar to an actual train, much progress had been made. The railroads
have been largely successful in keeping the applied loads today very much in
line with those used to design railroad bridges even as early aS~those designed
prior to the nineteen hundreds. Equality of design and actual load on railroad
bridges remains so today because of the raflroads' strict enforcement on their
on their own, and peculiarities of track requirements. Highway people have not
been so fortunate because no one could foresee the future of traffic wanting to
use the highway bridges, either in profile of vehicles or application of load. Such
flexibility could not be predicted. When highway bridge builders first began to
design highway bridges, they borrowed from their friends the architects and
assumed a uniform dead load to represent the coming live loads. Later it will
be seen that our predecessors did a fine job in their assumptions. The application
of a uniform load over the entire structure to take care of live load simply does
not represent the actual condition of a live load moving across a bridge. Some
members are over designed, some are under designed and none are designed for
a reversal stress. Fatigue as a feature in design in the early years was practically
unheard of and not taken into the design of a bridge at all and there was prac-
tically no uniformity in the load to be assumed. Some designers were concerned
about impact, others were not.
Even until 1920 each state, city or other municipality developed its own specifi-
cation for live load for highway bridge structures in this manner. Some called
for impact, others did not.
Table I shows some typical uniform loadings for steel truss ~r1dges (note year
1916). It is interesting to note that an analysis of these loadings give moments
PAGENO="0297"
cx
TABLE~l.-UNIFORM
Illinois Highway
Commission
Load
Iowa Highway
Commission
Load
Wisconsin Highway
Commission
Load
American Concrete Institute, 1916
------------
Ketchum's
specifications, 1918
Class A Class B
Load Load
(feet) (pounds
Class D1
Load
Span (feet) (pounds per
Class D~
Load
Span (feet) (pounds per
Span (feet) (pounds per
square foot)
Span (feet) (pounds per
square foot)
Span (feet) (pounds per
square foot)
Span (feet) (pounds per Span
per
square foot) square foot)
square foot)
square foot)
Up to 50 125
50-100 100
100-150 100
150-200 85
Over 200 85
Up to 50 100
50-100 90
100-150 80
150-200 70
200-250 50
Over25O 50
Up to 40 125
50 120
75 106
100 93
150 - 60
l8Oandover. 50
Up to 80 125 Up to 80 100
80-100 110 80-100 90
100-125 100 100-125 80
125-150 90 125-150 75
150-200 85 150-200 65
Over200 80 Over200 60
30 125
50 106
80 85
100 80
160 68
200 and over-- 60
30 100
50 90
80 75
100 71
160 60
200andover__ 50
Note: Iowa State Highway Commission, class D1 and Ds bridge loadings, to be increased for impact.
PAGENO="0298"
288
very close to the present H15-44 loading as specified in the AASHO Specifications.
Moment is the principal measure of force which stresses the bridge load carrying
members, and is the basis used for analysis in this statement.
About 1920 the use of concentrated loads gained in popularity.
The 1923 highway bridge specifications of the American Association of State
Highway Officials, the Iowa State Highway Commission, and the 1923 tentative
specifications of the American Society of Civil Engineers contain the following
specifications for floor loads for girders and trusses, and for floors, as given in
Table 1-a.
TABLE 1-a-UNIFORM LIVE
LOADS FOR GIR
DERS AND TRUSSES
Loaded length (feet)
Live load in pounds per square feet, propor-
tionate values for intermediate lengths
1- to 15-ton 1- to 20-ton 2- to 20-ton
truck truck, 2 to 15 truck
ton truck
50
100 130 180
100
200 and more
80 90 120
60 70 90
"The uniform load used shall correspond to the length of that portion of the
span which, when fully loaded, will produce maximum stress in the member
under consideration.
When the loaded length is less than 50 ft., girders and truss members shall be
designed for the floor live load. The trucks shall be placed so as to produce the
most severe stresses. Two trucks shall be considered as headed in the same
direction. Trucks in tandem need not be considered.
Floor Live Loads.-All parts of the floor system and all girders and truss mem-
bers when the loaded length is less than 50 ft. shall be designed for the following
loads: (1-15) one 15-ton truck, or 100 lb. per sq. ft. of roadway; (1-20) one 20-
ton truck, or 130 lb. per sq. ft. of roadway; (2-15) two 15-ton trucks; (2-20)
two 20-ton trucks.
In bridges involving three or more lines of traffic, the floorbeams and floorbeam
hangers shall be designed for two trucks assumed to be located in the most
unfavorable position, together with a uniform live load of 100 lb. per sq. ft. on the
remaining lines of roadway not occupied by the trucks."
1924 Requirements in Highway Bridge Loadings are clearly shown in the fol-
lowing excerpts from the Am. Soc. (J.E. 1924 Specifications. The Standard Speci-
fications of the A.A.S.H.O. for 1926 differ only slightly from these loading
requirements.
"Traffic Classification of Bridges. Bridges shall be classified, on the basis of
traffic, as follows:
Class A. City bridges or other bridges carrying a highway traffic of
exceptionally heavy load units.
Class B. Bridges on primary roads.
Class C. Bridges on secondary roads.
Class li-Bridges carrying electric railway traffic in addition to highway
traffic.
Roadway Live Load-The live loads for roadway shall be represented by
typical truck loadings. Each typical truck loading shall be considered as occupy-
ing one lane of traffic 9 ft. wide. Typical truck loading shall be designated by the
Letter H, followed by a numeral indicating the weight in tons of the typical
truck loads.
Typical Truck Loadings.
For Floor System:
H20, 20-ton trucks
H15, 15-ton trucks, or one 20-ton truck
H13, 13-ton trucks, or one 15-ton truck
For Girders and Trusses:
H20, 600 lb. per lin.ft. and 28,000 lb. concentrated
HiS, 450 lb. per lin.ft. and 21,000 lb. concentrated
1113, 390 lb. lin.ft. and 18,200 lb. concentrated
PAGENO="0299"
289
The concentrated loads are to be placed so as to cause maximum effect.
Selection of Live Load.
Olass A Bridges, H20 loads
Olass B Bridges, H15 loads
Olass 0 Bridges, H13 loads . . ."
Figure 1.
Typical trucks shall have total loaded weights distributed as in figure 1.
This is the first reference to 111/5 Loading. It must be emphasized that when
we refer to the standard truck or 1115 design truck that this is a design loading.
It is not a composite truck or typical truck of the present and it has never been
intended that it represent an actual truck. It is just a selected design truck for
application of live loadings for purposes of design. It is not to be confused with
the Type 2 or Type 3 or any other types listed in the AASHO "Policy on Maximum
Dimensions and Weights of Motor Vehicles to be Operated Over the Highways of
the United States", or any trucks presently in operation on the highways. The
problem now and always has been is how to rationalize design load with safe load
carrying capacity.
The 1935 AASHO Specifications provided for trucks and truck trains and also
the equivalent lane loadings.
The present AASHO Specification states the system of lane loads was developed
in order to give a simpler method of calculating moments and shears than that
based on wheel loads of the trucks.
In 1944 the HS series of trucks were developed. These approximate the effect
of the corresponding 1935 truck preceded and followed by a train of trucks
weighing 3/4 as much as the basic truck.
The traffic classification of bridges as shown for the 1926 AASHO Specifications
has been removed from the Specifications and for the past 30 years (approxi-
mately) the load classification has been a function of the State Highway Depart-
ment, the Bureau of Public Roads, and other agencies. Some states followed the
policy of using heavier design loads, say H20 for Primary and 1115, etc. for
Secondary, etc. Present AASHO Minimum Loading for trunk highways, or for
other highways which carry, or which may carry, heavy truck traffic, the mini-
mum live load shall be the HS15 designated therein. It is shown that the socalled
H15 has been the governing design load for approccimately all bridges built prior
to 1P35 and has been the basic design load for all ecccept major and interstate
bridges since 1935.
The use of a standard truck say 1115 for purposes of design provide a con-
venient method for design, but leads to problems when comparing with the actual
traffic patterns and loadings.
TYPICAL TRUCK
PAGENO="0300"
290
The problem of determining permissible loads for bridges is involved. This is
due to the fact that the critical stresses produced in bridges by heavy vehicle
loads are influenced by no less than seven variables. The seven important variables
which must be taken into account in the calculation of critical stresses for even
a simple span bridge are as follows:
1. Span lengths
2. Gross weight of vehicle
3. Wheel base length of vehicle
4. Number of axles
5. Spacing of axles
6. Distribution of gross weight among the axles
7. Repetition of load appliactions (fatigue)
If all of these variables are taken into account by use of conventional methods,
the only way in which the stress producing characteristics or effects of various
heavy vehicle types and loadings on a given bridge can be determined accurately
is by making a complete analysis of the stresses for that particular bridge,
produced by each individual vehicle under consideration. And though such an
analysis for any particular vehicle or loading on a given span is not too difficult,
it is, to say the least, tedious and time consuming, if all possible combinations are
investigated.
The percent of live load overload which can be tolerated is a function of the
type of structure and the length of span. As Figure 2 shows the ratio of dead to
live load varies with the length of span for any particular type of structure. The
lighter the structure is the most critical the overload becomes.
We see from Figure 2 that for a 60' span the live and dead load moments using
a 1115 loading are equal. With a 60% overload of the live load, the actual over-
stress in the structure would be 30%. Later, when we discuss fatigue loading we
will have more to say on this subject in regard to stress ranges.
The present formula and tables which show the loads on 32,000 lbs. tandem
axles which produces a 30% live load overstress are shown in Table II. The unit
stresses used in highway bridge design provide a factor of safety of approximately
1.8 applicable to the stresses from the assumed design loads. Recurring over-
stresses up to 30% of 1115 bridges maintained in good condition are not con-
sidered by some to be extremely objectionable. This is a subject on which uniform
agreement among the bridge engineers and other highway officials of the states
is unobtainable. When the present formula and tables contained in "Policy on
Maximum Dimensions and Weights of Motor Vehicles to be Operated Over the
Highways of the United States" were adopted, major opposition was overcome
after a defeat of a first proposal, which included a table based on the formula
N-I
W=500(LN+12N+36) modified. The general feeling seems to be that with a
N-i
small frequency of overloads some sacrifice can be made on the safety and life
of the structure. Therefore, a % majority of AASHO members has accepted the
30% overstress. (Constant in formula becomes +32.)
Along this line it should be noted that the 1965 AASHO Specifications contain
the following overload provision. "The following provision for overload shall
apply to all loadings except the 1120 and 11820 loadings. Provision for infrequent
heavy loads shall be made by applying in any single lane an H or 115 truck as
specified, increased 100 per cent, and without concurrent loading of any other
lanes. Combined dead, live and impact stresses resulting from such loading shall
not be greater than 150 percent of the allowable stresses prescribed herein. The
overload shall apply to all parts of the structure affected except floor slab."
The question arises as to when the conditions of traffic change from an infre-
quent heavy load to a load which should be the design loading. This question can
only be answered by an analysis of the traffic at each bridge.
It would be worthwhile to explain here that although the design load has
remained relatively constant at 1115 for the major percentage of the bridges, the
load carrying capacity on newer bridges has generally increased. This is due to
the increase in roadway width. For the typical I-Beam or R.O.D. Girder bridge
with four or more members the loads for an extremely heavy loading in one lane
are generally distributed more uniformly than our specifications provide.
The AASHO road test has provided basic information on the equivalent effects
of single- and tandem-axle weights on both rigid and flexible pavements for the
conditions of the road test. This information is a basic requirement in establish-
PAGENO="0301"
291
ESTIMATED PERCENT OF TOTAL DESIGN STRESSES REPRESENTED
BY LIVE LOAD PLUS IMPACT AND DEAD LOAD STRESSES FOR SIM-
PLE SPAN DECK GIRDER BRIDGES OF 11-15 DESIGN
P ~r
,-~O)PLRCENT L$VC LOAD PLUS IMPACT
-~
NOTE: THESE CURVES APPLY
TO 6O~H MAX1MU~A
- - MOMENT AND TO
MAXIMUM SHEAR
7C---~-------
E
E
E
- (b)
~ENE
PERCENT DEAD LOAD
20
ic'
L.___.
COPY O~ SHEET
.~80~!!~
SPAN-FEET
FIGUIIE 2
U)
In
Iii
I-
If)
-J
I-
0
U-
0
I-
z
w
U
UI
0~
0
20
40 60
80
~0o
PAGENO="0302"
2
m
~ ~ ~ ~-1O~~n4.
~i~i
0
~ ~ z
~- ~
3
~ 0
~ ~fl()
5. 5.
* ~ ~
~ N P mfl ci - -
~, ~~$!
~
-: ~
0
~ No~permt~ieci
)~c,~*c.) cccQj
Z
~ NotP mNd
~ggg
PAGENO="0303"
-
~:~I~II:N:::IdI. ~~II1:T~
~
so.000(A) (B)
- -:
~ 1iiiiiii~i;~:iiiEiEEiiiii-iiiii-iIiIi-IIif~ii-iIiII-IiiII-IIi14NfP~Hd
~ (B) NofPerm~f+ed
74,000(A) (3)
NfPmffd
(B)
~
NofPermiHed
~
-4
o ~
z
2: ~
-z
I
4
3
2
C
C)
0
I
-4
PAGENO="0304"
294
ing axle weight limits. The equivalence relationship for a range of single and tan~
dem axles on rigid and flexible pavements, based on the road test data, has beem
established.
There are many formulas that wOuld approximate the maximum desirable
loads. One is the present simplified bridge formula which may be used to deter-
mine permissible gross weights and axle weights.
This formula in its present form as stated in "Policy on Maximum Dimen-
sions and Weights of Motor Vehicles to be Operated Over the Highways of the
United States" conforms with the results of the AASHO road test mentioned.
earlier.
I wish to emphasize the present formula was not devised by the AASHO
Bridge Committee, was developed in its general form prior to the AASHO road~
tests, and was never approved by a % vote of the AASHO Bridge Committee. It
was the opinion of those voting against, that the formula allowed gross loads
that were too high.
The basic axle loads used for development of this formula are 18,000# for a
single axle and 32,000# for a tandem axle. The present AASHO Policy is modi-
fled to allow 20,000# on a single axle when spaced 8 feet or more apart.
The change in the proposed formula from the present formula is a change
from 32,000# to 36,000# for a tandem axle. This changes the permissible gross.
load of the vehicles, even though it may not be a vehicle with tandem axles.
Chart No. 1 shows graphically the comparison of the proposed loading S.B..
2658 and the three (3) common types of AAS11O Standard Loadings (1115, 1120
and 11S20).
Chart No. 2 shows the percentage of the moments produced by the proposed.
loading as a percent of the standard loadings.
The maximum percentage for the 1115 loading is 176% which is for the 83'
span.
You will note that the effect of the new load on bridges with HS24) design,
loading is minor. Bridges designed for 1120 loading have an overload of approxi-
mately 32% which will result in a maximum overstress of probably 15%.
The effects on 1115 bridges is much more critical. With 76% overload for the
live load moment an overstress of approximately 40% can be anticipated. While
no definite statement can be made as to this overstress we feel that this is in
excess of what can be tolerated without exceeding the proper limits of safety-
and structural life.
Until recently, the AASHO Specifications considered that only loadings which
produce a change in sign of the stress were critical in fatigue. The specifications
also assumed that the loads would be repeated at least 2 million times, and
therefore, allowable stresses were kept below the fatigue limit. Recent research
and study indicated that these limits were not adequate. Therefore, in the 1965
Specifications a new set of criteria was published.
Table 2 shows the cycles of loadings for the different types of roads.
TABLE 2
Case
Type of road
Number of cycles of maximUm stress to be
used when the length I of load producing maxi-
mum stress is
0 to 14 feet Over 14 feetto Over 44 feet
inclusive (H 44 feet inclusive (lane loading)
loading) (HS loading)
1
1. Freeways; 2. Exressways; 3. Major highway and streets__
2,000,000 500, 000 100,000'
II
Other highways and streets not included in Case I
500,000 100, 000 100, 000'
1 Defined as: (1) the distance from first to last axle on the bridge; (2) the length of uniform live load.
PAGENO="0305"
295
~~HHiH1I 11 I ~1L1F! I!
~ _________________________ _________________________ ______________
~;` ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ __________________________
t~E ~ ~ ~ ~t~I ~ ~ ~ ___
~ioo~h ~ Ii1t~ ~ ft:~ ~ ~
qO,
800 ~ ~ ~;~1~1 ~ ~
700~ ~ ~1 411L~~i~ ~ ~
J ~
600 ~ ~ 0 ~ -
500~~ ~ I ~ ~ II 1~ ~
~1 ii ~ ~ -I ~i~L
~ ~ H ~ ~
300 ~LI~ I c//ART J'VOJ ~- H
- ~ ____
200 ~~~1 r ri-i I [-~ b~N(~±/th~ ~
-1 L I _____ ]~t~Th~ ~ ~ 4
I H H - ___
I I ~
20' 30' 40' 50' 60' 70' ,50' 70' /~,0'
S~~4 Af L ENG 7W IN ~~EET
96-030-G8-----20
PAGENO="0306"
296
L:~LCh&'j/ ~
::r::~ ~
~ ________________________________________________________
~ _____________________
~ :
~ ~
I _______
`~zo' 30' 40 50' ~6 70' 80' ~o' /~a'
SP4N LENGTh' I/I P,EE7~
PAGENO="0307"
297
As is shown in Figures 3 and 4 a reduction in the basic allowable stress is
made for stress ranges which are always a + for some conditions.
This takes us back to the previous discussion where we discussed the 60%
overload and 30% overstress. With a critical number of large loads or overloads,
the allowable stress should be reduced. Thus we see that the fatigue life of a
member may be reduced by a large number of stress cycles slightly in excess
of the fatigue limit or by a few cycles greatly in excess of the fatigue limit
(overstressing). While we cannot say specifically what a change in the allowable
loads will do to the actual number and size of heavy loads it is logical to assume
-that the truckers will take advantage of this increase. Therefore, it would seem
that the fatigue life of the structures could be greatly reduced.
Just to give you an idea as to what must be considered in regard to fatigue
the following discussion probably will be of value.
FACTORS AFFECTING FATIGUE OR SERVICE LIFE
The prediction of fatigue resistance is complicated by the fact that citation
of maximum stress alone does not define a unique service life. In general, the
stress spectrum to which a member or connection will be subjected, the nature
-and condition of the part, and -the environment in which it will function will
-all influence the service life.
The factors influencing the fatigue resistance of a structural part or laboratory
specimen are:
A. Load Spectrum
1. Stress ratio R
2. Maximum stress
3. State of stress
4. Repetition of stress
a. Regular or random
b. Frequency
c. Rest periods
5. Understressing or overstressing
lB. Nature and Condition of Member
1. Prior stress history
a. Residual stresses
b. Work-hardening
2. Size and shape of member
a. Size effect (simulation of a member by a small specimen)
b. Stress gradient
c. Presence of notches
3. Metallurgical structure
a. Microstructure, grain size, and chemical composition
b. Mechanical properties
4. Welding
a. Metallurgical
b. Mechanical
C. Environment
1. Temperature
2. Atmosphere
The stress range and the number of cycles of loading are the two (2) most
-critical factors for fatigue. For example, it has been shown that for welded
girder bridges with partial length cover plates a stress range of 11,300 psi leads
to failure at approximately 2,000,000 cycles. If the stress range is increased to
around 15,000 psi, which is a 33% increase in stress, failure can be expected to
occur at approximately 1,000,000 cycles. Therefore, with a 33% overstress for
this particular type of structure a reduction of 50% in the life of the structure
can be anticipated. I might say that partial length welded cover plates are a
common type of structural member for highway bridges.
Although it may be concluded that if controlled similar to the 1964 AASHO
Policy the increased weight provisions occasioned by the 36,000 lb. tandem axle
or the revised formula provided -by 5. 2658 will not have too bad an effect on
those bridges designed for HS 20-44, it is my opinion that the increase cannot
be tolerated for bridges designed for less than ITS 20-44. Although the Bill
provides that the new allowance apply to the Interstate System only, it is my
judgment that it will be only a matter of time until pressures extend them to
other systems. The matter of containing trucks to the Interstate System is, in our
PAGENO="0308"
These curves are for A36, A441, and A242 weldable steel.
K~= 1.00
Fatigue stress, Fr shall not exceed the basic allowable stress.
CURVE
TYPE
CYCLES
FORNULA
NUMBER
OF
u a
j~E~
z~05,
can
~
;)~
g
~
STRESS
100,000
500,000
2,000 000
k1(l5,000)
-
l-.7R
k1(lO,500)
T-6~d1
~~c_~2922_
l-0.83R
8
~
~Z
O~
ZVD
~
~
E-' 0
* Does not apply to the usual continuous
fillet welded flange web connections and
similar connections which are governed by
BASE MBTAL criteria.
298
:: :~: = 21: :1:: :1:::: :2::
ElF E F H E~E ElF FE F E ~E ~7LI
E E~ EE E F E E F E ~? VE
H ~ ~`F F F
= - ~ = = ~-~E ~ = : =
~ :t~i =~: ii:: = I
~ ~E E~ ~ ~ E F
:
F FE E
F E
~:
F FlEE
F F
F
30,000
25,000
20,000 .,~
to
0.
to
to
15,000 ~
to
0
10,000 -o:~~
5,000
-1.0 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2
0 ±0.2 +0.
R = am.
max.
+0.6 -t-0.8 +1.0
ALLOWABLE STRESSES (FATIGUE)
PAGENO="0309"
299
For ASS steel, use
values from pletlsd
cvrvss.
For low aiioy steels,
multiply the curve
value 0q F~ by tl~s
appropr~cs k, vokie
from the table.
Fatigue etress,F~, shall
not *acssd thi basic
ellowoble stress,
30,000
~ 000
.3
~0,OO0
15,000 ~
0
-I
-J
10,000
6,000
e.4 `.8 .e .1.0
0 -.8 -.6 -.4 -.
2 0 .2
mm.
moe.
CYCLCS FORMULA
~ç~J~Ryg_ ~,- sw alloy steel
t'~F fc
I-
~ rn
a
~
0
o ~
0.
-C, -i
0.
CD
3 rn
`~ Cl)
-0,-i
3 ~~0oo. ~%< 9~CD~5°3CIC DC
~::::T~~::::~::::::: c~:r.~::::~
3
C ICCC*ICCCCCCCCCCICIC
0 OOcCcCO o
000~ 000000000 0(000000)000000000)
00000000000000
-u
C/)
3
Cl,
-I
I-
DO
3
o0~.
3
3
C C 0) ((11(1111 ~CI I C C C)
000000000000 0) (130)
-u
C/)
3
C/)
3
PAGENO="0652"
640
the validity of State enactments prior to 1956, it also recognizes State
enactments subsequent to 1956 which did not violate the Federal law.
This is reasonable, logical, and essential.
Any progress which might be expected to flow from the proposed
legislation wouTd be destroyed by elimination of the "grandfather"
clause.
In fact, such an action would be so retrogressive and devastating
that the industry for which we speak-and probably many of the
others interested in the legislation, both private and official---would
be forced'to oppose the legislation.
The present laws of the States were enacted-in many cases 30years
ago-for good reason and in good faith. These States have built their
highway systems, including their segments of the Interstate System,
to fit their laws.
We cannot imagine the Congress, after all these years, requiring
the States to wipe out decades of progress. You would be' giving a
little with the right hand, and taking away much more with the left.
The "grandfather" clause is just as reasonable and sound. now as
is was when it was enacted, and it is absolutely vital that it be
continued.
That concludes my direct statement, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. HOWARD. Thank you very much, Mr. Bresnahan. It was ~ fine
statement.
I would like to just mention one thing concerning the widths of
trucks.
As I understand it, many States where we have a divider between
lanes of traffic, there is a feeling the vehicle may use the entire width
of the roadway up to the divider. In my own State of New Jersey,
I believe there is in use a `divider `which has a 4-foot wide base and
that also there is a limit of the side overhang of the trucks beyond
the wheels of 2 feet, which would mean that trucks coming in opposite
directions alongside the divider, if they have their wheels at the
edge of the pavement alongside the divider, the 2-foot overhang on
each side would have them practically touching as they pass.
This does not include any additional space that might be .taken
by the mirror of the vehicle.
If the truck width is increased and the width between the wheels
remains the same, would this not give a natural overhang that would
cause trucks whose wheels are on the pavement at the edge of this
central 4-foot divider the great possibility of collisions of trucks
moving toward each other? ` ` ` ` `
Mr. Bresnahan. Do you' want to answer that? ,
Mr. KIBBEE. I do not' think that I follow you, sir, on your 2-foot
extension.~ , :`~ ` .:
Our vehicle is now 96 inches wide It would be 96 inches wide at its
wheels and at its side and then the mirrors might extend as much
as 7 to 8 inches on either side of this vehicle. So that the dimension
that the overhang, if I understand your question correctly, would
be an overhang of approximately 8 inches on each side, and then
the two tru~ks passing would absorb 16 inches. If I understand you
correctly, there were 4 feet in which to absorb this 16 inches, is that
correct?
Mr. HOWARD. Yes.
PAGENO="0653"
641
Mr. KJBBEE. So I see there would be no difference at all.
If the edge of the wheels of the vehicle are at the edge of the pave-
ment, the same mirror would be on the 102-inch-wide truck as would
be on the 96-inch-wide truck, so there would he no difference at all,
if I understand your question correctly.
Mr. HOWAED. In other words, the trucks do not in any way overhang
2 feet there beyond the outer limits of the wheel?
Mr KIBBEF No, sir, they do not
Mr. HowARD. Thank you very much. I would state that there' is a
great amount of controversy, as far as my office is concerned, concern-
ing additional legislation on width aiid weights for the trucks.
I have received dozens of letters from my own area over the past
2 weeks, every day, opposed to the legislation very strongly.
I think if we were to take a nationwide poll concerning this, that
there would be overwhelming objection to it.
I think the average motorist feels uncomfortable not only, with the
size of the trucks using our highways, but also the speeds at which
they drive and the overbearing driving attitudes of some of `its op-
erators, though I am very happy that we can have you here' for sug-
gestions concerning this, because there is probably not only oppositioi~,
but certainly a great deal of misunderstanding possibly throughout
the country as to just what this legistlation will do.
I imagine that you are aware of this feeling throughout the country,~
but I just wanted to say it in case you were not.
Mr. BIIESNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, if I may make an observation on
that, .1 certainly agree with you that there has `been a great deal of
misunderstanding about the legislation. `
On matters of motor vehicle lengths, the States have been pretty
rigid in the regulation of motor vehicles lengths and in most areas,,
particularly in the east, there are lengths limits of 55 feet. And as
the previous witness pointed out, even in the absence of any Federal
length limit, we Ii ave been remarkedly misuccessful in pi evailing
upon the States to go beyond the 55-foot limit.
Now, our main point, is about the length, that to' attempt. to come
up with one limit, one length limit that would accommodate the condi-
tions and the needs throughout `the country is really unrealistiè unless
you came up with such a length limit that is probably `highly objec-
tionable in the congested east. And the Federal Government has never
regulated and, in spite of this, the lengths have been held clown.
Mr How &RD Thmk you for voui comment
We ire happy that the hearing is today rather than one day last
week when I was driving down the center lane of Kennilworth Ave-
nue, down there just east of District of Columbia Stadium; had that
been this morning, I would have come into the committee in a much
more frightened mood as to what occurred on' the side of me, moving
mountains they seemed to me at that time. ` ` `
Are there any questions on my right? , ` ` `.
Mr. Edmondson. ` ` ` ` `
Mr EDMO~DSON Thank you Mr Ch'urman
I would like to compliment Mr. Brésnahan for a very fine' statement.
I w ant to expiess particuF~r appreci'ttion for the supplemental state
ment that has been made a nart of therecOrd. which I believe contains
some very helpful information, very interesting information to the~
PAGENO="0654"
642
I am impressed by the data which appeared on pages 13 and 14
with regard to the safety accomplishments of the trucking industry,
the fact that the general accident involvement rate for trucks is much
more favorable in terms of the record of the industry, than is the gen-
eral accident involving passenger cars and also buses, and that the fatal
accident statistics and occupant fatality statistics also compares favor-
ably for the industry.
1 confess some confusion and your own material confesses some con-
fusion about the comparisons for the select ICC group, the fact tha.t
some of the statistics for the select ICC group do not reflect quite as
favorable a picture for that particular segment of the industry as you
would expect in view of the reference that is made to the higher order
of driving, selection, training, vehicle maintenance, and general oper-
ating practices.
I think you would expect the statistics on fatalities of operators to
be better than they are, and I wonder if you would care to comment
on why it is that the operators do not compare more favorably than
they do?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. I am trying to locate the points you have reference
to in my statement here.
Mr. ED3Io~osoN. It shows the accident involvement, rate of the ICC
group is only about one-fifth of the general fleet, shown on page 15.
It goes ahead and shows the driver fatality rate of 2.25 per 100 million
vehicle miles for the ICC group. corresponding very closely with the
2.6 rate for the general fleet.
What accounts in your mind for this driver fatality rate being pretty
close to the general fleet, while the accident involvement is only about
one-fifth of the general fleet?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I wonder if it would be all right
if I brought up to the table the director of our safety department,
Mr. Goley D. Sontheimer?
Mr. HOWARD. Please do.
Mr. EDMONDSON. The statistics to which I refer appear on page 15
and page 16 of the supplemental statement, and I think it shows a very
favorable picture insofar as accident involvement. But the driver fatal-
ity figure does not appear to be correspondingly lower. In fact, just
about the same way.
Mr. HOWARD. Would you please state your full name and position
for the benefit of the record?
Mr SONTHEIMER. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
My name is Goley D. Sontheimer. I am the director of the Depart-
ment of Safety of the American Trucking Associations, located in
Washington, D.C.
In regard to the fatality rate, Mr. Congressman. this is the occupant
rate that is referred to here, the occupant. of the vehicle. The two rates
seem to be so closely related because the truck occupancy-that is, there
is usually one driver or not more than two in most of the cases where
they are involved in an accident.
Now, these accidents that are reported involve bot.h collisions with
other vehicles, collisions with trucks or run off of the roadway acci-
dents. These seem to be, as far as we could determine, about the same
regardless of type of track, in accord with the number of miles
operated.
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643
We have no definite explanation in this area except that the trucks
are much the same and the drivers are considerably alike, and there
are the same number generally in each truck. So we come up with an.
occupancy fatality rate about the same when the vehicle is involved
in an accident. .
Mr. EDMONDSON. Now, your own exhibit says that it is assumed that
because of the higher order of driver selection, of training, vehicle
maintenance, general operating practices of this select group~ of corn-
mon and contract carriers, that their safety record is better than the
industry as a whole.
Notwithstanding that, you say that truckdrivers are about the same;
the trucks are about the same.
I am just trying to figure out whether your exhibit really is mean-
ingful on this point, or whether they are about the same, whether
there is no reason to expect a lower fatality rate for your drivers in
the select group that has been mentioned in your own exhibit here.
Mr. SONTHEIMER. Well, let me say that in regard to this particular
statistic, the researcher-and we are both in the same position and you
are correct, I am not sure that this particular occupancy thing is
meaningful because we have been unable to understand it. This is a
study that is done by Dr. Wolf, who heads the Automotive Crash
Industry Research Department, Cornell University's Research
Division.
Mr. EDMONDSON. It is somebody else's data, but you submitted an
exhibit and I was just trying to get tO the depth. I was moving to a
much more serious item, the driver fatality, which appears on page 16
in the final paragraph. It says: "The average number for `other' people
killed per driver is 5.93," for this select group, "compared to the gen-
eral fleet record of 2.19 as just discussed. This may be related to truck
size and an indication of greater severity of accidents in the ICC
group."
Would you comment on that, on why a truck's size would produce
a greater severity of accidents and the "other" people killed ratio that
is pretty close to three times as high as the general fleet record.
Mr. SoN IRIMER. Yes, sir. What is meant here is that in a collision,
the truck, of any given size and weight, being so much larger than a
passenger car, that the opportunity for fatality in that type of crash
is far greater for the occupants o~, the lighter vehicle than for those
in the truck.
Now, it might be somewhat different if trucks have more than one
man exposed in each crash. Gen~rally that is the case.
There is one driver on the truck. Often in the other colliding vehicles
there may be five or six people. This same thing shows up even in the
ACIR study in the small passenger car in collision with the heavy
passenger car in the Cadillac or Lincoln class. For instance, the
fatality rate of the Volkswagen in collision with the heavier vehicles
was about 12 times that of the heavier car. And it is largely a matter
of physics, I think, that the occupants of the larger vehicle are safer
than the occupants of the smaller one when the two collide.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Mr. Sontheimer, wóüld you put side by "side the
figures on accidents volume, figures on fatal accidents, results, for the
large vehicles that are a part of this 1CC select group g
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644
Tell me whether in the overall you have a situation in which the
likelihood of fatality resulting from the use of these bigger trucks
is. less or greater. That is not stated very well.
What I am trying to get at is do you get enough reduction of involve-
ment in accidents-I think your figures are to show that there the
volume of ratio is only about one-fifth what it is for the rest of the
trucks. You get enough reduction of involvement in accidents to offset
the statistics which you yourself presented that show the likelihood
of fatality in an accident is a great deal higher in these trucks.
Mr. SONTHEIMER. Where they are the same type of truck, yes, we do.
It is a little difficult to explain at length, but I would be glad to put
together some figures and submit along with this if you wish.
Mr. EDMONDSON. I think it would be' useful. I think all of us are
interested in safety a.nd it is of paramount consideration with many
on this committee.
Mr. MoCL~ruv. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. EDMONDSON. As a person sponsoring legislation to support in-
crease in your axleload and support the new approach that you have
proposed with regard to gross weight, I would be verymuch interested
in a documentation, if it can be supplied~ that the overall effect of this
step is going to be an improvement in the safety picture on the
highway.
I think you may have the raw material for that conclusion in the
supplemental statement that has been submitted, but I think it needs
some analysis and some refinement to really make a convincing exhibit
on that subject that I would like to see.
If you can submit something additional on this, I think it would be
very helpful.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. We will undertake to do that.
Mr. MCCARThY. On that point, Mr. Edmondson, I have the speech
of the Federal F[ighway Administrator, Mr. Bridwell, before the
Truck Council, and he said heavy commercial truck vehicles com-
prising 27 percent of the registered vehicles, coming to 11 percent of
the motor vehicle miles traveled, were involved in 19 percent of the
highway fatalities. We are now killing about over ~0,0OO a year; that
would be about 9,000 deaths.
I am wondering why is it that with only 7 percent of the Nation's
registered .motor vehicles, you are involved with 19 percent of the
deaths? Does that relate to the weight factor?
Mr. SoNTii1~I3iiR. In the first place, Mr. Congressman, these figures
used in that particular speech are extrapolated and extended figures,
iire not borne out actually by the facts. These were extended across
some 6 million trucks, methuna and light, as-
Mr. McCAirriar. He said heavy commercial vehicles.
Mr. SONTIrEIMER. I understand, sir. But heavy classification in the
Federal Government has always been 46,000 pouunds or more gross.
And there are, according to the Bureau of Public Roads statistics,
but 1,461,000 heavy trucks.
However, the point which you ask about, when we use the proper
figures on heavy vehicles, `we are down to about 11 percent of the
fatality mvolvement, rather than 19 percent
Certaiuly it gets back to the same thing that any vehicle in collision
with a heavier vehicle, there is much more likelihood in the light
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645
vehicle for fatality, much more likelihood for fatality, and it extends
even as I say betweencars, as well as cars and trucks.
Mr MCCARTHY Well, yes Ihere was another point brought out by
the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety-almost half of the fatal and
injury producing accidents involving trucks resulted from colli-
sion with an automobile. For every truckdriver that died in such acci-
dents, 38 others died.
Mr. SONTHEIMER. Yes, sir.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman, are we going to hear from Mr. Bridwell during these
hearings to clarify this point o.n the fatalities?
Mr. HOWARD. 1 am informed we are tomorrow.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Thank you.
Mr. HOWARD. Mr. Edmondson.
Mr. EDMONDSON. I would like to ask unanimous consent for Mr.
Bresnahan or Mr. Sontheimer to be given leave to submit a supplemen-
tary statement. to the supplemental statement, giving the overall evalu-
ation that they place upon these statistics that appear on pages 13 to 16
in the supplemental statement, and the impact on safety as they see it
from the increase in size and weight of the trucks.
Mr. HOWARD. Without objection, so ordered.
(The information follows:)
AMERICAN TRUCKING AssocIATIoNs, INC.,
Washington, D.C., June17, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLTJCZYNSKI,
Chajiirman, Subcommittee on Roads, Committee on Public Works, U.S. House of
Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Dn~.a Mu. CHAIRMAN: In connection with our testimony during the hearing be-
fore your Subcommittee on the proposed increases in the allowable sizes and
weights of motor vehicles using the National System of Interstate and Defense
Highways, we wish to submit the following additional information for the record.
This information is both in direct answer to questions relative to our testimony
and in reply to certain points raised in testimony given in opposition to the pro-
posed legislation.
Reference was niade to the collapse on December 1~, 1967, of the Silver Bridge
at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the weight of the traffic that was on it and the
relationship of this tragedy to the vehicle size and weight legislation currently
before the Subcommittee.
WTe would first like to correct the impression given in testimony before the
Subcommittee that the Sili ei Bi icige is t~ pical of quite a few that we have in
this country. This is not the ease. The Silver Bridge was a suspension bridge of
~a very unique type. There is only one other bridge like it in the United States and,
we understand one additional in another part of the world
To our knowledge, the cause of the Silver Bridge collapse has not been~deter-
mined, nor has the location of the initial failure been finally determined. There-
fore our comments in this statement are based on presently available informa
tion. They should not be taken as a prejudgment of what the final conclusions
may be
There have been public hearings held May 7-10 in Charleston West Virginia
by the National Transportation Board These hearings and other public state
ments by knowledgeable officials haven t thrown much light on the failure and
have ruled out certain factors as the probable cause Together with technical in
formation about the design of the bridge the issue of possible vehicle ovei bid
is clarified immensely
Most important have been the statements regarding the collapse of the Silver
Bridge which have ruled out probable causes. One of the most direct has been
that of Mr Frank Masters Jr of the firm of Modjeski & Masters Harrisburg
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646
Pa;, made to the Senate Public Works Committee on March 19, 1968, during hear-
ings on bridge design.'
"We are convinced that it did not go down because of overload at the time of
the collapse, there being one lane loaded approximately one-half of its length and
only seven vehicles in the other lane. Two lanes on the bridge, the bridge being
designed to have three lanes of traffic on it, and a rather heavy loading. You can
see easily that it was a long way from being overloaded at the time it collapsed."
Mr. Masters' statement bears weight because his firm was retained by the
Roads Commission of West Virginia to investigate the collapse.
Subsequent and confirming information was released at the Public Hearings
in Charleston. At this time, the discussion was more specific, with the expert
witness from the Mocljeski & Masters firm identifying a member of the major
`eyebar" supptrting chain as being the point of initial failure and collapse.
This testimony is contained in the transcript of the hearings labeled "Vol. 3,
Docket No. S-H-2. May 9, 1968." The witness is Dr. Gerald K. Gillan, Senior
Structural Associate of the Modjeski & Masters firm.
The discussion was technical and related to such things as stress levels. How-
ever, on page 587 of the transcript, beginning on line 17, the following question
was asked by Mr. Scheffey, of the Federal Board of Inquiry, relating to a parti-
cular bar of the eyebar chain:
Question: (By Mr. Scheffey) "Your own compuations and those of Mr. O'Keefe
indicate that the stress being carried by this member at the time of the collapse
was appreciably below the design stresses and therefore there must be some cause
rather than overloading for this structure."
Answer: (By Dr. Gifian) "I quite agree."
In layman's language, then, it is clear that the portion of the Silver Bridge
which is believed to have failed and led to the collapse, the main supporting eye-
bar chain, was not overloaded at the time of the collapse. In fact, this member did
not even have as much load onit as it was designed for.
We believe the evidence at this point strongly supports the tentative conclusions
that the Silver Bridge at the time of its collapse was not carrying a weight of
traffic as high as its design capabilities. It failed for a reason other than its
load design. It also bears repeating that the Silver Bridge was of a design that
is completely unique; has not been repeated since 1928; and definitely is not a
design found on our modern highway system.
During our testimony before the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee
on Public Works on June 11, we submitted a supplemental statement on Truck
Transportation and Highway Safety. This statement was submitted because of
confusion that exists in some areas about the safety record of trucks and partic-
ularly heavy trucks.
The principal problem revolves around the definition of a heavy truck and the
validity, or lack of it, of using the experience of a select group of vehicles to
estimate the performance of a much larger noncomparable group.
Accident statistics are available for all motor vehicles, for all passenger cars
as a group, for all trucks as a group, and for buses as a group. No comprehensive
data are available on truck accidents by size of vehicle.
Data, however, are available on accidents involving motor carriers subject
to I.C.C. safety regulation. Those that are most comprehensive cover the large
regulated for-hire motor carriers. For a number of reasons, these different sets
of data are not comparable. I.C.C. regulated carrier sare required to report all
accidents involving $250 or more in property damage and all accidents regard-
less of amount in which personal injury is involved.
The Department of Transportation, through its Bureau of Motor Carrier
Safety, polices this reporting. While most states also require the reporting of
accidents in which a stated amount of property damage or personal injury is
incurred, the enforcement of the provisions of these laws against motorists and
small truck operators appears to be less strict than is the case with the I.C.C.
carriers. Thus, the coverage of the I.C.C. carriers from the standpoint of accident
reporting is much better than is the average for all vehicles. The frequency of
truck accidents is undoubtedly overstated statistically, as compared to other
vehicles, because of more accurate reporting. In the case of I.C.C. regulated
trucks the discrepancy is even wider.
`Hearings before the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee on Public Works, United
States Senate, 90th Cong., 2nd Seas., on Status of the Inspection, Maintenance, and Design
of Bridges In the United States March 18, 19, and 20, 1968, page 113.
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In our attempt to show that there are no data presently available with which
valid comparison can be made between all classes of trucks or between trucks
and passenger cars, we attached to our statement a portion of a paper "Truck
Accidents and Traffic Safety-An Overview" which was presented at the Na-
tional Midyear meeting of the Society of Automotive Engineers in May, 1968
by Dr. Robert A. Wolf of Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory.
Our purpose in presenting Dr. Wolf's paper was to illustrate the point that
there are not available today any figures which will permit a valid comparison
between accident statistics of different classes of vehicles on a common basis.
Dr. Wolf was pointing up the need for such a comparison and suggesting a
method that might be helpful along these lines.
Congressman Edmondson in attempting to understand some of the comparisons
contained in the Wolf paper, asked two specific questions. These were: (1)
What accounts in your mind for this (I.C.C. group) driver fatality rate being
pretty close to the general fleet, while the accident involvement is only about one-
fifth of the general fleet?" (2) "Would you comment on that, on why a truck's
size would produce a greater severity of accidents and the `other' people killed
ratio, that is pretty close to three times as high as the general fleet record?"
The specific statement questioned by Congressman Edmondson in his first ques-
tion can be confusing. Dr. Wolf says: "In comparing the general truck fleet with
the special I.C.C. carrier group it is noted that the driver fatality rate of 2.25
per 100 MVM (Million Vehicle Miles) for the I.C.C. group corresponds very
closely with the 2.6 rate for the general fleet by the MSS method." He then goes
on to say: "The equality of the common carrier driver fatality rate with the
industry average is an enigma to the author-it may be that the greater speeds
and greater severity of accident patterns in intercity travel overshadow some
of the other factors of urban accidents even though there is preponderance of
trucking operations in intrastate and urban travel."
The I.C.C. truck driver fatality rate of 2.25 per 100 MVM was established
from the I.C.C. data on intercity truck combinations and their mileage as re-
ported by the involved motor carriers. Each driver involved in these reports
operates 70 to 80 thousand miles annually compared to the average 11,000 miles
annually operated by each driver in the total U.S. truck fleet. This means that
the I.C.C. intercity driver has an exposure about 7 times greater than that of
the driver in the total U.S. truck fleet. We believe that this exposure factor per
driver, which is not taken into consideration in Dr. Wolf's Measure of Systems
Safety, explains the comparability of the two rates and that the record of the
I.C.C. intercity driver is 5 to 7 times better than that of the average driver
in the total U.S. truck fleet.
Accidents generally, involving vehicles of all types, passenger cars, buses and
trucks, tend to be more severe on rural roads than on urban streets. In 1966,
for example, the number of fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents
occurring in rural areas was more than twice the number occurring in urban
areas. The respective figures were 36,800 rural accident deaths compared to
16,200 urban accident deaths. This despite the fact that urban drivers have the
added hazard of many more pedestrians to contend with. Total miles run by
all vehicles in urban and rural areas are about equaL Thus the ratio of deaths
per 100 million vehicle miles is much greater in rural areas than it is in urban
areas. One of the prime reasons for the higher fatality rate on rural highways
is, of course, the higher sustained speeds of traffic for all vehicles on these high-
ways as compared to city streets. I.C.C. carriers run a much higher percentage
of their miles on rural roads than do trucks in generaL This would tend to
raise their fatality rate above the general average for all trucks. There are other
factors too which tend in this direction. Night driving is relatively more hazard-
ous than is day driving. More than half of all motor vehicle deaths in 1966,
28,200, occurred at night compared with 24,800 in daylight. Here again the
I.C.C. driver has much greater exposure since he spends a higher percentage of
his time on the road at night.
With regard to the statement on page 16 of Dr. Wolf's paper that the average
number of "other" people killed per I.C.C. driver killed is 5.93 compared to the
general truck fleet record of 2.19 we point out the following facts.
1. The intercity truck combination design is such that in most collisions with
passenger cars the total impact is below the position of the truck driver as he
sits in his cab. This results in very few truck driver fatalities in such collisions.
This is illustrated by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety Report of 1966 I.C.C.
truck accidents which shows that in 13,575 car-truck collisions only~ 25 truck
drivers were injured fatally while 964 fatalities resulted to the car drivers and
96-030-68---42
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occupants involved in the 742 fatal car-truck coffisions. This is the basis for
the references that have been made to the effect, in referring to accidents involving
trucks of common carriers in collision with an automobile, that "for every truck
driver who died in such accidents 38 others died." The reference is obviously
misleading. The actual data cover all such accidents and all fatalities in such
accidents, and from this complete coverage we have the figures of 25 truck
drivers killed and 964 fatalities of others.
2. The great majority of the general truck fleet is made up of trucks operating
in cities and urban areas where, while exposure to accident in congested traffic
is high. exposure to fatal accident is low because of the slow speeds generated by
that same congestion. All available records show that while speed per se is not
an accident cause, speed of vehicles at time of collision is a very definite factor
in the seriousness of an accident. Traffic surveys in city and suburbs also show
that in rush hours, the time of greatest exposure to accident, car occupancy
averages less than two persons per car which means that the majority of cars
carry only one person. In fatality producing accidents under the foregoing
conditions by far fewer "others" fatalities result from car-truck collisions. This
has a salutary effect on the total general fleet record of "others" killed per truck
driver in the general fleet records.
Reference was also made to studies by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety
showing that four out of every 10 vehicles selected for inspection is road checks
were ruled off the road temporarily.
This figure was .referred to by Mr. George Kachlein, testifying on behalf of
the American Automobile Association. On page 2 of his prepared statement, Mr.
Kachlein attributed this statement to a speech prepared for delivery by Mr.
Lowell Bridwell in St. Louis, Missouri, March 26, 1968. However, Mr. Kachlein
omitted from his reference an extremely important part of Mr. Bridwell's
prepared remarks which stated:
"Staff limitations force us to make these inspections highly selective. Currently
these field inspections account for only one percent of total vehicles."
This is by way of saying, quite importantly, that the inspections conducted
by the Bureau of Motor Carriers involved a select sampling by their field
inspectors, so that the statistics of vehicles inspected relative to those found
defective has no bearing at all on the condition of the fleet in general.
It is the general practice of the inspectors to select for inspection only those
vehicles which visually give the impression that such an inspection is warranted.
This, according to the Bureau of Motor Carriers, amounts to one percent of
total vehicles. If we were to assume that the vehicles not stopped have no
defects then we could conclude that only four-tenths of one percent of alt
vehicles have defects. We realize, of course, this is not a completely justifiable
conclusion as to the condition of the truck fleet but neither is the reference to
four out of ten.
In our direct statement, on page 3, we mentioned that the provisions of S.
2658 as passed by the United States Senate were in line with the recommendations.
of the American Association of State Highway Officials. This statement was
challenged by Mr. Kachlein who, in testifying for the American Automobile
Association, stated that our statement as to the AASHO position was made in-
advertently. In his direct statement, Mr. Kachlein indicated that AASHO was
opposed to the bill as it passed the Senate. The record shows that there can be
little question as to the position of AASHO on the bill before the Subcommittee
which is the bill as amended and passed by the Senate. The record of the
hearings2 before the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee on Public Works,
United States Senate, shows (at page 231) the following dialogue between the
Chairman of the Committee and the president of AASHO, Mr. John Morton:
The CHAIRMA2~. Thank you all for being present today. Our subcommittee
and committee are appreciative of your cooperation in matters of counsel.
I understand, I believe, that you would favor the 20,000 and 34,000 but not
the 20,000 and 36,000 pounds. Is this correct?
Mr. MoRToN. Yes. 0'*
2 Hearings before the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee on Public Works, United
States Senate, 90th Cong., 2nd Sess., Ofl S. 2658, February 19, 20, 21, and March 7, leGS,
page 231.
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That this was unquestionably the position of AASHO is further supported by
the report of the Committee on Public Works, United States Senate (page 2)
where it states:
The committee amendments are consistent with the weight recommenda-
tions of the Department of Transportation and the American Association of
State Highway Officials.
The Committee amendments referred to are the amendments which resulted
in the revision of S. 2658 as the bill passed the Senate and is now before your
Subcommittee.
Testimony of the American Automobile Association also raised the issue of the
capability of the bridges on the National System of Interstate and Defense High-
ways to accommodate the vehicle gross weights that would be allowed under the
gross weight formula contained in S. 2658.
We do not believe this is a question of which there can be any doubt. In the
report submitted to the Congress in August 1964 by the Secretary of Commerce,
in which he recommended new higher Federal limits, the gross weight formula
contained in S. 2658, as passed by the Senate, was one of three that were dis-
cussed and evaluated. The report states (at page 134)~:
"The Bureau of Public Roads has developed three simplified bridge formu-
las that may be used to determine gross weights and axle weights that can
be carried with safety on existing bridges."
This is conclusive evidence that the vehicle gross weight possible under the
provisions of 5. 2658 are well within the capacities of the bridges on the National
system of Interstate and Defense Highways.
We appreciate the courtesies extended to us in our appearances before the
Subcommittee and assure you that we will be most pleased to provide any addi-
tional information that you may need.
Respectfully submitted.
WILLIAi~( A. BRESNAHAN.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Mr. Chairman, may I also ask Mr. Bresnahan, or
someone else if he prefers to have someone else do. it, to comment upon
the statement which appears on page 3 of our colleague's statement. I
will read it to you, the paragraph:
AASHO officials have testified that pavements already built on the Interstate
System will suffer an expected loss of 25 to 40 percent of their service life if
single-tandem axle loadings are increased from 18,000 pounds-32,000 pounds to
20,000 pounds-34,000 pounds.
This would mean that concrete pavements will be built with a life
expectancy of 25 years before any major reconstruction would be nec-
essary will last only 15 to 18 years, and with increased maintenance to
be borne slowly by the State. AASHO estimates, so I am informed,
that the cost of resurfacing in a 10-year period under the proposed
increased axle weights as an additional $1 million. No estimate was
made for the additional amounts necessary in future construction, but
it has to be substantial.
Could we have comment on that, Mr. Bresnahan?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir. I would like to ask Mr. Lill, our highway
engineer, to comment on that.
Mr. LILL. Mr. Congressman, you touched on a very complex subject.
I think there are two or three points in it.
I think at first I would like to deal with this question of the loss of
pavement life
We know now that this has to be considered in a new light and at
the time of the AASHO pavement evaluation survey in 1962, the
2 5 Rept No i026 90th Cong Second Sess Vehicle Weights and Dimensions
Report of the Committee on Public Works, Umlted States Senate, to accompany S. 2658.
Mar. 27, 1968, p. 2.
4House Document N~. 854, 88th Cong., 2nd Ses,s., Maximum Desirable Dimensions and
Weights of Vehicles Operated on the Federal Aid Systems August i9 i964 page i34
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AASHQ road test reports were just out and it was assumed that pave-
ment performance equations contained therein constituted a valid
means of estimating pavement life if traffic and pavement thicknesses
were known.
It is now firmly established, however, that this is not the case, and
that the AASHO road test equations do not provide a valid estimate
of pavement life, nor of changes in pavement life. That reliance on
these old assumptions cannot be supported.
Documentation for this statement rests in the fact that more than
$1 million was spent in 1968 for research, which is being undertaken
in an attempt to adapt the AASHO ftndings to local conditions that-
in other words, to the different States-so that they will be suitable as
a design tool. If the road tests predict pavement life or the changes,
such research would not be necessary.
Additionally, it has been stated in the report of one of these types of
research projects and entitled "Application of AASHO road test
results to Alabama conditions." This report is dated August 1967. It
reads as follows-this is on page 37 of the conclusions:
The import of all the preceding investigations, analyses, and discussions is to
illustrate the fact that the AASHO road test equations cannot be applied directly
or indirectly to Alabama conditions, except at the hazard of gross under or over
design, depending upon a specific problem.
Factually, therefore, the question must rest on the detailed knowl-
edge of the various States about their own highways and upon their
own evaluations. Since AASHO has accepted the 20,000 pouud single
and the 34,000 pound tandem, it is our obvious feeling that these
weights are considered to be not out of line in most of the States.
I think also, since you brought up the question of pavement main-
tenance costs, I would like to refer to a: recent study which was done
under the national cooperative highway research program-it is report
42 and it is entitled "Interstate Highway Maintenance Requirements
and Unit Maintenance Expenditure Index."
This was an in-depth study of maintenance procedures and costs of
selected highway sections in regula.r service. It covers many of the
aspects of maintenance programs, followed by the State highway
departments.
Now, of pertinence to this question is the part of the report which
deals with the details of the data collected for maintenance cOsts, for
payments and for shoulders. It is contained on pages 43 and 44 of the
document.
I also would indicate that this research was done in five States, which
contain a range of axleload from 18,000 single to 22,000 single and up
to 44,000 pounds tandem. So we have a representative sample across
axieloads.
Of variables that were examined in attempting to make this main-
tenance study were a total of 18, and I think I will go through this
rather rapidly to give you the degree of depth o.f the investigation.
They had age~ in years, they had age figures squared, age figures cubed,
average daily traffic volume, commercial average daily traffic volume;
they had the square root of the APT, the square root of the commer-
thai APT, and they had other combinations between age and APT.
They had annual average precipitation.: The terrain factor, snowfall
in inches,' numbers of days of snowfall, `average annual temperature,
PAGENO="0663"
651
number of days of snow cover, numbers of days when maximum tern-
perature was below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, urban or rural location.
Now, the outcome of this in-depth investigation was a mathematical
model, and it included only two of the use; it included the effects of
age and it included the effects of climatic conditions. And this was
the number of days in which the temperature was below 32° F.
In other words, on these pavement test sections, there were 28 of
them, they found that truck traffic was to have no significant effect
on maintenance costs of pavements and shoulders.
When the States build their pavements for the traffic which is on
them, they find that they serve perfectly adequately and there is no
additional maintenance costs, any significant amount.
Mr. EDMONDSON. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. HowAiw. Thank you.
Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Thank you2 Mr. Chairman.
I have a couple of questions I would like to try to help clarify the
record and my own understanding of the situation.
We realize, of course, that this impetus behind this legislation comes
largely from the Western States, as indicated in your own statement.
However, I think your statement falls short, in my mind at least, as
to the reasons for which the Western States believe these increases are
justified.
Could someone give us additional data and justification relating to
those States in addition to the fact they are big States?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. You mean justified from the standpoint of the
economy of those States or~-
Mr. CRAMER. For the record, I want to make the record adequate
on that point.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. From the economic standpoint, the population of
the States, as you know, are scattered over vast areas.
There is much less railroad service, for example, in the West, and
there will be even less as some of these mergers are approved and go
into effect. So this area is much more dependent upon truck tran~porta-
tion and it is very interested in having cheap economical transporta-
tion. So it is vital to their economies.
Now, from the standpoint of the roads and bridges and these areas,
the Western States, as I indicated in my direct testimony, tried to get
economical truck operations as distinguished from the Northeastern
States by adding more axles and permitting greater length, and thus
distributing the weight on the highway itself, not on the bridges.
Now, in the East, they have shorter vehicles and more concentrated
loads.
But the 1956 statute froze it tight. They have been able to make
virtually no gains-not only in axle limits, hut in gross weight limits,
since that time. They need to make some progress and they are very
anxious to do so.
Now, the increases in axle weight that would be permitted by this
legislation-namely from 18,000 pounds to 20,000 on a single and
from 32,000 pounds to 34,000 on a tandem-will still be substantially
less than the single and tandem axle limits that prevail in the East
and have prevailed in the East for many, many years, and they feel
PAGENO="0664"
652
their highways and bridges are certainly capable of taking weights
of this magnitude.
On the other hand, if there is any State out there that does not, there
is nothing in this legislation that compels any State to change.
Mr. CRAMER. The other question relates to grandfather clauses.
This is, as I see it~ from a standpoint of legislative history made so far,
a rather confusing situation.
Now, as I understand it, in the 1956 act, which I cosponsored with
some other members of this committee, there was a grandfather
clause written hi which, in ~ffect. set up July 1, 1956, as the date and
said:
This section-
being section 127-
shall not be construed to deny apportionment to any State allowing the operation
within such State of any vehicles or combination thereof which would be law-
fully operated within such State on July 1, 1956.
Obviously a number of States had maximum weights and limits in
excess of the then sectiOn 121 limits of 32,000 pounds tandem weight,
overall ~ross weight in excess of 73,200, and width in excess of 96
inches and so forth. Is that; not correct?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. Cit~&M~. Now, as I understand this, however, weight and axle
and other limitations applied in the 1956 act only to the Interstate
System. Is that correct?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. It specifically says that w-ithin the boundaries of which
the Interstate System may be lawfully used by vehicles. So those limits
were, by the law, set only upon the Interstate System. Is that correct?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. The Federal statute in 1956 applied only to the
Interstate System and the proposed legislation also goes only to the
Interstate System.
Mr. CRAMER. So that is the status of the present law?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. And the "grandfather" clause now in existence relates
to July 1, 1956. And as I understand your position, it basically is that
that grandfather clause should be updated; is tha.t correct?
Mr. BRE5NAUAN. Yes, sir, because there has been a variety of
changes in State law since 1956, but which are equally lawful and did
not violate the Federal statutes.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, now, the next question that logically comes to
my mind, then, is if the grandfather clause is retained in the bill-
and I guess we should look at some of the history of the legislation to
understand its present. verbiage-as I understand the bill initially rec-
ommended by the.adrninistration would have applied these limitations
to all Federal-aid highways, and that the Senate, the other body, chose,
as the bill is before us, to have those limitations, a.s was the case in
the 1956 act, applied only to the Interstate System. Therefore it is pos-
sible that some of the carryover sections relating to other aspects, such
as this grandfather clause, perhaps were not adequately considered in
view of the cutback of the limitations only to the Interstate System
And I just wonder if perhaps, that is not the case as it relates to this
sectiOn concerning the grandfather clause? .
PAGENO="0665"
653
My specific question then is: If the grandfather clause is retained
in the bill, in that the limitation relates oniy to the Interstate System,
should the grandfather clause refer to weights and widths permitted
on the Interstate System on January 1, 1968, rather than on any
highway in t.he State?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. If I understand you correctly, and Ib~lieve I do,
you `iie m'tkmg reference to `i few special inst'inces, and I would like
to attempt to distinguish betneen those special mstinces and th~
impact of the grandfather clause generally
Now, in the original grandfather èlause, there were States that al-
ready were above the limits put in in 1956.
Mr. CRAMER. And Florida was one of them.
Mr. B'RESNAHAN. Florida was one of them, with heavier axleloads-
and Maryland. Virtually all of the Northeastern States~~~ On axieload,
they were gi `indf'ithered
It has been impossible on the Interstite System since 1956 for any
St'~te to incre'tse its `~xle weight, bec'rnse, as I sCud in my direct, in 1956
they all either w ere at the applied Federal limits or above such limits,
so that was the end of it.
Now, in the interim, there has been certain increases applicable to
the Interstate System in some States as well as on other roads, in gross
weight, which had been perfectly lawful and within the framework
of existing Federal limits. By moving this date up and moving it cur-
rent, they would be grandfathered just like those earlier. We be-
lieve this is proper.
Now I think the instances of which you speak, there have been two
or three cases that I am aware of where, in a State, they approved for
operation on all of their roads-except the Interstate System-certain
limits that were beyond the present limits of the statute.
Now, for example, in Maine, in an area where, as of 1956, virtually
all of the other States already permitted a tandem limit of 36,000
pounds, Maine did not at that time. So Maine was not grandfathered;
it was frozen at 32,000.
There came a time in Maine when they needed the 36,000 pounds, ap-
parently to try to get in line with the rest of New England and the
Northeastern States.
When the legislature wanted to change their limit to 36,000 pounds,
it ran into the proper proposition that to do so and permit 36,000
pound tandems on the Interstate System as well as the rest of their
roads, they would be in jeopardy of losing their Federal aid. So what
Maine did was enact a 36,000 pound tandem for application on the
other roads, but specifically not applicable on the Interstate System.
Now, this grandfather clause as written would recognize and grand-
father that 36,0000 pound tandem in Maine.
South Carolina has a similar situation. There are very few of these.
Mr. CRAMER. Let me ask this question then: Since 1956, have some
States passed legislation that would increase, if the grandfather clause
in its present form goes into effect, the weights and axle~~limitations
on the Interstate System above the suggested limitation in this legis-
lation, if this grandfather clause in itc~ present form were appi o~ ed ~
Mr. BRESNAHAN.YeS, sir; the two examples:that I just gave, Maine
and South C'trolina, would fall in that category because on their
noninterstate road~, they now permit 36,000 pounds tañdéms. Since
PAGENO="0666"
654
the Senate bill, which we endorse, would hold it at 34,000 pounds, they
do allow on their other roads more.
Mr. Cn~&~rEI~. As I understand, the trucking industry is agreeable
to living within the limitatioms in this legislation as it relates to the
Interstate System?
Mr. Biu~sNA.iw~. Yes, sir.
Mr. C1~rEi~. Despite the fact that some States may have passed
legislation in the interim between 1956 and the suggested date of
January 1, 1968, that otherwise would permit limitations in excess of
that set out this bill on the interstate over and above that which
can now operate in the interstate under the 1956 grandfather clause.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. That is very important, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. Cm&iw~. I know it is.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. I want to be sure I understand.
We believe firmly that any action taken by a State since 1956 that
was within the applicable Federal statute should be grandfathered
just as were those. Now, this is speaking generally.
But if you are speaking of the few instances where a State ex-
ceeded the Federal statute on its other roads as distinguished from
the Interstate System, these are special cases.
Now, naturally, we would like to see those grandfa.thered, because
they are not much different than those that were grandfathered be-
fore in 1956.
Mr. CRAMER. Let's get this further in focus so we understand, hope-
fully, what your position is.
If you will look at the law itself, when you look at the bill before
us (S. 2658)-if you have a copy of it-
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CR~3iRE. Would it be consistent with your position or would
you have any objections to amending it by striking the words "public
highways of" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "Interstate
System within," so it would read: "Weights or maximum widths
permitted for vehicles using the Interstate System within such State
under laws or regulations established by appropriate State authority
in effect on January 1, 1968, whichever is greater"?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. No, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. Now, can you tell me why?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. If this is what the committee wants to do-
Mr. CR~1ER. I am not saying that is what we want to do. I am
asking you what would be your position relating to such an amend-
ment?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. The position is simply this, that this would fail
to grandfather two, three, or four instances where States have granted
on their other road systems, something more than they could grant
on the Interstate System. While we believe they should be grand-
fathered, we would like to see them grandfathered, there are so few
of these that, frankly, it is not a life or death matter.
Mr. CRAM1~I~. In other words, you would not strongly object to that
amendment?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. That is the way to put it; we would not strongly
object. But to rollback all of the others that were
Mr. Ci~i~. I understand.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. This would destroy any value in it.
PAGENO="0667"
655
Mr~ SCHWENGEL. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. ORAMER. I would like to just finish this.
Could you give us some example where this amendment would
involve the States involved, those few examples you say exist?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. This amendment would prevent the State of Maine
from allowing on its segments of the Interstate System a 36,000-pound
tandem, although a 36,000-tandem has been approved and is oper-
able on the rest of the Maine system.
Mr. Ci~i~n~R. It would limit it to 34,000.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. On the Interstate System ;yes, sir. South Carolina
is identical, the same situation.
I understand that in Virginia, not for general application but for
certain types of vehicles, like tobacco trucks, they have done substan-
tially the same thing on the noninterstate roads, 36.000-pound tandem.
Mr. CRAMER. As a practical matter, if the trucks are operating in
interstate on the Interstate System, do they no have to limit their
axle weights to other State limitations, such as if they go from Massa-
chusetts to Maine, the Massachusetts law in effect would control,
would it not? So we have a few spotted States. It is not really a
critical matter, is it?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. When you are operating bel.ween States, you are
reduced to the lowest common denominator; yes, sir.
Mr. CRAMER. So. we are talking intrastate traffic basically when we
talk about Maine having to reduce 2,000 pounds?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Well, now actually, in Maine, Maine is in an area
where all of the other States had 36,000 pounds as of the 1956 grand-
father date, and this is one of the reasons they wanted to come up.
But they could not come up on the Interstate System, because the
present law prohibited it.
Mr. CRAMER. Did Vermont not go to 36,000 after 1956?
Mr. Kmni~. Yes, Vermont is the same thing.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. I am told Vermont would be in the same situation.
Mr. CRAMER. Is Montana involved in this, do you know?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Not as I understand it. I had thought so. I had
thought that Montana might be in trouble from the standpoint of the
application of the gross weight formula to any group of two or
more axles. In other words, axle as well as the overall wheelbase. I
understand this is not the case.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I am just trying to be helpful, because, frankly,
it appeared to me there was not enough in the record of the committee
as to what this revised version would do and did relate to the specific
aspect of it. I will yield.
Mr. . SOHWENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I am confronted with a very diffi-
cult decision right now. The chairman of the committee proposes sit-
ting. The impacted area bill on the floor involves some committees in
my district, which makes it necessary for me to be on the floor. Also I
have some 12 questions I think, Mr. Chairman, that should be asked
and the answers made a part of the record before we act on this
legislation.
Now, for this reason, it has been proposed that we sit this afternoon.
But it has been pointed out to me that two Members of Congress have
been scheduled to testify this afternoon, and so I yield to their desires
and will not object to their testimony and it has already been pointed
PAGENO="0668"
656
out there is other testimony to be presented that does not concern
height, weight, and length. I would not object to the committee sitting
to hear that with the understanding I can have a chance tomorrow
morning to ask these questions and others here to testify to this matter.
I want to make this a matter of record.
Mr. CRAMER. With deference to the gentleman's objection, which I
have advised the staff of, I suggested we meet at 9:30 in the morning,
at least for an hour, on these matters. I would hope that the gentleman
would remain here at this time, because I am about finished, and maybe
get some of his questions out now.
Mr. SORWENGEL. As you know, we are in session now.
Mr. CRAMER. I know that.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I promised to meet with some people on some quès-
tions we are working out on strategy on the House floor regarding the
impacted area bill.
Mr. CRAMER. I would be glad to yield to. the gentleman now.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I think it is going to take much too long to get
involved, and any one of the questions can be 10 or 15 minutes. Hope-
fully tomorrow we can maybe have some understanding, the answers
can be put in the record. I made commitments to people in my State
who are very interested in this legislation.
I want to make it clear, I am not asking this because I am opposed to
the legislation, because I am openminded on this. I am not com-
mitted. I have made a commitment that certain questions would be
raised and made a part of the record. This is the reason for my posi-
tion, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. CRAMER. Does the gentleman object to my continuing at this
time~
Mr. SCHWENGEL. You may proceed if 1 may be excused~ With this
understanding, I will withdraw the objection for meeting this
afternoon.
I was really willing to yield to the gentleman if the Chair would
permit it, to go ahead with the questions at this time.
Mr. HOWARD. The gentleman from Florida has the floor. He is
yielding.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. I can ask some of the questions but obviously this
is going to take a. long time, I think much longer than we will have
time for, even to explore this.
Mr. CRAMER. I will yield to the gentleman as may be necessary.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Mr. Chairman, the proposed on increase in single
and tandem axle weights pertaining to the Interstate System, actually
AASHO conducted extensive road tests on paper one pavement of
bridges in Illinois to determine the effect of increased weights on pave-
ments and structures. This is a question I want to address to you and
also to some other people who will be here, I hope, tomorrow: Do you
know the results ofthe finding on the AASHO road test in relation
to the pavement damage caused by 25,000 pounds single axle as com-
pared to 18,000 pounds single axle in the case of the Illinois test.?
Mr. Ln.L. Yes, Mr. Congressman. The results of the AASHO road
tests are contained in seven volumes of publications which the High-
way Research Board put out..
Obviously `t complete `inqlvsis of this is something thit could not
be undertaken here. . ~. :
PAGENO="0669"
657
Now, there have been interpretations from this data which have pur-
ported to know that the 20,000 pound single is more. damaging to a
pavement-this is generality-than an 18,000 pound single.
I think it is important to always understand that the AASHO road
test was set up as a traffic type damage experiment in which they built
two-thirds of the pavement sections to known underdesign. In other
words,. they built these test sections, a high percentage of them, to
break up under traffic so they could certain characteristics about these
and about the traffic.
Now, it also should be understood that the AASHO road test was
set up a destruct test under adverse climatic conditions.
In other words, they built this in an area on a very low quality em-
bankment soil with low quality gravels and low quality crushed stones,
and they placed on this high quality asphalt, concrete, high-quality
poured cement concrete.
There is really only one question which comes to the forefront when
you attempt to analyze the results of the AASHO road test, and that
is: Does the equations whi~h resulted from this destruct test-in other
words, breaking up these 10 pavements-predict pavement behavior
for adequately built pavements?
And the answer is a flat "No," it does not. Therefore, these relative
damage coefficients which may result from this mathematical equation
are meaningless. They do not predict pavement life.
We hear, for instance, that the 18,000 axleload is 5,000 times damag-
ing as the 5,000- or 2,000-pound axieload. But 5,000 times zero is still
zero. This holds all the way up and down the scale of axle loads which
may come out of this equation.
I think the real value of the road test comes from its interpretations
and its in-depth studies, such as are contained in this maintenance re-
port, such as is contained in this Alabama Highway Research Report,
where the States have taken these back to their own States and have
tried to develop divine procedures from them. And we find that the
other factors-the factors of locality, the factors of climate-iiave be-
come dominant in the matter of pavement life and that the AASHO
road test equations, the traffic relationships have virtually disappeared
on adequately built pavements.
Mr. SOIIWENGEL. The test did propose, there was .57 percent more
damage on the increased weight in that test?
Mr. BRESNATTAN. Between the 20 and the 18?
Mr. SOITWENGEL. Twenty and 18.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir.. There was a difference between the fact
that something like the 5-ineh concrete pavement failed under the 18,-
000 pounds single and there were some deterioration in perhaps the six
and one-half pavement under the 20,000 single. Neither one of these
pavements in terms of rigid pavement, of course, are built on our
highway system, particularly interstate. We built them much heavier,
8 to 10 inches. .
Mr. SCHWENGEL. While you fellows are still here, again I tip my
hat to a great industry. I really mean this. You have been tremendous
in the development of America. You have made great strides.
You are saying you made no advancements since we built the high-
ways. Some of the people.. in. your business .1: talked:to indicaitèd ad
vances have been made, we have reduced cost of maintenance of your
trucks, because of the Interstate System.
PAGENO="0670"
658
Mr. BRESNAHAN. My comment went to technological developments
of the vehicle relative to the weight and size problem.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. I understand. But you improved the performance
of the industry since that time?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. We have made a great many improvements.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. You have become probably the most efficient en-
gine operators of all industry, from the studies that I have seen and.
for this I commend.
Now, how much of your trucking industry, how many trucks-you
have had a tremendous increase since we have had the Interstate Sys-
tem. Is that not true, and a number of trucks?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. In the Interstate System?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. In America. In total number.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. In total number. it has increased significantly over
the years; yes sir.
Mr. SGHWENGEL. How many trucks are there in America today?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. About 14 million of all types and descriptions, in-
eluding the small panel trucks.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Now, what number of trucks you anticipate would
take advantage of the increases that you are asking for `here, in both
width and length, and weight, percentagewise or total?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. I might as well have Mr. Kiley tell you directly.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. All right.
Mr. KmEr. I believe you. First, 15 million trucks today is the' total,
15 million.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. That is a substantial increase over what we had
when we were just debating this Interstate System, is it not?
Mr. Ku~y. But this increase has been in line with the general in-
crease in vehicle registration, highway~ use by everybody. I do not
know that there is any direct acceleration in growth. This is a normal
increase. It has always been pretty well in line with the growth of
our economy in general.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I have had a very prominent person tell me it
would not have been increased nearly as much if we had not had the
Interstate System. That was his feeling. It may be wrong.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. May I elaborate on that point a little bit?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. There may be individual truck operators where
this is true, but I would like to point this out to the committee, the
Interstate System is still a long way from completion, and I would
like also to point out that there is a case pending at the Interstate Com-
merce Commission at this late date to determine how and to what
extent trucking companies regulated by that body may leave the roads
over which they were authorized to operate in their original certifi-
cates and operate on the Interstate System. So because the system has
been nowhere completed and because from a legal standpoint, the
Commission has not resolved some of these problems-
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Chairman-point' of order-the House is in
session.
Mr. HowAm~. Point of order. The House is in session.
The committee will hereby adjourn, I understand, until the call of
the Chair. I understand permission will be sought to meet this
`afternoon. Announcement will be made later.
PAGENO="0671"
659
The coimnittee is hereby adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 12:20 p.m., the meeting was recessed, and recon-
vened at 2 p.m., the same day.)
AYEERNOON SESSION
Mr. ROBERTS. The subcommittee will come to order. We are pleased
to have with us our distinguished colleague, member of the com-
mittee, member from California, Mr. Johnson.
Mr. JOHNSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the
committee. This is the second time that I will have an entry in your
record. The first one was in there pertaining to the forest roads and
trails.
STATEMENT OP HON. HAROLD T. JOHNSON, A REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS PROM THE STATE OP CALIFORNIA
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman, as a Member of Congress who was
privileged to coauthor H.R. 14474,. a bill drafted by the distinguished
chairman of the Roads Subcommittee of the Committee on Public
Works, I certainly am happy to appear here today to give my full
support to the legislation which you have before you to amend section
127 of title 23 of the United States Code relating to vehicle weight
and width limitations on the Interstate System, in order to make
certain increases in such limitations.
It is, indeed, time for a change.
As the members of this committee well know, there has been little
change in the allowable weight and size of trucks during the past
25 years, although the roads of today, I think we all agree, are much,
much better than they were a quarter of a century ago.
The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 did impose certain limita-
tions on trucks; namely, a restriction of 18,000 pounds for a single
axle; 32,000 pounds for a tandem axle; 96 inches for vehicle width;
~nd 73,280 pounds for maximum gross weight.
It should be emphasized that these weight restrictions were 10 years
old at the time they were placed in the Federal law, for the limitations
were taken directly from size and weight standards adopted by the
American Association of State Highway officials in 1946, a year in
which postwar highway development was just getting underway and
the engineering and scientific vision and progress which had been
stimulated by the 4 years war efforts was just being converted into
civilian peaèetime public works.
Highway construction has not stood still during the 22 years: since
these standards were adopted. There are none in Congress today more
aware of the progress which has been made during the past two decades
in this field than the fine members of this subcommittee. Today, with
the expanded highway program. we have provided, and are continuing
to provide, modern highways capable of more efficient utilization
are in existence. The time is overdue for~ a change in the Federal
law to permit the States, in turn, to adapt their size and weight laws
to the capabilities of today's modern highways.
Such~ a change as. is proposed in the legislation we have before ur~
today does not come as a result of speculation or guesswork, but is a
PAGENO="0672"
660
result of years of scientific study by the Bureau of Public Roads, the
Department of Commerce and now, the Department of Transporta-
tion.
Based on the recommendations of this committee, Congress directed
such a study in the fall of 1959. After 5 years of detailed investigation,
the Secretary of Commerce submitted his size and weight recom.rnenda-
tions to Congress as follows:
Increase the 18,000-pound single axle weight limit to 20,000 pounds.
Increase the 32,000-pound tandem axle limit to 34,000 pounds. Increase
the width limit from 96 inches to 102 inches. Change the flat maximum
gross weight of 73,280 pounds to a formula. that would permit higher
gross weights as the length of vehicles and number of axles are
increased.
Basically the provisions of H.R. 14474 and Senate-passed S. 2658,
which also is before the committee, conform with these recommenda-
tions although there are some slight differences in the tandem axle
and gross weight limitations; however, S. 2658 has been amended to
bring it more closely in line with the recommendations of the Secretary
of Commerce, and certainly as one sponsor of this legislation, I would
accept the amendments.
Under S. 2658 and H.R. 14474 the States would continue basically
to control motor vehicle sizes and weights just as they do under the
present statute. The new legislation would not change the existing size
and weight law in any State. But it would give States the much needed
opportunity to improve their size and weight standards; an oppor-
tunity which is denied them today because of the present limitations.
Let me emphasize, Mr. Chairman, that passage of this legislation
in its present form will still leave 15 States with higher axle limita-
tions than proposed in this legislation. Many of this number have had
these higher axle weights for many years. And certainly, it is logical
that these States would not desire to reduce their present limitations
and should not be forced to do this, for it is accepted that highways
in these States are being built to support these weights. It is appro-
priate therefore, that this bill "grandfather in" all excess weight
limitations now being enjoyed by. them. 1 do feel however, tlia.t fair-
ness demands more equitable treatment for trucks in other parts of
the United States. Trucks throughout. the Nation pay the same Federal
highway taxes so some sections of the country should not be discrimi-
nated against by allowing greater use of the highways than is per-
mitted in other sections.
Mr. Chairman, let me turn for just a moment to my own State and
congressional district. As you all know, the Second District geo-
graphically encompasses fully one-third of the State of California and
the area is greater in square miles than that of many States, including
the State of New York.
In my congressional district a .large part of the economy is tied
very closely with highway transportation and about 90 percent of
the trucks are privately owned by people transporting their products.
If there is any way to reduce the cost of transportation, we should
take advantage of it, particularly at this time when we are facing an
inflationary trend.
One reliable economist in California has estimated that if Calm-
forñia woñld take advantage of the inèreases in the size~ and weight
PAGENO="0673"
661
of trucks which is in the bill passed by the Senate, it would mean a
reduction in transportation costs in California of approximately $200
million per year. The rates charged by truckingfirms are regulated in
the State of California by our State public* utilities commission and
are based on reasonable revenues. Therefore, any reduction in trans-
portation costs, such as would occur as the result of enactment of this
legislation, would be passed on directly to the consumer. Our economy
certainly could use, in this difficult time, this type of savings.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I would like to say the bill as passed
by the Senate has adequate safeguards to protect our highway in-
vestment and I would recommend no limitations less than those in-
corporated in 5. 2658.
Thank you, for this opportunity to appear here today in support
of the legislation that is pending before this committee.
Mr. ROBERTS. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for your fine statement.
I would like to bring out a couple of points for the record. What
weight would you authorize? What would be a maximum weight?
Mr. JOHNSON. We would accept the maximum weights that are
provided for under the formula, as far as maximum weight.
Mr. ROBERTS. We just had sort of a meeting after we got through
awhile ago. It just depends on how many axles. I have a constit-
uent that makes a device, already patented and already in operation,
and if you were hauling feathers, you could have 24 trailers going
down the road, and all following in the same tracks of the others. How
long would you let it be?
Mr. JOHNSON. I think the experiences that are now in existence
with the safety records, and the insurance companies that insure these
vehicles are adequate to take care of that situation.
Mr. ROBERTS. Well, unfortunately, the ICC-read into the record
this morning by a gentleman from Oklahoma-shows safety regard
on the fatalities, far greater involving trucks than any other vehicle.
Would you limit the number of axles? Could a person just have a train
going down the highway?
Mr. JOHNSON. It has been my experience in driving across the
country many times, and driving a great deal in my own district
where I have to travel many, many miles to cover the district that
our trucking operations are fairly safe operations. I admit~ that they
do have accidents; but I am sure that the type of vehicles that have
been provided, and the size, the width and the weight, are presently
well regulated at the present time within the industry, within the
regulatory authorities and those that they can get insurance on.
Mr. ROBERTS. How many pups do you allow the trailer to have?
How many extra trailers do you allow to remain behind the main rig
in California now?
Mr. JOHNSON. Right offhand, I would have to stop and take a look
at that.
Mr. ROBERTS. I think two, but I am not real sure.
Mr. JOHNSON. Two, I think, it is. That is all we have at the present
time and unless there have been some new innovations since the last
time I encountered many of these trucks.
Mr. ROBERTS. I think we all agree that we have to do some revision;
but where do you stop.
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662
Mr. JoHNsON. Well, 1 do not think that there would be anything
that would be out of line, because I think that most of the trucking
concerns realize their difficulties in operating equipment that is not
safe, and they do not like to do it. I think that all of our organized
trucking lines operate under license and franchise in our State and
in interstate traffic do a pretty good job in regulating the size, the
width, and the length, and have the proper insurance upon their
vehicles. And their accident rates are very carefully developed.
Mr. ROBERTS. I thank the gentleman for his fine statement.
Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Just one question, Mr. Chairman. It is true is it not,
that under present law, 1956 act, there is no limitation?
Mr. JOHNSON. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. And there is no limitatiOn proposed in the legislation
before us?
Mr. Jom~sox. That is right.
Mr. CRAMER. And that means, of course, that it is within the State
jurisdictions to determine what in their discretion the proper length
limit should be, is that correct?
Mr. JOHNSON. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. That is all.
Mr. JOHNSON. Thank you.
Mr. ROBERTS. Now it is our pleasure to hear from our distinguished
colleague from Hawaii, Mr. Matsunaga.
Mr. MATSUNAGA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
STATEMENT OP HON. SPARK M. MATSUNAGA, A REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS PROM THE STATE OP HAWAII
Mr. MATStTNAGA. Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee,
I thank you for this opportunity of appearing before you and express-
ing my views on legislation which would increase the, weight and width
limitations for vehicles using the Interstate Highway System.
Earlier this year I introduced a bill, H.R. 15191, which contained
provisions for amending title 23 of the United States Code relating to
motor vehicle weight and width limitations similar to the provisions
of S. 2658 which is presently under consideration, having passed the
Senate on April 4, 1968. I fully support S. 2658 even if it provides for
an increase of vehicle weight and width limitations of a lesser extent
than is contained in my bifi.
A revision of the Federal size and weight limitations for motor ve-
hicles using the Interstate System `is long past overdue. These linuta-
tions were based upon standards proposed by the Association of State
Highway Officials in the period 1944-46, and were already 10 years
old when included in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Width
limitations were included which dated back to 1932. These limitations
on size and weight were prescribed for the' purpose of protectrng the
Federal investment in the Interstate System.
These limitations were included as a: temporary' measure and `the
department of Commerce was directed to make a study and recommend
changes by 1959. However~ the report `was not submitted by the De-
partment until 1964. The limitations proposed by S~ 2658'are similar
to those recommended by the 1964 report.
PAGENO="0675"
663
As a result of the 1956 legislation, for more than 20 years nearly half
of the States have been unfairly restricted in the use of their highway
systems. The grandfather provisions of the 1956 act allowed 26
States to continue to peimit `~xle loads greater than the 18,000 pound
limits, 15 of them allowing 20,000 pound limits. While 27 States were
confined to the 32,000 pound tandem axleload level, other States were
allowed limits as high as 34,000 pounds. In 1964, the Bureau of Pub-
lic Roads reported that in 1963 the average tandem axle weight limit in
the Northeastern section of the country was 36,290 pounds and in
the Southeast 35,500 pounds. Thus, limits in the Northeastern States
were higher than in other States more dependent upon highway
transportation.
As long as the 1956 limitations remain in effect many States are
denied the opportunity to apply new technology and techniques which
they believe would result in significant advances in efficiency and
economy, consistent with modern highway construction. States which
have had limits "frozen" at 18,000 pounds axle weight since 1956 have
been denied the opportunity to approach standards many other States
have enjoyed for years and which are essential for efficient motor
truck operations. In States permitting the higher limits, years of ex-
perience have demonstrated the practicability to have 36,000-pound
tandem axleload limits. It is for this reason that I proposed the 36,000-
pound limit in my bill.
However, I am also of the opinion that the formula for determin-
ing the maximum gross weight limits included inS. 2658 provides bet-
ter controls than now exist because it directly relates the length of the
vehicle and number of axles to the overall gross weight. Under this
formula, longer and heavier vehicles could operate than now are per-
mitted in several of the States, and less damage to the highway sys-
tem would result than from operation of the short-wheelbase vehicles
operating under the existing 73,280-pound gross-weight limitation.
Superior highway systems have been built since 1946 and are still
being built. The greater capacity provided by these modern highways
is not being fully utilized because of the outdated size and weight
limitations. In 1946, the American Association of State Highway Of-
ficials suggested that as more modern roads were built it would be
better to allow vehicles 102 inches wide-the 1946 limit was 96 inches-
because of ~ * * certain conditions inherent in the design of ve-
hicles." The wider vehicle provides more adequate tire mounting,
better spacing for cool running, adequate room for dual chains and
for adequate springs, larger capacity brakes on an adequate frame and
increased stability by increased lateral spacing of springs. The Amer-
ican Association of State Highway Officials revised its recommenda-
tions in 1964 to single-axle weight limits of 20,000 pounds and vehicle
width of 102 inches, the same as the limits proposed in 5. 2658.
Differences in size and weight limitations of the States resulted
from varying needs of agriculture and industry and the peculiar re-
quirements of each State for highway transportation. The char-
acteristic mobility of this Nation's population could not have been
achieved without adequate provision for transportation facilities. For
historic and geographic reasons, the dynamic growth of the economy
of the West was paralleled by the greatest growth in motor vehicle
transportation. Commenting on the role of highways in economic de-
96-030-68----43
PAGENO="0676"
664
v~1opment, Thomas MacDonald, a pioneer in highway matters, re-
marked that:
We were not a wealthy Nation when we began improving our highways, but
the roads themselves helped us create a new wealth, in business and industry
and land values.. . so it was not our wealth that made our highways possible.
Rather, it was our highways that made our wealth possible.
The proposed legislation would provide for greater and more effi-
cient use of our highways and help to improve our economy. Weights
and sizes of motor vehicles are not the only factors in the durability
of a highway, proper design, construction and maintenance, and the
effects of climate are also extremely important. Broad public policy
decisions require maximum dimensions, and weights for highway ve-
hicles, established to produce the lowest possible cost for movement
of the Nation's goods.
Enactment of this bill would permit my own State of Hawaii to
modernize methods of determining allowable size and weight limits.
Some gross weight limits could also be increased if current restrictions
were removed. While most of the highway hauling in Hawaii does
not involve heavy loads, a very important transport service could be
improved under the proposed legislation. Hauling of bulk sugar could
be made more efficient as well as hauling of pineapple in designated
highways. The timing in the movement of pineapple from field to
cannery is very important in maintaining quality of production, and
more efficient hauling would improve the competitive position of this
product in the foreign market. Milk production has moved farther
from markets and any improvement in hauling of bulk milk would
stabilize rising costs of distribution of milk. Production costs* would
also be lower if feed moved to production areas on trucks loaded more
nearly to capacity.
Commercial carriers are not the only people involved, for over 94
percent of all trucks owned and operated by businesses transporting
their own goods. Furthermore, every business is dependent upon high-
way transportation. There is more truth than selling in the advertising
jingle that "if you got it, it was trucked to you." Increasing size and
weight limits would mean fewer vehicles would be needed and more
efficient use would be made of our highways.
S. 2658 is not intended as a Federal determination that increased
limits should be permitted indiscriminately, nor does it imply that
roads, other than interstate, are capable of bearing the increased loads.
It is rather a statement of policy that would permit the new designated
weight limits and still not do violence to the Federal interest in devel-
oping a nationwide network of major traffic service highways. The
changes embodied in 5. 2658 are long overdue. However, I am con-
vinced that the best interests of both the Interstate System and the
trucking industry require that S. 2658 be approved without the addi-
tion of length restrictions. I therefore urge early and favorable action
on the Senate-passed measure without weakening amendments.
Thank you very much.
Mr. ROBERTS. Thank you. Any questions?
Mr. CLAUSEN. No, just to say that I think that the gentleman's
statement from Hawaii is certainly the type of statement that we
have known to expect from him.
Mr. MATSuNAGA. Thank you very much.
PAGENO="0677"
665
Mr. ROBERTS. We have a quorum call. The committee will be re-
cessed for 15 minutes.
(Short Recess)
Mr. ROBERTS. The subcommittee will come to order. The gentlemen
from Dallas, the witnesses.
It is my distinct pleasure to present my longtime friend and col-
league and hunting partner, the former mayor of Dallas and now our
distinguished colleague, Earl Cabell.
STATEMENT OF HON. EARL CABELL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CON-
GRESS PROM THE STATE OP TEXAS, ACCOMPA~1ED BY MAYOR
ERIK JONSSON, OP DALLAS, TEX.; AND VINCENT PONTE AND
WARREN TRAVERS OF PONTE & TRAVERS, PLANNING ARCHI-
TECTS AND ENGINEERS
Mr. CABELL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that introduction.
Can I borrow you when the campaign starts this fall?
Mr. ROBERTS. Yes, sir.
Mr. CABELL. I do appreciate this opportunity of making this presen-
tetion to you and Mr. Blatnik and Mr. Clausen.
I recognize that time is of the essence, and I appreciate the fact
that you have worked up into what has been a very long, drawnout
hearing on a very complicated subject.
The Highw~ty Act ol 1968 embodies some nen concepts, new rnno
vative concepts with reference primarily, and that is our interest
here today, dealing with the traffic problems brought about by our
highway systems in our core areas of our metropolitan cities.
And in order to support their premises on this core area traffic
handling, we wanted you to know whnt our own area has been doing
on their own in long-range projections and planning on this very
subject which is of vital importance to our metropolitan areas.
I will not belabor the committee with the details on this, because
there are technicians and others much more close to it than I, and I
would like at this time to introduce the mayor of the city of Dallas,
the Honorable Erik Jonsson, who will in turn introduce those others,
for the presentation to you of what has been done by a city on its
own in this area of long-range planning and innovative concepts of
saving our downtown areas, because of our present congested traffic
situation.
So, without further ado, I will present to you at this time the
Honorable Erik Jonsson, mayor of the city of Dallas.
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Mayor, we are very delighted to have you.
Mr. J0NS50N. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the panel,
and ladies:
I am distinctly an amateur in politics and have been in the job
that was the cornerstone for Representative Cabell as a jumping-off
place to higher things.
In the somewhat more than 4 years which I have been in this work,
I have drawn certain conclusions about the problems of cities, Dallas
having grown to considerable size in the last few years. In fact, we
have added about 100,000 people, nearing now 900,000.
PAGENO="0678"
666
I think we are 865,000. We have built some 33,000 houses in those
4 years, and this gives you some measure of the way* growth
continues.
As in most cities of this general type, not the very old ones but ones
that have grown in the last 25 or 50 years to large size, we have a
central portion, a core, the heart of the city.
Suburbs begin to sprawl around this heart, and then we have
problems in both the heart and the suburbs.
We are concerned right at the moment with the heart.
We saw a moment in time when we could make major changes in
that core, and through so doing perhaps prevent the kind of decay
that has happened in the cities larger than ours, which is almost im-
possible to cure because of the tremendous cost of properties that just
seem to have been planned at random and do not fit in a rational
design.
A city, as I see it, is a system for getting these things done for
people. The physical things of the city sometimes, through disar-
rangement, misarrangement, poor planning, make it impossible for
the things other than physical, the spiritual, if you will, to thrive at
all.
Therefore, we think we have embarked on a most important task.
In trying to understand what should be done as a layman, I began to
realize that I was not using what I knew as an industrialist. There I
had learned that it was best not to pick up individual problems or
parts of problems, but to view all the problems in total and then allo-
cate to each its proper perspective, its right to priorities, to allocation
of moneys, time, men, materials. And, therefore, I began a program
about which we have given you two books today, called Goals for
Dallas.
We reasoned that if one wishes to go some place, the first thing he
needs to know is where he wishes to go. So we took a group of people
and tried to figure out what kind of a city we wanted to have, what
ire wanted it to do for these people for whom we construed we were
servants.
It has taken quite a while to get to this stage. We had 87 people
concerned with the construction of the first volume.
As to building of goals, you will find it is possessive of two sections,
the larger section is an inventory of where we were about 3 years ago,
:and the second volume was taken to the people in a rather unique way.
~\Te felt we did not wish to design goals for people. We wished them
to tell us what they desired, what they thought they needed.
And so we took it to many neighborhood meetings, most of them
~vera.ging 200 to 300 people, and asked them to tell us what they
wished us to do. And all 10,000 people really wrote, then, a revised
irolume, that is volume 2.
Now that we have this, we next must ask the people if they meant
what they said. If, indeed, they wished us to spend the money, take
* the time, energy and resources and apply them to the achievement of
the goals.
We had, about a year ago, last August actually, what we call a
crossroads campaign, which we said Dallas now is at a crossroads. It
must decide whether it is serious or whetherit is not. *
PAGENO="0679"
667
Up to that time oniy $62 million fOr a biennium had been appropri-
ated for capital improvements. This program was for $175 million
over a triénnium. Literature describing the items in this program are
also submitted to you.
Now, in most cities* our experts who are with us and who will make
a presentation to you on the screen will tell you there are about 500
acres in the core, perhaps less than half of that must be viable and
full of life. We are fortunate, we have about a thousand acres in the
core, and I will ask our next witnesses to describe to you how we wish
to reconstruct it, what we wish to accomplish and why.
The basic point will, of course, tie into the program about which we
are here today, in that if men are to live in cities and if indeed they
are to decide the work that they dO and the fruits of it in some equi-
table way, they really will not accomplish much if they are not mobile.
And this mobility must consist not oniy of the ability to get from one
city to another, but about within acity so they can really get something.
done at the time of their'disposition and their resources.
So, if I may, I would like now to present to you Mr. Vincent Ponte
and Mr. Warren Travers, who are our consultants.
Mr. Ponte will describe the core itself, and some of the proposals to
be done with it.
Mr. Travers is associated with him in traffic studies, and I think both
of them can make very clear to you what our needs are.
Mr. CLAIJSEN. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Clausen.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. Mr. Jonsson, while these gentlemen are coming to
the witness stand, I just want to say, on behalf of the minority, that
your comments and the material that you have brought with you re-
lating to the goals for Dallas and your illustrations on Dallas at the
crossroads is not only going to be a benefit to your area, but certainly
it is going to be a benefit to the entire country.
Because you as an individual have obviously taken into account
the problems as a whole in your given area, and I want to share with
you what I just said to the gentleman sitting here as chairman, Mr.
Roberts, I just wish more industrialists in this country had your
kind of attitude toward community development.
Mr. JoNssoN. Thank you, Mr. Clausen. I appreciate that much
more than you know. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen of
the committee, for the opportunity to be here.
This is Mr. Ponte and this is Mr. Travers.
Mr. PONTE. Mr. Chairman, before I show you our visual material,
a very exciting story I have of one American city, I would like to set
the stage of the principals in which we engaged ourselves, if I may.
Today when we hear the loudest noises across the Nation as a cease-
less litany of urban crime and racial crises, poverty and protests,
municipal disorder and fiscal grief, the physical setup and function
of our city, as it works, gets less attention from day to day. And yet
even as our cities gird themselves for another long hot summer, cities
continue, they remain the focus of civilized living in our society,
the concentrated articulation of our cosmopolitan world.
Let us then look a little bit further today,. in greater focus on what
the city may contribute in terms of a better life for Americans.
PAGENO="0680"
668
Now, I would like to define this focus more precisely, because here
is where our greatest traffic problems occur, and because the qualities
that lend the city its vitality, its excitement, its distinction, its special
atmosphere, are pretty well confined to a single district, as Mayor
*Jonsson pointed out, mainly the downtown area, the central area of
the city; or, to use the jargon of planners, the core.
If we look out over any North American city from an airplane,
`we can identify immediately what the core is. The way the tight
cluster of tall buildings abruptly thrusts up out of the surrounding
plane of low-level structures is like a diagram or a graph measuring
the concentration and intensity of life that springs suddenly to a
`peak in the core. It is the center of the city's economic, commercial,
`public., and cultural life. It determines, more than any other district,
the city's special character or flavor.
Financially it is by far the most important element, the largest long-
term investments are tied up there, and in many smaller cities, fully
`a fifth of the municipal tax revenues are raised on a patch of real
`estate that constitutes only a tiny fraction' of the total acreage of the
city.
Needless to say, the condition of a core is, or should be, the para-
mount concern of every city, for, as with the nucleus of a living cell,
the health of the whole city depends directly on the health and smooth
functioning of the core. And this is where the extension of the TOPICS
program can be effective for every American City.
Fortunately, the core has a lot going for it. Because it is the prestige
location, every major enterprise of the city and of the region insists
on having its headquarters there.
The core is a magnet for investment, and, like a serpent periodically
shedding its skin, it automatically renews itself under the impetus
of private enterprise every 40 or 50 years, among the bases of `mortgage
leases or leases. It is tearing down outmoded buildings and replacing
them with modern ones. It is this renewing virtue in conjunction with
the public sector which is our opportunity to reconstruct and restruc-
ture the. core before the century is out.
And Dallas is an example of this method. Today, for all its inherent
vitality, the core' is chronically subject to one `peculiar disability that
may be merely irritating, but can become as paralyzing and destructive
as'sand in the moving parts of a machine. This disability is, of course,
congestion, the hamperingof movement caused by sheer overcrowding.
And if there is any single factor essential to the smooth functioning
of the core, it is movement, the free circulation of trucks, automobiles,
and pedestrians within the core, and the easy access to it from outside
it.
When mobility is hampered, the downtown district, instead of
being the pride and the pleasure of the citizens, turns into a purgatory
-all to familiar nowadays-of choked traffic, polluted air and noise-
the constant complaints that we do hear.
Financially the effects of congestion are also severe, pushing up
the cost of conducting business in the city until firms in some cases
are eventually forced to sacrifice prime location and leave.
But for every firms that leaves, there are 10 others ready to take
`their place and live with the inconvenience for the sake of the
location.
PAGENO="0681"
669
Midtown Manhattan at this moment is in a frenzy of building and
so is the Loop district in Chicago, and downtown Boston and down-
town Dallas. But every new office building adds to the congestion,
raises the limit of economic cost and human tolerance, and drives the
traffic department to fresh expedients to keep at least a steady trickle
flowing through the solerotic arteries of the core.
The battle against downtown congestion has been going on for
a long time. It is not new to us in America. In ancient Rome the
situation was so bad that Julius Caesar, as one of his first acts as
dictator, banned all traffic in downtown Rome during business days.
In the Elizabethan era, when London started to get congested, the
Queen simply banned all building.
Since those days, congestion has been fought with a variety of
municipal expedients, less desperate than Caesar's, but hardly more
effective.
First, traffic was made to keep to the right instead of wandering
at will all over the streets. Then came traffic lights, then one-way
streets, circle intersections, then a host of restrictive curbside parking
regulations. And at the same time, trolley cars and buslines were
organized to concentrate and channel the flow, then subways.
But the congestion has only become worse, rising in quantum jumps
from the spread of the family car to the modern freeway, which
funnels tens of thousands of vehicles into the heart of the city
without providing enough space for them to move through or to go
to when they get there.
In Chicago it has been calculated that it would take a parking
lot three and a half times the size of the city center to accommodate
cars if every one decided to drive in. That means something like 700
acres.
And yet the passenger load on the Chicago subways shows a meas-
urable decline in recent years. People, it seems, still want to come
by car and are ready to brave the odds to do it.
So how do we find the means to make it possible for them to do
that?
Today the point of congestion has been reached at which our down-
town districts are becoming strangled. The average speed of traffic
has been clocked at less than 8 miles an hour, about what it was
in horse-and-buggy days 50 years ago. Today we have a highway
network that weds the States from coast to coast, from border to
border, and focuses in our city centers.
There are few tricks left up the sleeve of the traffic departments
to speed up the flow, and the expedients already in effect are rapidly
breaking down. Parking regulations are widely ignored, and double
parking, even triple parking are a common sight on busy thorough-
fares. Hordes of pedestrians, including the clerical armies working in
the big office buildings, clog the intersections at rush hours, prevent-
ing the traffic from making left turns or right turns and backing it
up for blocks in the outside lanes.
The load of pedestrians has itself become so large that there is
scarcely room for them any longer on the sidewalks. It is hard to
know who to feel sorrier for, the harassed pedestrian, jostled on the
sidewalks, trying to keep his nose out of the blue fog of fumes, or the
unhappy driver, locked in the glacier of stalled traffic, or, for that
PAGENO="0682"
670
matter, the many enterprises that have to carry on their business in
such hostile surroundings.
Clearly the time is past for makeshift measures which are for all
practical purposes impotent to allevinte the congestion, let alone re-
cover anything of the beauty, the dignity, and the human convenience
that we should expect in the central districts of our great American
cities.
What must strike any student of the anatomy of American cities
is that the average size of the core is between ~0 and 100 blocks or
2 to 300 acres, and this holds good for any American city, whether
its population is half a million or a million or 2 million.
In fact, midtown Manhattan, with all its cars, is only 400 acres.
The reason for this curious conformity seems to be that this dimen-
sion encompasses the distances a businessman is willing to walk to
meet his lawyer, his accountants, his clients, or a housewife to do her
downtown shopping. Despite all the advances in transportation and
communications, businessmen still insist on meeting and dealing with
each other face to face.; and the core conforms to necessity.
The fact is, as you well know, there is no substitute for physical con-
frontation at the office in a conference room or over lunch daily and
at a mOment's notice, if need be.
And the downtown area automatically adjusts itself to the con-
venience of htiman legs.
The core is compact, and will remain compact because it wants to be,
because it has to be. There are sound economic reasons for this, as
well.
As I mentioned a moment ago, there are enormous investments,
public and private, that are already locked into downtown areas for
years to come. Further investments, equally huge, in the sums of
hundreds of millions of private capital, are being made there at this
very moment. Despite the hazards, the drawbacks, and the gloomy
prophecies, more money is pouring into downtown than ever before.
These investments are obviously going to be protected and not thrown
overboard by dissolving the core. This is the sector that is a manageable
unit for traffic consultants and planners and for politicians.
And it is the one in which we can make immeasurable improve-
ments. The clincher, of course, is to keep in mind that the whole
character and spirit of the city life depends upon this compactness,
and On this coming together of many people in one place at one time.
The question, then, is: how do you keep the core compact and con-
centrated, but relieve the congestion? And how do you make it con-
venient and attractive and interesting?
And the solution that planners are increasingly turning to is the
so-called multilevel city center, or, to be more precise, the multi-
level core.
This is the path which we have set ourselves to accomplish in Dallas
during the next decade. This is the goal which we want to illustrate
today on the screen.
Now, briefly, there is nothing new or startling or mysterious about
this notion of a multilevel core. Give the problem to any reasonably
intelligent high school class a.nd they would probably come up wit.h
the same idea that Leonardo da Vinci came up with 500 years ago: if
you want to break up congestion and create a pleasant downtown en-
PAGENO="0683"
671
vironment, get pedestrians out of the streets, get trucks on a different
level as well, and at the same time revamp traffic patterns, widen
streets only where necessary, provide ample off-street parking, prefer-
ably on the periphery of the core, attached to the freeway loop, and,
above all, provide new levels for trucking, whether above or below
grade, depending upon the lay of the land.
These new improvements, to be effective, should be extensions of the
highway system, logical extensions from the hand to the fingertip.
And this holds especially true for the city core.
LTntil lately the ingredients of the multilevel city have been applied
only piecemeal. New York City's Rockefeller Center is of course the
best known example in the States, Montreal is the best known in
Canada.
Elsewhere, isolated underpasses have been built at critical intersec-
tions, and streets have been closed here and there to create a small
pedestrian mall.
But even the few superblock developments with open plazas, which
some of our cities have managed to carve out of their `downtown dis-
tricts, have turned out to be nothing more than little islands sur-
rounded by swollen seas of traffic.
The multilevel approach has never been applied on a significant
scale, or with the conviction of the followthrough to show whether it
really was a practical remedy for congestion without sacrificing den-
sity, whether it really could upgrade land value and land use, whether
it really could restore movement, interest and vitality to the threat-
ened core and whether, finally, it could by osmosis and extension sig-
nificantly repair and improve the whole millieu of the city.
Today, for the first time, the multilevel core is actually being applied
on just such a scale and with just such conviction. This is within the
city of Dallas. And although the experience has just begun, it is the
first steps in a major breakthrough in dealing with. the problems of
the central city and the future develdpment of `downtown areas of
North America.
I would like now to show you what is taking place in Dallas, and
how we expect it to work.
[Showing of slides.]
Mr. PONTE. This map that you see in~ front of you is the city of
Dallas in 1875. It is like any other city.
The streets were improved over a period of years, up until the end
of the Second World War.
In this scale you can see the small streets, but the first major improve-
ment in Dallas was a central artery coming in from the north. And this
indicated the cyclopian approach to our planning problems and scale.
Just recently now, since the war, the freeways have been built-
cyclopian indeed.
This is the freeway loop that encompasses every American city. In
Dallas it encompasses an area of some 930 acres.
For example, this is a selected number of cities in the country. Cities
that locate usually on waterways, they are followed in a period by rails
and then the roadways. In each of these cities of varying population,
populations you know, the center core represented by the red dot is
approximately 200 to 300 acres of hard activity where all the office
buildings, movie houses, major department stores and restaurants
PAGENO="0684"
672
locate. And it is around this core; the freeway loop-the dark black
lines-are located. The loop itself does not define an average CBD
system. In Philadelphia it is 2 miles long, 1 mile wide, and in Dallas
about amile and a half long.
The one thing that remains constant is the core. It is that constant
element that we feel we can improve in the next 30 years, `before we
reach the year 2000.
But the past is prolog, as it says on the door of one of the major
buildings of this city.
Inside this freeway loop-and we must show you some of the past-
it is typical of any North American city. Through main lines, the
streets run through with the traditional Main Street. The town grows
up basically with all the elements I have described, office space, 4 mil-
lion square feet in major buildings in the period of 1900 to 1931.
* But in the depression years and the war years, 1932 to 1949, a million
square feet. But in the succeeding years, 1950 to 1966, 13 million square
feet of office space, comparing to New York City which built 75 million.
* This is the cluster of office buildings, and you can see once again the
cyclopian approach-big, huge buildings, half-block, full-block, three-
block developments, drawing in thousands of people daily, tens of
thousands, as well as thousands of tourists to the hotels, plus the thou-
sands that come into the major shopping areas, major department
stores. And the shops are in between.
This is the healthy tissue of any city, but then the danger signals ap-
pear immediately. The town must be served. The parking garages that
normally must live and service these areas, but these in itself are not
of really great danger-what worries us most of all in American cities
are the parking lots, 460 acres of land we have measured in downtown
Dallas within 931 acres is covered with asphalt, and this is typical of
every city of North America of its size and scale.
First of all, of all these components of circulation that we are
concerned about, is trucking. The freeway loop and its interchanges
that encompass the city with the major expressways that come in,
part of the Interstate Highway System, the major trucking routes,
we propose that in Dallas, on existing streets, without any great
investment changes, that we should regulate the flow of trucks through
the city on principal highways to service within the area, as well as
the minor trucking routes.
In addition, since trucking cannot find its way through the streets
without double parking-because there are no lanes in Dallas and
since double parking and triple parking is a common experience in
all North American cities, we have now studied this area, shown
in orange, divided into a number of districts, for which seven we have
now and are now convinced that a bilevel trucking district can be
introduced siphoning off directly from the major interchange.
These brown lines represent just such trucking underground systems.
WTithin the realities of real estate problems, we got large-scale
developments which are presenfly imderway and others which `are
in the making or about to come in the future, and introduce the
system into compartments, hopefully then one day that they can
ultimately be linked and make an entire network of low-grades in
Dallas to service the trucking industry.
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673
The relief of trucking in that area, of trucking below grade without
improving one street as service-there is also mass transit, although
Dallas and many cities in North America are not yet ready to in-
stall such expensive items, at least under present arrangements, and
they have to be plannedfor.
An entire city reaching from the regional airport of well over-
how many acres is that ?-20,000 acres, as well as from the regional
post office system into the center of the city along the rails and then
underground and up.
But also a local system, a local system, of a different `caliber and
size and quality running from one end of town to the other, criss-
crossing it, not significantly just for the town itself but probably capa-
ble of extension, but in the initial phases, the secondary type `system,
smaller than the subway system, attached immediately to vast park-
ing garages, which, from the' outskirts into the center, people may
park in and `then proceed by :transit through the center of the city.
And all of this encompassing once `again this zone of 930 acres.
Our study begins in four zones, and I specifically will talk to you
on the purple zone, the southward quadrant, 346 acres of land, in
`which this phenomena of renewal now is most evident and in which
those principles that we are able to establish in this sector would be
applied to the remaining sectors forming what we believe to be
a model city.
This is not long range. This is doable today; and it is being done.
In the southwest sector outlined in black is the site of the new city
hall, 10 acres, and the site of the convention center, some 30 acres,
pius additional land assembled only recently from a bond issue f or set-
ting of city hail and for cultural and convention utility.
Along Main Street is the county courthouse area-the county area-
some 12 acres in all. `
In addition, Main Place, a private development of 10 acres, with
two blocks in between, which will obviously go to future development.
And railroad land, one of the most'important parts of development
is the availability of the large-scale developments, in single ownership,
for which the rails are one, or assembled by private enterprise or
assembled in public sector, and in the Santa Fe area there are some
30 acres of land next to Dall'as Morning News.
Here, we have continuity of large scale development, all occurring
at the same time; and the matrix to this is a public improvement
called Griffen Street, tying these elements together and tying it also
to the expressway. `
If we look specifically at this zone, this being a 67-acre zone and
this a 140-acre zone, this is what we can do to introduce the multi-
level core in the city on the basis of what is' now in the way. The first
zone, rather, the largest part of the development in the city at the
moment, encompasses some 10 acres of land at a cost of $100 to $110
million into' that zone `and shown here is the underpass, `the streets;
the developments providing underground trucking, underneath the
mainstream.
There has now become feasible, looking at the zone in the south,
another 10 acres where there is major ownership, where they con-
sider closing the streets that are presently there, introducing low
grade-in this 10 acres-access from local trucking street at a second
PAGENO="0686"
674
trucking street which would, then run down two levels below grade
and enter the private sector. Twenty acres of land would be serviced
by only two truck entry points-20 acres of land which, if developed
in a lot-by-lot fashion, with which we are now shackled, would now
have to have 30 truck entry, points, double parking, or maneuvering
~to get back into the building.
The truck docks are shown there in black. That is trucking in this
same area.
In this zone, which is slightly less than 67 acres, shown in yellow,
the pedestrian system exists below grade. That system that you see
in red represents the promenades and corridors and underpass
streets. Within 20 years, that system would have extended itself to
the main place; from the Tjnited Fidelity Building to the new hotel,
Holiday Jim; so in any one of the buildings existing on this line,
you could pass' from one point to another without crossing the street.
The relief to traffic is from 10 to 20 percent, not having people in inter-
sections where there are cars.
This is now being extended into the, Kennedy Plaza, within a few
years-3 years. With the completion of the main flanks in 1975, this
system would extend itself to the entire 10-acre zoning, connected
with the GAO Building now under construction in the south.
Therefore, it is not logical that a hop, skip and a jump will resolve
itself through a central college which now owns those two blocks,
privately developed, ultimately close to the 10 acres in the city, on this
area, and having at least 60,000 people a day, all of which~ would
have us trucking underground, below the pedestrian level, which is
above them-the street above `that-and finally, the parking between
them.
This is, in the very center, now being achieved by virtue of public
and private enterprise. It is in this sector that the extension of the
TOPICS program makes possible this kind of thing in the southern
area, and our last area, the zone I pointed out, extends from city
hall, the city area, and convention hall area. This `is to be completed
in 1970-the existing auditorium, construction to, the north and the
new city hall itself. It is on the `railroad lines, from the trucking
spot of the local system. This same' zone will have a pedestrian level
instead of being low grade. They will pass above the street levels,
over the platforms. into the zone of the entire city hall, and finally,
ultimately, extend themselves to the private development of the rail-
road lines.
They feed together, all the apartment houses, public functions in
this zone, and tying together these majpr points which were described,
at this point.
It is these elements which we as planners, are not opposing, and as
part of the long range plans, they are dual, and they are graspable
and in hand.
In addition, we intend or hope to recommend to the city of Dallas
the controlling, which will be changed for district zoning, to provide
that space below grade, which may one day become pedestrian levels
and be allowed to have access to the public sector as the streets are
created above grade. By this means, we hope to make the downtown
a livable area, which is the aim of those in Dallas, which the mayor
has described to von.
PAGENO="0687"
675
Mayor JoNssoN. Mr. Chairman, I think you see that our program
is extremely ambitious, moving acres of railroad tracks out of the
heart of the city, where hundreds of carloads of freight are being
brought every week to be distributed inside the core through huge
trailer/truck transport to take them out of the city, to minimize the
amount that comes in; to put the parking garages on the edges of the
core; to park underground for those buildings that are built from
now on in the core to provide, under the park, under the city hail,
under the convention center, adequate parking space for those vehicles
which would naturally gravitate to those areas.
One is in a dilemma when he is trying to manage a city. He has
limited money; he has limited manpower and time in which to meet
all of the emergencies that face him. Laymen on the council work with
the professionals. They try to see the answers to these problems. They
see that they cannot widen streets and move 50-story buildings aside
and we are building more of those and more of the 30- and 40-story
variety. Almost every month, there is one more to be added to the
stream.
There must be a better way, and we have sought to do it by those
expedients that seem to respond to the criteria of commonsense and
what we know; traffic control by computer; electronic surveillance of
traffic. These will help, but inevitably, we must go to multilevel de-
terminations to find the solutionthat will keep these cores alive and
not in decay We think the plans you have seen are the answer-at
least, for m'~ny, many years to come, the best th'it we can foresee,
and they are plotted in the perspective of the other goals that we
seek.
We now are engaged with some 750 citizens in task force arrays,
solving the 12 broad categories of the goals to put them in their proper
relationship with respect to priorities and the like.
I think this is the first time that all of the people in the city have
been, in any city, asked to ~ay what they would like it to be.
We have gone to them; we have talked to them on an eyeball basis.
We do now almost every week. I think the results are coming along
to the point where we can say they are rational; they are sensible;
they are what people want, and we don't have to worry about whether
we designed it from an ivory tower. This is what, you might say,
the people's ivory have told us they want, and we have taken it from
there to the designing board.
Once again, thank you for letting us come to you with this
presentation.
Mr. ROBERTS. We appreciate very much the presentatiOn. It is excit-
ing and certainly unusual, and I am sure there are many questions.
Mr. C~ai3ELr~. I would like to introduce Mr.. Scott McDonald, the
city manager of the city of Dallas, and Mr. Lloyd Braff, the execu-
tive director of the Central Business District Association Of Dallas,
Tex., which is an organization that has been in being for ~a number of
years. They have been in the forefront of private capital, assisting
its community in community problems.
I realize that this presentation today is not specific; that you gen-
erally have that in that we come up here and say, "We want X num-
ber of dollars for Y project," but this I think, is interesting.
I think it is a graphic example of a community under the strong
leadership that it has, seeking to do that for itself which is within the
PAGENO="0688"
676
wherewithal of that community to do it but points up at the same
time, the magnitude of the problem and where this is the ideal situa-
tion of where the municipalities or the local government can work in
harmony with and in partnership with the Federal Government,
toward the attaimment of those goals that would be impossible finan-
cially for the community itself.
The city of Dalla.s and its environs does not want to get into the
position that others are in today; wherein there is a hopeless situation
and they come to you and say, "You have to bail us out," but we do
think that with the terrific amount of talents and research and study
that has gone into this, that we are in a position-I say "we"-I still
consider myself a part of Dallas even though not officially so; but that
we are in a position to seek that type of partnership that I think can
be the most productive and the most economical in the long run, to
where we do not get into the position that some of our other cities
have gotten into.
We want to preclude these situations and stay viable and stay up
with the horses at all times.
Thank you very much for your time and for your splendid coopera-
tion.
Mr. Cn~arErn. Mayor Jonsson, your colleagues and those making the
presentation, I just want to say I have been on this committee for 14
years, and we now have extreme and aggravated big city problems
relating, of course, in your jurisdictions, to transhighways. It looks
like it is going to be mass transit under the Reorganization Act-Re-
organization proposal, No. 2. This is one of the most exhaustive and
enlightening, and I think, forward-looking presentations on behalf
of the major city, that has been presented to the committee since I
have been on it.
I will say to you, Mayor, that I congratulate you on your extreme
farsightedness. This suggestion that has been made relating to the
long-range planning, underground handling of trucks and people, is
certainly the direction-that or something else-is the direction that
cities are going to have to go in; and you mentioned the TOPIOS
program.
I gather from your presentation that you are interested in what-
ever systems in that type program that the Federal Government might
make available; but I would just point out that the State of Texas
received, under the present allocation for urban extension, which is a
quarter of a. billion nationally, $13.9 million, and the allocation for
the TOPICS is the same, so I presume you will ~et approximately
the same under the TOPICS program for the entire State.
I understand further, that your program calls for street system
improvements of $44.3 million; so I think it would be logical to come
to the conclusion then, that this would have to be largely the local
responsibility with perhaps pumpgrinding Federal system.
Mayor J0Nss0N. I think perhaps, sir, there is another implication.
We are hoping to have enough ideas develop out of this, so that we may
serve as a prototype in the solution of problems for others. This is
where our value would lie, not only to this program, but in several
of the other directions, I think.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, it certamly is one of the most outstanding pro-
posals and long-range planning programs that I have seen.
PAGENO="0689"
677
Do I understand that this $44 million street system improvement
includes these undergronnd truck routes?
Mayor JoNssoN. No. No. That is just the more routine annual
improvements.
Mr. CRAMER. Yes. So that we are really talking about some rather
substantial expenditures relating to that?
Mayor JoNssoN. Yes. I cannot give you specifics on the present
program because Mr. Ponte and Mr. Travers have not quite completed
their work yet; but we did want to bring you what we could.
We had some engineering done on the tunnelling of a little over
a mile of the main street that you saw in the diagram, right in the
center of the core, with parking facilities only at one end. This came
to $38 million. So you can see how major it is.
Mr. CRAMER. The only prthlem I have with the TOPICS program,
I mig~ht add, as an aside for your information, is that the proposal
before us is that we take it out of the trust fund and that means it ends
up coming out of the Interstate System. We are already behind about
$8 million, in finishing the system by the date of 1975 now. So we have
to make a choice as to whether it is more important to finish the inter-
state with the available funds or start a new program such as TOPICS.
Mayor JoNssoN. I cannot help you much with that. I am struggling
with the problem of 80 percent of the people, even in Texas, being in
the cities.
Mr. CRAMER. Thank you, Mayor and Congressman.
It has been an extremely fine presentation, and very helpful.
Mayor J0N5SOIc. Thank you.
Mr. ROBERTS. We have with us Mr. Donald Barbour and Mr. Paul
Spooner of the Roadside Business Association..
It is a pleasure to have you back here. Sorry we could not get to
you last week.
STATEMENT OP PAUL SPOONER AND DONALD S. BARBOUR, ROAD-
SIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, ON THE PROPOSED PEDERAL HIGH-
WAY ACT OP 1968-RESUMED
Mr. SPOONER. Mr. Chairman, last Wednesday, we filed a statement
for the record and since that time we have discovered two or three
oversights. We missed one of the ~tate agreements. We should have
discussed one State law; so that we have revised that statement. It
is minor, but it is to make it technically correct and we have today
given the staff a new statement revised as of today and I request that
it be substituted for that statement which we ified last week.
Mr. KLUczYNSKI. We do not object to that.
Mr. SPooin~R. I believe as we left the matter, we would simply
submit for questions, and Mr. Barbour is here designated to speak for
the association on the operational parts of the questions and I might
talk, if you have any questions that are specifically legal, on the
other.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. I am sure the gentleman from Florida would
want to ask some questions.
Mr. Cramer?
Mr. CRAMER. I appreciate your coming back as an act of courtesy
to the committee and the chairman. Due to the forum calls and the
PAGENO="0690"
678
bells the other day and other problems, we did not have an opportunity
to go into this matter, but it is something I am sure, that affects all
of us.
I have been following this so-called beautification and sign removal
program for some time, and of course, we have controls on the Inter-
state System now, do we not, in the bonus ring?
Mr. SrooNi~n. That is correct.
Mr. ~n~rr~u. And have had it since the 1956 act.
Mr. Sroo~n. Correct.
Mr. Q~M~n. Enacted in 1958.
As a matter of fact, all of the States, practically some 25 States,
participated in that program; did they not?
Mr. Spoo~r~n. That is correct.
Mr. C~rEn. That compares with about 17 States who signed the
agreement under the 1965 act.
Mr. SrooNr~u. That is right, Mr. Cramer, except that some of those
17 should not really have been counted because those agreements have
been signed without authority.
Mr. CRAMER. So at best, it would seem to indicate to me that the
approach of the bonus really has proven more effective than the ap-
proach of the big stick 10 percent penalty.
Wouldthat be your conclusion?
Mr. Spoo~u. Well, it has in that instance, certainly, Mr. Cramer.
I suppose that you could get a bonus that was so high that it might
have the same effect, or so low, that the two would balance out.
Mr. Cit~u~rra~. I hea.rd of interstate on which there are these controls.
For instance, over in the valley over here, in Virginia, between the
mountains; and it seems to me that anyone with a hilltop that can
be seen from a distance, ends up getting a bigger sign beyond the
660 feet: and that it has not had the effect of thus removing signs but
rather, it has had the effect of ending up with the construction of
possibly more obnoxious and even bigger signs at little greater
distance.
Has that been your observation?
Mr. SPOONER. Yes. There certainly have been some of the so-called
giant signs built on some of the places you mentioned.
Mr. CR~rER. Should the 1965 act be enforced in its entirety, in those
areas where signs would not be permitted within the 660 feet, is that
likely to be the effect in those areas as well? Bigger signs-not no
signs, but bigger signs?
Mr. Sroo~ru. Yes; wherever the topography would permit.
Mr. CIt~uiEn. Now, you represent the Roadside Business Associa-
tion; I presume that is a number of small businesses?
Mr. Srooici~R. That is correct.
Mr. CIt~MER. How is the small business going to pay for the big
Mr. Sroo~i~. It is not going to be able to and this is particularly
pertinent in our case because the very customers that our members
serve tend to be the smaller businessman; the man needing a direc-
tional sign, which seldom are the giant type.
Mr. CRAMER. In other words, Holiday Inn and some of the chains,
and Quality Courts, and so forth, and some of the chains of filling
stations, gas companies, will be able to afford the signs, where the
PAGENO="0691"
679
small businessman will not; is that correct So you advertise the big
one, and the little fellow won't be able to. That will be the effect; will
it not?
Mr. SPOONER. I think that is true, Mr. Cramer. I think it is also
true, too, because traditionally the sign that that small man has been
able to afford has been the rural sign as compared to the large national
sign that has been concentrated in the cities.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I am impressed with the fact-from the mail I
get, Mr. Chairman-that it is largely to the effect, "Get the signs off
the highways," in many instances, but no one seems to appreciate the
fact that this does not get the signs off the highway. It just removes
them a little bit farther from the highway, and they end up being
larger and more monstrous signs.
On page 5 of your statement, you discuss the contrast of control of
cities versus rural signs.
As I understand it, under the present law, all rural signs, except
on-the-premise signs, must be removed, which is a total of about
839,000.
Mr. SPOONER. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. While in effect, none of the city signs need to be
removed.
Mr.. SPOONER. That is true.
Mr. CRAMER. Isn't this rather discriminatory? What is the effect of
it. in your opinion?
Mr. SPOONER. We think it is completely unjustifiable discrimina-
tion, Mr. Cramer, and this particularly is so because of the fact that
there are at least as many justifications for the small rural sign as
there are for the larger city sign.
Mr. CRAMER. Now, I talked to some constituents who have traveled
even on the Interstate System, many pretty long distances, and a num-
ber of them have complained to me that they have not, in traveling
these highways, have had enough sign information to find the neces-
sary accommodations; be it gasoline or rooming or other more immedi-
ate needs; and so my question is: Isn't it necessary to have some bal-
ance between beautification on the one hand, and the basic needs of
information on the part of the motorist on the other hand?
Mr. SPOONER. I think that is entirely true.
Mr. CRAMER. Frankly, I have some people say to me that traveling
interstate at night is rather frightening to them because they don't
know where to find the necessary accommodations when traveling
long distances.
Mr. SPOONER. Somewhat along that line, if I might interject, the
Vermont situation is interesting, Congressman, in that, as you know,
after having gone through a number of gyrations alleging their act
this way and that, in 1968 they passed their House bill 450 which
absolutely barred, except for onpremise signs, all privately owned
outdoor advertising; but then the State~ itself went into the business,
but recognizing the need for directional signs of the kind that you
are now speaking of, took this business over, in my mind, in somewhat
of a socialistic manner, and we now are going to have as many signs
as ever, except now they, aregoing to be State owned.
Mr. CRAMER. Then the effect in Vermont has been that `you have
socialization of the sign industry.
96-030-68-----44
PAGENO="0692"
680
Mr. Spoo~rn. And there will probably be as many signs with all of
the problems that Government administration will make for them.
Mr. CRAMER. As I understand it, their law is something like 10,000
licensed businesses in Vermont and they are each entitled to four
signs but now have to get them from the State, is that right?
Mr. SPOONER. That is correct.
Mr. BARBOiJR. They only have about 3,000 signs in the State now.
Mr. CRAMER. In your statement you say there are four jurisdictions,
Hawaii, Alaska, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, a total of
950 signs must be removed.
However, according to the Bureau, it indicates that only 155 signs
will be removed in those four jurisdictions, Alaska, Hawaii, the
District of Columbia., and Puerto Rico.
Mr. SPOONER. I can quickly straighten out that disparity.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand some modification is needed to balance
it. That is not the point. The point is that the Federal Government is
not really getting much for its money in those four jurisdictions.
Mr. SPOONER. They are insignificant in my opinion.
Mr. Ci~n~n. Certainly, in my opinion, for the amount of money that
is supposed to go into those areas.
We have had this discussion about national standards. We had it
in the last consideration of the 1966 act. Everyone was in agreement,
as I understand it. Certainly, I felt that way; and the legislative
history shows that it was not the intention that there be "national
standards." And I think the act is very clear on this point.
Now, doesn't it appear, however, that the manner in which the Sec-
retary has unilaterally promulgated standards, for instance, pertain-
ing to the definition of unzoned commercial industry areas, that we
are going right in the direction of national standards?
Mr. SP0ONER. That is very true. As a matter of fact, it seems to me
that never has there been a more inconsistent bit of testimony than
that in which the Secretary said in one breath, that, "I cannot empha-
size too strongly that there are no such things as national standards,"
or words to that effect; and then went on to say, "However, the only
absolute requirement upon which we would have to insist would be the
existence of at least one commercial activity in any such unzoned area."
It seems to me a complete contradiction within the terms of the same
testimony.
Mr. CRAMER. At the hearings on the Senate bill, it became quite
clear that the Federal/State agreements defining unzoned commercial
areas, are expected to be initiated by the States.
Mr. SP00NER. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. And I recall our debate on this and the conference
reports on it and our lengthy discussions of it; that was my impression
of how it has worked out.
Mr. SPOONER. Well, actually of the 17 agreements signed, oh, per-
haps less than half were open end. That is to say that the State officials
were given complete blank check authority to make whatever agree-
ment they want; and a good number of those have signed agreements.
Those agreements look as if they were cut-as we say in our state-
ment-from the same mimeographed stencil. They do not evidence
any mutual bargaining and as you know, attached to our statement as
appendix 2, is a résume of those provisions of the agreements that
PAGENO="0693"
681
pertain to unzoned areas and they read almost identically. They simply
have not been negotiated.
Of course, this is part and parcel of the fact that you mentioned a
moment ago that we start with a national standard; namely, that the
Secretary and the BPR is insisting on one existing, other kind of
commercial use, and the whole argument is how far from that use may
other activities be? And they practically settled on 500 feet, with a few
variations running up to 700 feet; one under 400 feet; two to 600 feet;
the remainder at 500 feet.
So there really has not been mutual agreement. Certainly, they have
not been initiated by the States because no one can tell me that you
would have 17 agreements all written with the commas in the same
places, if they had been initiated by the States.
Mr. CRAMER. So in effect, in this instance, too, we are ending up with
national standards or standards insisted upon by the Bureau rather
than initiated by the States?
Mr. SP00NER. That is absolutely correct.
Mr. CRAMER. In the report of that bill, it was said that the distance
from the business estthlishment will be established in terms of cus-
tomary use in the State, and the needs of the area as determined by
geographic, sociological, economic and other factors.
To your knowledge and information, have State laws or agreements
been based upon these principles?
Mr. SPO0NER. That is one of the most interesting little stories in this
whole program, Congressman Cramer.
First, on page 6, I think it is, we enumerated nine States which have
significantly opened up the rural areas. All nine of those have in effect,
sought to be liberal along the lines of these criteria stated in the Senate
committee report; but they have not done so. Those nine States have
significantly opened up areas in the terms of that Senate Statement of
Criteria, customary use, topography, and so forth, that you just men-
tioned; but two of the States that have passed compliance laws, namely
Utah and West Virginia, did write into their compliance laws, criteria
for the negotiation of these agreements, which in substance and in
principle, are quite similar to those criteria laid down at page 9 of the
Senate report.
Now, the difference between them is this
Utah still remained an open end law, giving blanket check authority
to its highway department.
Their Governor was their negotiator. It said that, we will start with
the so-called standards of January 1967 but if possible, try to get these
other things in; something that will take care of customary use, and
so on; but it was not firm. It was only suggestive. As a result, the BPR
ignored these very criteria that were set forth in the Senate report;
overrode the suggestions of the State of Utah and pushed through an
agreement on its own terms with one minor exception.
The other State, which expressly adopted criteria in its compliance
law, substantially the same as those set forth in the Senate report,
was West Virginia.
However, its criteria were not merely suggestive. They said, the
agreement shall do this and shall do that. So that it was a firm com-
pliance law. The result is there has been no agreement signed with
respect to West Virginia.
PAGENO="0694"
682
Mr. Cu~&tE1~. Now, we wrote into the law-and the intention was
so and the right was so, at least as far as I am concerned, the payer
was reimbursed, should the sign be required to be removed.
As I understand it, the agreements so far refer to the prospective or
future construction of signs; or in the event of the actual wearing away
of the signs, and non-replaecment.
Is that your understanding?
Mr~ Sroo~rn. Yes. They do affect existing signs, Congressman
Cramer, insofar as they are illegal for being in the wrong kind of area.
They exempt existing signs insofar as they are legal because of size,
lighting and spacing. That is why we are hurt.
Mr. CR tER. So in effect, this is a method by which at the present
time, the Administration is getting around the requirement of reim-
bursement.
Isn't that the effect of it?
Mr. Spoo~rn. That is right. They are not. going to take down signs
that are in violation.
Mr. Q1~A~rE1~. Now, as I understand it, getting back to Vermont law,
as a matter of ~act, those signs which the State is putting up are actu-
ally within the right-of-way of the highways. Isn't that correct?
Mr. SPOONER. I think so, although I might say that I have seldom
read a more complex, vague, and general law, and I have not yet been
able to satisfy myself exactly as to r~vhat it means.
Mr. Cit~isir~it. That is my understanding.
Mr. SPoONER. I think you are right.
Mr. ORR. It appears in that instance we are definitely going in
the wrong direction.
Mr. SPooNER. I think so.
Mr. CRA~rr~i~. Even permitting signs within the right-of-way, which
were not permitted at all in the past.
Mr. Srooxiai. And perhaps mOre of them than we used to have.
Mr. C~MER. How in the world the Bureau could have approved
such a law as that, I don't know.
Mr. SP00NER. I don't know what happens to the agreement-the
Federal-State agreement-that was signed prior to the passage of this
most recent Vermont law.
Mr. CRAMER. The other thing that bothers me is that if we put
this law on the books, a lot of States expect Congress to come through
with the funds. It has not; it is not going to, in my opinion. They have
not even passed the authorization for this fiscal year.
It is my personal opinion, I doubt if it is going to be done in fiscal
1969 or 1970, at least, and the States, yet, are being pressured to pass
legislation which in effect would commit the States to do the job
but without any assurance that Federal money would be available.
Mr. SPo0NER. That is correct.
Mr. CRA3iii~. Does that make sense to you? It doesn't to me.
Mr. SPooNEi~. Not a bit.
Mr. ~JRA~rER. It is in about the same pbsition as safety is. The States
passed the laws. We don't put up our matching money that we com-
mitted ourselves to, by authorization.
Mr. SPOONER. That is absolutely right.
A few of the States have had the good sense to say, this act shall
be in effect in abeyance until the money appropriated is available;
but not too many.
PAGENO="0695"
683
Mr. CRAMER. Thank you very much.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Clausen?
Mr. CLAUSEN. No questions. I have read your testimony.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. No questions.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. You don't represent the tavern people, do you?
Mr. SPOONER. No, sir. We do not. They are sometimes customers of
ours, but we do not directly represent.them as we do the Motel Asso-
ciation of America, which is an affiliated member of ours.
`Mr. KLtrCZYNSKI. In the last year or 2 years, I was surprised that
they had over 150-plus members in that trade organization.
Mr. SPOONER. Yes.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. I guess they are the same as you people are. They
are only allowed three small signs, 50 miles away.
So we have listened to their testimony.
Of course, we will take that up in executive session.
Since there are no further questions, we want to thank you for your
appearance here today.
Mr. `SPOONER. We thank you very much. We appreciate this oppor-
tunity very much.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Our next witnesses will be Mr. John Hall for the
National Forest Products Association and Mr. Knox Marshall, repre-
senting the Western Wood Products Association.
STATEMENTS OF JOHN HALL, NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCI-
ATION, AND KNOX MARSHALL, CALIFORNIA DISTRICT FORESTER,
WESTERN WOOD PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION
Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, members, my name is. John Hall, and I
represent the National Forest Products Association.
With me is Knox Marshall, Calif6rnia district forester for the
Western Wood Products Association.
I have a prepared statement which I will summarize.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. We will `be delighted to put it in the record in
its entirety.
Mr. HALL. Fine.
NFPA is a federation of 17 associations, representing the wood
products industry from coast to coast. The Western Wood Products
Association is the largest of these regional associations and represents
about 200 small, medium, and large producers of wood products in
the 12 Western States.
We are appreciative of this committee's long and sincere interest in
assisting the forest products industry and the Forest Service to develop
solutions to their mutual land-access problems.,
You were instrumental in the enactment `of Public Law 88-657,
which removes some legal obstacles, and have `been most helpful in
raising the authorization for national forest development road au-
thorizations to $170 million annually.
H.R. 17134, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968, will authorize
$125 million annually for 1970 and 1971 for national forest roads.
This is a substantial reduction from the $170 million authorized for
fiscal 1968 and 1969. ,
Our association and our industry strongly urges that the $170 mil-
lion authorization level be restored.
PAGENO="0696"
684
We are fully aware of the need for keeping Federal expenditures
as low as possible, but we are confident that each dollar wisely invested
in the development of national forest roads will result in significant
returns to the. U.S. Treasury. This $170 million level is necessary to
keep the national forest development program on schedule so that the
national forest will contribute, to the full extent of their capabilities,
to our constantly growing need for wood.
The Federal Government in administering the Federal forests is
engaged as a proprietor in operating a property-about 113 million
acres-which is larger than the State of California and worth billions
of dollars and capable of returning several hundred millions of dol-
lars to the Treasury annually. Additionally, national forests can con-
tribute substantially in other ways to relieving the crisis which our
Nation now faces. Timber from these forests is the source of thousands
of livelihoods, especially in the. rural communities. National forest tim-
ber generates many millions of dollars in taxes as it moves from the
forest through the manufacturing process and channels of distribution
to the consumer.
The capabilities of national forests are just beginning to be tapped.
Currently, the annual allowable cut stands at. about 12.3 billion board
feet which has never been fully harvested.
This is going to have to increase by about 21 billion by the year
2000 if our country's wood needs of 100 billion board feet are going to
be met in that year 2000.
For every dollar's worth of standing timber, about $25 is added to our
gross national product through harvesting, ma~ufaeture, construction,
transportation, and marketing of wood products. About 5.6 percent of
the gross national product originates in timber-based economic activ-
ities. The Forest Service estimates that about one out of every $70
of our gross national product is attributable to the national forest tim-
ber alone.
It is obvious t.hen that the national forests must be managed with in-
creasing intensity in order to get the maximum potential production
from each acre devoted to growing wood fiber.
Forest management and most other national forest uses start with
accessibility and road expenditures are necessary to a realization of
most national forest benefits. These are investments which generate the
capital to pay for themselves, and also to return a handsome profit to
the owners, the people of the United States. They are also permanent
improvements which increase the value of the timber on the land that
they serve, because the timber is accessible, and can more cheaply be
moved to processing centers and markets.
A significant portion of the roads on national forest lands have and
will continue to be built by timber purchasers as part of the orderly
progress of thnber.
In fiscal 1969, timber purchasers are expected to construct an esti-
mated $75 million in timber access roads. Often roads built by timber
purchasers require some appropriated funds. To the extent that the
road cost is assignable to use for timber harvesting, it is offset a.gainst
the timber. To the extent that other uses require roads of better stand-
ards than those needed for timber harvesting alone, appropriated funds
are required by law to pay for the extra standards attributable to the
other uses.
PAGENO="0697"
685
More important, however, is theneed in many timbered areas for ap-
propriated funds for initial road construction. Road construction in
advance of timber harvest permits sales to be made in relative small
quantities of from 1 to 10 million board feet which can be handled by
small operators or which best fit management objectives.
For these reasons we commend to your most serious consideration
our proposal for maintaining the authorizations stated in subsection
5(5) at $170 million annually, for both years.
Our industry is deeply concerned over the current fiscal crisis which
our Nation faces and is anxious to do its part. in finding the best solu-
tion. . Congress cannot be asked to authorize appropriations of $170 mil-
lion magnitude, without insisting that priority be given to financing
roads that will return their costs to the Treasury many times over.
It is imperative that funds authorized by this bill be used for con-
struction of roads which will produce the maximum returns to the
economy and the Treasury.
We are working closely with the Forest Service. We have worked out
many of the~ legal difficulties in joint construction of roads. Together,
we are beginning to focus on the problems of road construction stand-
ards and maintenance. We are genuinely concerned that the national
forests earn a maximum return with each dollar invested in national
forest roads. We think that we can offer real contributions to this end
from our industry's experience in managing its own lands for maxi-
mum economy returns.
Mr. Marshall will commenton these.
Now, Congress has some difficult decisions to make in setting the
Nation's course and especially where cuts in expenditures are going to
be made. For this reason, we think it is necessary that Congress fully
understand the income generating capabilities of the Federal forests.
National forest timber sales depend in large part on the degree of new
access that is provided anuually by forest road construction. In our
estimation, it would be self-defeating to cut expenditures for forest ac-
cess roads. However, if these road expenditures are to make their full
contribution to our economy, there must be a high return on the in-
vestment they represent. Receipts to the Treasury from timber sales
and taxes will only be maximized if we get the most forest access possi-
ble for the dollar expended.
Mr. Marshall will comment on some of these ways to improve the
return of dollars expended.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. That is your complete statement?
Mr. Clausen?
Mr. OLAtTSEN. Yes, Mr. Ohairman. I won't delay this. I did want
to take this opportunity to welcome before the committee, Mr. Knox
Marshall. Mr. Marshall is from our native State of California. I hope
that the committee will pay particular attention-as I know they will-
to the comments he makes, because in the forest products industry,
Mr. Marshall is certainly one of the most respected men, not only for
his knowledge, but his fairness in presenting his case.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you.
Mr. Marshall, very glad to have you before this committee. You
may proceed as you wish.
Mr. MARSHALL. Thank you, Mr. ~Jhairrnan, and members of the
committee.
PAGENO="0698"
686
I am Knox Marshall. In our association's 12-State area, Federal
forest lands provide 54 percent of the raw material for the lumber
industry. Very many of our firms are entirely dependent on public
timber; namely, national forest timber.
So we are vitally interested in access continuity of the timber
sales program and we are also genuinely concerned about getting full
value for each dollar expended in constructing and maintaining na-
tional forest roads; whether the money comes from appropriated
funds or out of actual timber sale receipts.
Because we build a great deal of roads on our privately owned tim-
berlands, tree farms, permanent roads, we feel qualified to judge the
efficiency of a public road program.
Comparing the costs in building our roads, with costs for building
similar roads on the national forests, it often shows considerably
greater costs for the national forest roads. We recognize that at least
part of this difference can be attributed to the fact that the Forest
Service designs and builds roads serving other uses than just simply
timber management, protection, and harvesting. Growing recreational
interest in Forest Service lands imposes this necessity upon Forest
Service road planning and construction. Industry experience has dem-
onstrated, however, that in a great many cases, a maximum economy
timber management road is also perfectly satisfactory for multiple
use access.
The industry has attempted in recent years to share its experience
with the Forest Service in improving efficiency of the national forest
road construction program. Just last week at a meeting in Colorado
Springs, in which I was a participant, this was one of the subjects
discussed among industry leaders from the 12 Western States, the
western regional foresters from the Forest Service and top level Forest
Service officials from Washington. From that meeting came agreement
to establish regional joint industry-Forest Service committees, having
as one of their objectives reduction~ of costs in construction of national
forest roads.
We are very pleased to be able to report this development to the
committee. We think there are several means by which these savings
can be accomplished by this committee.
The matter of constructing roads now to serve traffic needs an-
ticipated~ in the distant future, sometimes results in forest roads with
higher than necessary per mile costs. While these roads in many in-
stances will be needed to serve such future traffic, in this time of great
need for economy it seems prudent to consider the discount principle
in making investments in roads,whether from appropriated moneys
or from timber receipts.
Using the discount principle will cause roads to be constructed to
standards reasonably protecting resources and serving near term an-
ticipated use needs, thereby substantially increasing road mileage per
invested dollar. The effect of such economic prudence is to make timber
resources accessible that are needed to generate dollars in local econo-
mies and for return to the Treasury at the same time providing access
for other multiple uses.
Another of the areas where we are trying to bring about increased
efficiency is in road engineering and design costs. The Forest Service
is attempting to computerize road location in the forests to reduce
PAGENO="0699"
687
costs. You recognize that we do much of this constructio~n as timber
purchasers. We have not yet, because the technique is new, worked
out the frustrations of getting a computer location that needless goes
through rock moved to a location less costly to construct.. Similarly,
we have problems with too rigid insistance by the Forest Service on
uniform grades, uniform alinements, balanced cuts and fills, and ex-
cessively: detailed surveys in forest road construction. Other possi-
bilities for savings involve less costly bridge and drainage struc-
tures. We hope to work together with the Forest Service so the many
new techniques available to us now allow actual realization of the
theoretical economies.
Forest* road locations can be much more flexible than highway con-
struction requirements would permit and still provide long-term
efficiency.
We fear that Federal budget cuts may result in timber purchasers
being forced to build roads to unnecessarily high design standards and
costs in order to get timber put up for sale. This threat stands as a
nightmare for the Federal timber dependent economy. Federal timber
purchasers even today buy sales that cannot return a normal profit
margin because of costly road construction requirements. The opera-
tor's choice in Federal timber areas is often to buy or abandon the
business. We are naturally upset when high road standards or failure
to supplement construction costs with appropriated funds is the cause
of the deficit sale. Failure to sell the timber means that communities
and businesses will wither and die.
Another of our goals is to help the Forest Service keep standards
within limits of economic prudence and in compliance with section 4
of Public Law 88-657.
Several years ago, your committee conducted a staff review of forest
access road construction in the major Federal forest areas. Because the
staff review resulted in an improved understanding of the atdministra-
tion of the funds authorized by this committee, we think it timely that
both the House and Senat&Publie Works Committees consider the
advisability of another committee field review. We offer the full co-
operation of the forest mdustiy in making a~ ailable whatever infor
m'ttion the committee deems necessary to making such a review
In conclusion, my industry fully sup~ports an annual authorization
of $170 million for national forest ~levelo.pment roads~and trails. This
is an investment which will create manifold returns to the U.S Treas-
ury in direct timber sale receipts `and taxes on income producing
activities generated by the forest products industry. In approving an
authorization of this magnitude, it is essential that Congress be
assured that these funds be spent in the most efficient way.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you foryour statement, Mr.Marshall.
Mr. Cramer?
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Marshall, I think you stated very well, on behalf
of your industry, the case as it really is. You have placed emphasis on
the fact that some of these Federal timber area communities are cer-
tainly almost operating with a gunther head unless they can have
something more in the way of a substantial guarantee that this pro-
gram will continue to go forward and be sustained with the best
enforcing management practices.
Now, is there anything that you can think of that this committee
might do in order to advance your suggestion here relating to this
PAGENO="0700"
688
question of the high road standards with higher than necessary per
mile costs?
Is there anything that you can suggest that the committee do to
relieve you from this dilemma?
Mr. MARSHALL. Well, at this point, as a result of our `discussions
last Thursday and Friday in Colorado Springs, we are moving into
this regional giant Forest Service-Industry Committee review of this.
I am sure this will bear some fruit.
Mr. Cit~rmt. In other words, you feel from this will come forth
some recommendations that we might give consideration to in the
future?
Mr. MARSHALL. I am sure it will be helpful but on our suggestion
that your committee and the Senate committee, too, acquaint your-
selves again with the field activity in this respect. There are lots of
urgencies and there are areas that need access and are not getting
access.
There are areas where the timber harvesting business is very mar-
ginal now because of several things but because of supplementation
and the appropriated money, you know, to help finance the access.
I think between the regional, the local-regional committees and
what you might learn from another review of how things are going
in the field, I think this could be very helpful.
Mr. CLAUSEN. As you know, we are very fortunate to have as the
chairman of our subcommittee Mr. Kluczynski, of Illinios, because
he, as you know, is the one that responded to our request to go out into
the West and review some of the practices and some of the new build-
ing programs. actually, on the spot.
I have said this before, but I tend to label him as the "champion of
the roads program," and all of us, I am sure, would agree that we a.re
equally grateful to him.
I can tell you this much-that many of us on the committee are
equally as disturbed over the fact that the recommended authorization
for the administration was, I believe, $125 million, when in actuality
this committee previously had established' the authorization level at
$170 million, which was the amount required to maintain the 10-year
program established back in, I believe, 1962, under President Kennedy.
And so I, for one, will certainly do everything that I can to move
this authorization back to $170 million.
In fact, I am offering an amendment unless the chairman bea.ts me
to it.
Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you. Very well said.
Are there any comments or suggestions?
Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure to have you before this committee.
You made an excellent presentation before us. I want to say to you
that what you have said will be very helpful. As you know, the gentle-
man from California, Mr. Clausen, has been with me on my trips sev-
eral times, and I know your problems.
I am sure that your statement, your testimony, will be very `helpful
to us.
Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Chairman, perhaps you don't remember me,
but I remember you. I met you out in San Francisco in Lake Tahoe
through the woods and we would like to see you back.
PAGENO="0701"
689
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Glad to see you. I remember a picture of a big,
fat guy.
It is nice to have you before this committee.
There being no further witnesses, the hearing will be adjourned until
9:30 tomorrow morning.
(Whereupon, at 4:36 p.m., the hearing was adjourned until 9:30
o'clock, Wednesday, June 1~, 1968.)
(The following materials were received for the hearing record:)
STATEMENT OF HON. WTLLIAM HENRY HARRISON, OF WYOMING, BEFORE THE SUB-
COMMITTEE ON ROADS OF THE HOUSE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE RE UNFREEZING
THE FEDERAL LIMITATIONS ON STATE VEHICLE SIZE AND WEIGHT MAXIMUMS
Chairman Kluezynskj and members of the Subcommittee, I appreciate this
opportunity to present testimony on legislation (H.R. 14474 and 5. 2658) which
would ease the Federal freeze on State vehicle size and weight limitations.
As the American Trucking Association has so ably expressed the issue, the
need for an increase in vehicle size and weight "now borders on desperation."
The bills before this subcommittee. would permit states, if they chose to do so,
to revise limits upon single and tandem axle weights, width and gross weight,
which were imposed upon the States when Congress passed the Federal Highway
Act of 1956. The Federal limits, both present and proposed, apply only to the
Interstate Highway System.
Present limitations are 18,000 pounds for~ single axle loads, 32,000 pounds for
tandem loads, and a gross weight of not more than 73,280 pounds, or a width of
not more than 96 inches. The pending legislation would set single axle limits of
20,000 pounds, tandem limits of 36,000 pounds, width, 102 inches, and a maximum
gross weight which would be determined by the wheel base, the number of axles
of the vehicle or a combination of vehicles. State authority having greater limits
would be allowed to keep them.
Wyoming adheres to the present Federal single axle limit of 18,000 pounds, but
already has the proposed Federal tandem axle limit of 36,000 pounds.
The trucking industry has waited ten years for legislation such as this, and
the need in this decade of the sixties is desperate if transportation costs are to be
kept in bounds and the cost of truck operation kept as low as possible. This can
only be brought about by more economical payloads which means more weight
on a single truck unit.
It is a fact that in the aggregate, the trucking industry moves more tons of
freight, has greater total freight revenue, and provides employment for more
people than ony of the other forms of transportation.
It is also a major part of the nation's inner city freight transportation, in
which capacity trucks must perform virtually all local freight services including
short hauls that are essential to other modes of transportation.
I firmly believe that if America is to fully benefit from her splendid highway
system and if the trucking industry is to continue to serve with utmost efficiency
the nation's rapidly expanding agricultural and industrial needs, we must allow
the nation's truckers to carry greater loads on larger trucks so long as these loads
do not endanger the safety of bridges or the durability of roads. I believe liberal-
ization of limitations as presented in legislation before this committee is prudent,
and within the necessary bounds of safety and necessity.
I urge that this legislation be adopted.
Thank you.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D.C., June 19, 1968.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
Ck airman, Committee on Public Works,
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Committee is presently considering S.B. 2658, to pro-
vide for certain increases in truck load limitations and dimensions on the inter-
state system.
PAGENO="0702"
690
While I recognize that the provisions of this bill have been recommended in
the interest of promoting the most economic and efficient~ use of our highway
system by passenger and freight carriers, I question the long-range effects of
the measure.
Inasmuch as almost all truck movement eventually must go over local roads,
bridges and streets to complete its route, we may find ourselves in real difficulty
if we alter present regulations. It may then become necessary that local recluire-
ments be changed. We may not be serving the industry by enactment of this
proposal; rather, we may only be increasing the problems of compliance.
I will appreciate it if the Committee will take my comments into consideration
as it continues its workon this bill.
Respectfully,
JAMES C. C0RMAX, Member of Congress.
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN TRANsIT ASSOCIATION ON H.R. 14474
AND S. 2658
To the chairman and members of the subcommittee, the American Transit
Association is the natiOnal organization representing the urban transit industry
which encompasses ]octj motor bus, electric trolley bus, and rail rapid transit
systems in the United States and Canada. Its transit system members carry
approximately eighty-five percent of the more than eight billion yearly public
transit riders.
The Association appreciates this opportunity to present its views with respect
to H.R. 14474, 90th Congress, 1st Session, "A Bill to amend section 127 of title 23
of the United States Code relating to vehicle weight and width limitations on the
Interstate System, in order to make certain increases in Such limitations" and to
its Senate counterpart, as amended. At this time the Association's primary in-
terest is in the provision contained in each of the above-mentioned measures
w-hich would increase allowable widths of vehicles using the Interstate System
from 96 inches, the present limitation, to 102 inches.
When Congress enacted the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 it placed certain
limits on vehicle weights and width. At that time there did not appear to be any
reason for the local transit industry to be particularly concerned with the limita-
tion of 96 inches placed on the width of vehicles using the Interstate System.
There were no prospects of any immediate impact upon the local transit industry.
Furthermore, it was made clear by the terms of the Act and its legislative history
that these limitations were intended to be temporary pending results of a study
and recommendation by the Secretary of Commerce with respect to proper
Federal standards. However, notwithstanding the report and recommendation
of the Secretary of COmmerce made in 1964 and the continuing investigation in
this field being carried on by the Bureau of Public Roads, Department of
Transportation, the 1956 "temporary" standards are still in effect. In the mean-
time, a substantial portion of the Interstate System has been completed and,
in certain areas where the Interstate System runs, has created certain safety,
convenience and economic problems which passage of S. 2658 would material]:,'
assist in solving.
A large majority of the states (38 including the District of Columbia) at
present permitthe use of buses of 102 inch width, or more, in urban or suburban
service under prescribed conditions or upon compliance with certain procedures.
Of the states presently adhering to the 96 inch width limitation, three (Nevada,
South Dakota and Utah) have afready adopted legislation to increase the limita-
tion on the Interstate System to a width of 102 inches-~-~uch legislation to be-
come effective as soon as action by Congress permits. Five other states whleh now
permit buses of 102 inch width under varying conditions (Idaho, Montana,
Oregon, Washington and Wyoming) have adopted similar legislation which will
make the 102 inch width effective on the Interstate System within their re-
spective states when that standard has received the approval of Congress. For
the information of the Subcommittee, there is attached to this statement a sum-
mary of state maximum widths of transit motor buses permitted under state
laws.
With the advent of the Interstate System into an area where the local transit
system is permitted to use 102 inch width buses, the transit company, if it uses
the Interstate System, is confronted, under present Federal limitations, with
the necessity for arranging its operation so that routes embracing any part of
PAGENO="0703"
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the Interstate System wili'be served with buses not exceeding 96 inches in width.
This involves the necessity for providing a dual bus system, which usually in-
volves additional capital outlay and increased operating costs. This, plainly,
constitutes economic wastage. The dual bus system also limits flexibility of
scheduling equipment. From the passenger's standpoint, the 102 inch bus improves
his comfort and convenience and increases the safety factor. From the standpoint
of the users of bus service during peak traffic, a shift to the 102 inch bus would
increase the quantity of passenger capacity available for service.
It is true, of course, that passage by Congress of S. 2658 would not change
vehicle size and weight laws in any state. It would merely raise the Federal limits
and thus remove the "strait jacket" from the states and allow them to set stand-
ards up to the new limits provided in S. 2658. In each case, such a's ours, im-
provement would be contingent upon `action by a state legislature reviewing the
laws of its own state. But, since passage of S. 2658 is the indispensable first
step toward `a realistic solution of the problem, we respectfully urge favorable
action by `this Subcommittee.
SUMMARY OF MAXIMUM WIDTHS OF TRANSIT MOTOR BUSES PERMITTED UNDER STATE'LAWS
104 inches in urban or suburban service when subject to P.V.C., prior
approval of Commission necessary.
96 102 inches; single bus.
102
96
96 102 inches op certain streets, by order of Highway Department.
96
96
108
96 102 inches for buses operated on highways having a surface width of at
least 20 ft. or on narrower segments if determined safe by Board of
Highway Directors.
96 104 inches; buses operated within the limits of cities and villages in
counties of 500,000 population or more.
96 102 inches for buses which pperate in cities or towns or between contiguous
cities and towns located in counties of at leastl60,000'population.
96 State Highway Commission and local authorities may in their discretion
issue trip or annual permits for wide vehicles.
96 102 inches; buses used in local urban transit.
96 102 inches; city and surburban buses.
96 Motor buses operating under a franchise or indeterminate permit wholly
within the corporate limits of a municipality exceeding 100 000 popula
lation exempt from State statute of 96 inches.
102 `
96 Incorporated cities, towns, and municipalities may by ordinance permit
within their jurisdiction the operation of motor buses with a maximum
outside width of 102 inches.
96 102 inches for buses operated in cities served by the Metropolitan Transit
Authority.
96 102 inches; surburban buses when operated on streets and highways 20 ft.
wide within a radius of 30 miles of municipal corporation limits by
permissiont of ,P.S.C.
96 108 inches for buses operated exclusively within any city or village. 102
96 inches for buses operated within 20 miles of a city of first class
96 108 inches within corporate limits of communities of 75,000 inhabitants
or more and within 2 miles or corporate limits of such cities.
96 102 inches for buses operating on paved highways 20 ft. or more wide.
96 102-inch width buses restricted to city streets.
96
96 102 irichesprovided low pressure tires are used.
96 State Highway Commission may designate highways on' which vehicles of
102 inches are allowed.
96 1,02 inches; operated ,~~holly within cities. (If sanctioned by local law or
ordinance.)
102 102 inches; Buses operated in Charlotte, NC. only.
96
96 104 inches; Buses operating exclusively within municipalities'.
96 Buses operating only within the city limites of incorporated cities, excluding
the Interstate System, may be 102 inches wide.
State width
States limitations State limit exceptions for cities et al.
(inches)
Alabama 96 Municipalities may regulate provided maximum is not less than provided
in State statute (96 inches). ` `
96
96
96
96
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
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SUMMARY OF MAXIMUM WIDTHS OF TRANSIT MOTOR BUSES PERMITTED UNDER STATE LAWS
States
State width
limitations
(inches)
State limit exceptions for cities et at.
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
96
96
102
96
96
102 inches trolley coach or trolley coach converted to motor bus operated
exclusively within city limits and placed in operation on or after June 1,
1947 and prior to Jan. 1, 1955.
102 inches; Buses operated over regular route or in group party service;
consent of municipality or P.U.C. reqeired. Bus over 96 inches may not
be operated where 1-way cartway is less than 10-ft. wide.
~
102 inches within incorporated cities and municipalities.
.
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
96
96
96
Statutory restrictions are inapplicable within municipalities under 100,000
population and within 12 miles of municipalities of over 100,000.
102 inches on motor buses operated within limits of city with population
of 425,000 and within cities, towns, and suburbs contiguous thereto.
Vermont
96
Virginia
Washington .
West Virginia
Wisconsin
96
96
96
96
102 inches; Incorporated cities and towns with consent of local authorities;
in counties having a population in excess of 5,000 per square mile on
designated highways if State highway commission acting upon appli-
cation by county governing body, so orders.
102-inch-width buses permitted under authority of State Highway Com-
mission.
Incorporated cities and municipalities may permit motor buses to a width
not exceeding 102 inches.
104 inches; Urban passenger buses operated as an auxiliary to or as a
part of a street railway system jin counties of 500,000 population or
operated within or between counties of 500,000 or more and contiguous
thereto.
Wyoming
~
96
102 inches for buses operating on paved highway having a surface width
of at least 20 ft.
Source of data: Commerce Clearing House, Inc., National Highway Users Conference, A.T.A. Feb. 15, 1968.
Omo-IDA FooDs, INC.;
Ontario, Oreg., June 4, 1.968.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
Chairman, Committee of Public Works,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Sun: We are advised that the House of Representatives has HR-14474
before the Coniniittee on Public Works, and that this is scheduled for an early
hearing.
I am Chairman of the Traffic Committee of the Potato Processors of Idaho,
which includes eight processors in Southern Idaho, and in 1967, we shipped in
excess of 800 million pounds of processed potatoes, plus a like amount of fresh
potatoes. This is a bill to inrcease the highway truck size and weight limits. As
heavy volume shippers of a low priced commodity, we have a great interest in
this particular BilL
You are hereby requested to make this letter a part of the record of the
hearings.
The present Federal Emits on truck size and weights were established in the
Federal Highway Act of 1956, and were based on standards adopted by the Amer-
ican Association of Highway Officials in 1946. These standards are out of date in
light of the present highway construction standards and conditions of transpor-
tation. They constitute a major detriment to the truck transportation efficiency,
and to a steady increase in the truck transporation costs of our industry.
We do not know if the maximum limits proposed are the proper ones and shall
leave such figures to the good judgment of the highway experts. However, we do
know that the bill is a step in the right direction, and we request your Committee
to give it every favorable consideration.
Respectfully submitted.
DwAmt E. GaurrITiT, GeneraZ Trajlc Manager.
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AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Calif., June 3, 1968.
Hon. CHET HOLIFIELD,
House Office Building,
Waslvington, D.C.
DEAn Mn. Hoiirniai: Over the past few years there has been increased pressure
by the commercial trucking industry for permission to operate larger equipment
over our nation's highways. The economic benefit to the trucking industry and
to shippers is frequently cited. It is possible such benefit would be passed along to
the public consumer.
However, the question is whether such a benefit would outweigh the possible
detrimental effect on our present traffic safety efforts and the more rapid de-
terioration of our nation's highways, the costs of which are more difficult to
assess.
The Senate recently passed and sent to the House of Representatives a Truck
Size and Weight Bill, SB 2658. This bill presumably allows a reasonable increase
in truck load limits and dimensions on the interstate system.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is seriously concerned with the
implications of this bill for the following reasons:
(1) No truck movement originates or terminates on the interstate system;
thus all loads must be moved over local roads and bridges regardless of their
original design or present condition.
(2) There is testimony from the American Association of State Highway Offi-
cials that even the interstate system has not been designed and constructed to
handle the allowable loads proposed in SB 2658. Other local roads are even less
adaptable to increased load limits.
(3) The width increase . from 96" to 102" cannot be accommodated safely on
many local roads which must be. traversed to and from the interstate routes.
(4) There is absolutely no length limit In the bill; thus, long trains will be
allowed. These trains are difficult to maneuver in a forward direction and im-
possible to move in a reverse direction in case of an emergency. The increased
time necessary to pass such a train will make passing even more hazardous on
any two-lane roadway in hilly terrain. Each "no passing zone" will become
longer, often making adjacent zones into one continuous no passing area.
(5) There is no specific performance standard (such as horsepower-to-weight-
ratio) required for such huge trucks. Additional loads will be added or attached
to already slow moving vehicles, which are hazardous and a constant source of
public irritation.
(6) At a time when continual effort is being made to enhance traffic safety,
this move could seriously increase highway hazards to an alarming degree.
Wider, longer, heavier trucks without mandatory provisions for greater power,
better braking systems, positive coupling between units and absolute length
limits are neither conducive to improved traffic operations nor acceptable to
many of the nation's motorists.
We earnestly suggest, as an alternative, that an objective study be authorized
to determine:
(1) Public costs for highway iniproveinents and repairs required by increased
load limits and truck sizes, as well as methods to provide for such costs.
(2) Ability of local roads to distribute these loads to and from the interstate
system.
(3) Need for performance standards to increase truck safety.
(4) Ability to maneuver long truck trains in a safe manner without impeding
the stream of vehicular traffic on the nation's highways.
We urge your careful consideration of the long-range effects of SB 2658, both
as to the possible detrimental effect on our highway safety efforts, the tremen-
dous costs of highway, improvements and repair, and the attitudes and desires
of the general public.
Very truly yours,
JOSEPH E. HAVENNER,
Ea,ecutive Vice President.
STATEMENT OF `THE AMERICAN PAPER INSTITUTE, INC., AND THE AMERICAN
PULPWOOD ASSOCIATION ON H.R. 14474
Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee:
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694
This statement is being submitted on behalf of the American Paper Institute,1
and the American Pulpwood Association,2 joins in our pleading to the extent
that their interest in transporting pulpwood is involved.
We support the principle of increased truck size and weight limits as contained
in HR 14474 but, in the interest of gaining immediate relief for the shipping
public, we are willing to accept the final provisions which were approved by
the Senate in S. 2658, i.e.
(a) Motor vehicle width from 96 inches to 102 inches.
(b) `Single axle weight limits from 18,000 to 20,000 pounds, and tandem
axle weight limits from 32.000 to 34,000 pounds.
(c) An overall gross weight formula.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Amercan Paper Institute is the national trade association of the pulp,'
paper and paperboard industry. It is a nonprofit organization with approximately
250 member companies (see membership list attached as Exhibit A ) The
American Paper Institute is the recognized representative of the pulp, paper
and paperboard industry in the United States. The paper and allied products
industry operates more than 800 pulp, paper and paperboard mills and about
5,000 converting plants located in nearly every State of the Union. In 1966
industry-wide employment reached 667,000 people who were paid $4.6 billion.
The American Pulpwood Association is the only national trade arsociation
representing producers, suppliers and' consumers of pulpwood in the United
States Its memberslnp includes 70 pulp companies consuming 80% of all pulp-
wood and chips 27 supplier or dealer members 285 producer members and 157
subscribers. In 1967 the pulp, paper and paperboard industry consumed 56 million
cords of pulpwood and chips having a value of more than one billion dollars.
Total employment in producing and transporting this wood exceeded 225,000
workers.
W=500(~1+12N+36)
2. INTEREST OF THE PAPEB INDUSTRY IN TRUCK TRANSPORTATION
Pulp, paper, paperboar,d and allied products accounted for 65,551,000 tons of
shipments in the 1963 Census of Transportation.3 The relative importance of
truck tonnage to the paper industry is explained by the statistical comparisons
contained in attached Exhibit "B". Primary and converted paper and paper-
board products constitute 5.5% of the nation's truck tonnage.
A large majority of the 56 mifflon cords of round wood and chips, approxi-
mately 120 mfflion tons yearly, is handled in motor vehicles. The paper industry
also pays transportation charges for 30 milliOn tons of other raw materials
annually (a breakdown `of this transportatiOn via modes is not available). A
partial listing of raw materials includes:
Alum Coal Limestone
Caustic Soda Fuel Oil Salt
Chlorine Latex Salt Cake
Kaolin Clay Lime ` Soda Ash
Corn Starch Sulphur Sulphuric Acid
3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The history of our present law was recorded and placed in the Congressional
Record,4 however, certain key factors deserve emphasis, namely:
(1) The current limitations were established in the Federal Aid to High-
Ways Act of 1956 when Congress decided to proceed with the national system
of Interstate and Defense Highways.
(2) The limitations included in the 1956 law were based on standards
contained in a 1946 policy statement of the American Association of State
1E. A. Locke, Jr., President, American Paper Institute, New York, N.Y.
2W. S. Bromley, Executive Vice President, The American Pulpwood Association, New
York. N.Y.
~TJ.S. Dept. of Commerce, Statement TC-63-Cl.'
Congressional Record dated 11/15/67, pages 16438 and 16439.
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Highway Officials. The 1946 standard on width limitation dates back to
November 17, 1932.
(3) The provisions in bill HR 14474 will raise the Federal limits but
each state retains its right to set specific standards for motor vehicles opera-
ting on highways within that state.
4. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUCK COSTS AND PAPER INDUSTRY PRICES
Paper price trends
Table No. 1 on page 4 gives a trend of values, in dollars per ton, for paper
and paperboard products during the years 1962 through 1965. Values of paper
mill products declined from $219 per ton in 1962 to $213 per ton in 1964, but
recovered sharply in 1905 to $218 per ton. On the other hand, the value per ton
of paperboard products showed reasonable stability between 1962-1964, and
then dropped considerably to $115 per ton in 1965.
TABLE NO. 1-VALUE OF PAPER AND PAPERBOARD MILL PRODUCTS
[Dollars per toni
1965 1964 1963 1962
213
215
219
118
120~
119
Truck revenue and ewpensc trends
Table No. 2 displays the expenses and revenue per ton for intercity truck
service. Average total operating expenses rose moderately from* $22.01 per ton in
1962 to $22.46 per ton in 1965. During the same period, average revenue increased
at a slightly higher rate from $22.61 per ton to $23.26 per ton.
TABLE NO. 2-MOTOR CARRIER FREIGHT REVENUE AND EXPENSES FOR INTERCITY SERVICE'
[Dollars per toni
1965 1964 1963
1962
22.31 22.43 22.01
23.04 22.99* 22.61
Average total operating expenses 22.46
Average revenue 23.26
American Trucking Association trends.
Relationship between truck costs and paper prices
The average intercity truck revenue of $23.23 per ton was compiled from
reports submitted to the Interstate Oommerce Gommission by regulated motor
carriers. A cost of $23 per ton to the paper industry represents approximately
10.6% of the value ($217) of paper mill products, and 20% of the value ($114)
of paperboard mill products.
The impact of truck costs on the paper industry is highlighted by the data
contained in Exhibit "B". Truck transportation accounts for 47% of the tons
shipped by the paper industry. "For Hire" motor carriers handled 70% of the
truck sector while the remaining 30% moved in privat trucks~
5. POTENTIAL SAVINGS FOR PAPER INDUSTRY
The American Paper Institute has prepared a conservative estimate that
trucking expense, excluding pulpwood, costs the paper industry $800,000,000
annually. It would not be unreasonable to expect sizeable benefits, in the range of
1% or $8 million, would accrue to the paper industry if the proposed liimts were
adopted generally.
The current cost of transporting pulpwood by truck is conservatively estimated
to be $4 per cord. A survey made for the year 1965 indicated that 24.3 million
cords were hauled by truck for a total cost of $97.3 million. The survey indicated
that pulpwood hauled by truck in 1969 probably will amount to 30.5 million
cords. It is estimated that savings of $14.5 million could result if weight and width
limits were increasd to permit larger loads.
96-030-68----45
Papermill products 218
Papnrboard mill products 115
Source: Bureau of the Census, Industry Division, as reported by American Paper Institute.
PAGENO="0708"
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6. PRODUCTIVITY FACTORS IN TRUCK TRANSPORTATION
In general, unit labor costs for the whole economy remained reasonably steady
during the early sixties. A review of the publication Business Cycle Developments5
leads to a more precise conclusion that productivity of labor in the United States
economy remained stable from 1960 through as late as 1965. The trend of unit
labor cost began to climb steeply in 1966.
The same general trends are apparent in the motor carrier industry. Through
the early sixties, higher labor rates were absorbed by offsetting operating
economies. During the last two years however, each new teamster contract was
followed by a wave of increased freight rates. An excerpt from a recent news-
paper report explains the latest events in the round of motor carrier increases:
"Several of the major truck rate organizations are planning to publish their
proposed across-the-board increases within about a week in order to provide the
required 30-day notice to make them effective April 1, or soon afterward. Truck
companies hope to compensate as quickly as possible for their wage increases
scheduled for April 1 as the second round of boosts resulting from settlement
of Teamsters union contracts last spring. It's expected that this impending group
of increases, if successful, will set a pattern for later filings by other rate groups.
"Last June and July, the Interstate Commerce Commission permitted a rate
increase for thousands of truckers operating through about a dozen rate asso-
ciations. Although many variations existed, a pattern of increases amounting to
5% on less-than-truckload traffic and 3% on truckload traffic emerged, and by
the end of the year similar boosts became effective in almost the entire country." 6
Class I and Class II motor carriers pay out over 60%of their revenue in payroll
and selected fringe benefits, which illustrates the importance of labor costs to
the motor carrier industry.7
Trailer size, load limits and handling techniques have important effects on
productivity and can play an important part in helping offset higher labor rates.
Transportation unit costs can be controlled under economical and efficient
operating conditions.
7. WHAT DOES INCREASED SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMITS MEAN TO THE TOTAL ECONOMY
AND THE PAPER INDUSTIiY
Value to the total economy
The Transportation Association of America issues an estimate of the annual
freight bill in the United States. This estimate for intercity truck shipments is
$28 billion, while the estimate for all truck shipments is $51 billion.
House Bill 14474 would authorize the following increases: motor vehicles width
from 96 inches to 102 inches which is a 6½ % improvement, single axle weight
limits from 18,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. which is an 11% improvement, tandem axle
weight limits from 32,000 lbs. to 36,000 lbs. which is a 12½% improvement, and
gross weight limits according to a formula which permits substantial percentage
improvements.
A minimal 61/2% improvement in productivity effects $1.8 billion of the $28
billion freight bill for intercity truck traffic and $3.3 billion of the $51 billion
bill for all truck transportation.
lVidtk limitations affect freigli4 rates an~l pr~ivate truck oosts
Converted paper products, particularly sanitary tissues and corrugated con-
tainerboard, will benefit from increased width limits. The loadability of relatively
lightweight paper products is restricted only by the size of trailers. Carrier
unit costs and therefore their freight rates are higher generally on light density
products because unit costs vary with the amount of product that can be loaded
on one trailer. Sanitary tissue products are vital to public health and safety.
Corrugated container board, and fibrebox shipping containers are essential to all
industry. The increase in width to 102 inches will save the paper industry $3
million annually.
Increasing the maximum truck width from 96 to 102 inches for a pulpwood
truck could permit a maximum savings of 6%. A more conservative estimate
of annual savings would be 1% which would amount to nearly $1 million
(1% of $97.2 million-the total cost of transporting pulpwood). It is estimated
that this savings might reach $2.5 million by 1969.
5January 1968, reported by U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
6 Journal of Commerce, February 23, 1968, page 28.
7See American Trucking Trends 1966, published by The American Trucking Associations,
Inc. page 23.
PAGENO="0709"
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You can conclude that the entire economy will benefit substantially from, in-
creased width limitations.
TVidth limitations affect material handling costs
The inside width of trailers is approximately 93 inches and effectively frozen
under the current law which limits overall trailer width dimensions to 96 inches.
Handling of standard pallets, 48" x 40" or 48" x 42", is cumbersome because
two 48 inch pallets cannot be placed side by side within 93 inch wide trailers.
Standard pallets must be staggered in a trailer by alternating faces, 48 inches
with 42 inches, across the 93 inch trailer width. This operation requires extra
handling care and creates empty space gaps in a trailer.
An increase of 6 inches in trailer width will permit easier handling of palletized
shipments and improved space utilization.
Weight limits affect freight costs
The Association of American Railroads published the following report on
railroad freight car weight carrying capacity, i.e., "new freight cars cost about
$15,300 apiece and average some 80 tons of carrying capacity as compared with
an average to 56 tons being retired."
It is evident the railroads found that economies of scale are made possible
through heavier loadings. The same law of economics applies to heavier loadings
of motor truck equipment which is now limited by Federal law.
Primary paper and paperboard is characteristically dense. Large rolls' of print-
ing paper and linerboard can be loaded heavier, and, ultimately we can expect
to save $5 million annually on paper and paperboard mill products.
Increasing the weight limits as proposed in H.R. 14474 would permit a maxi-
nuin savings of 10% of the cost of hauling pulpwood. A more realistic
saving would be approximately one-half this percentage or about $5 million based
on the 1965 figures, and a potential $12 million by 1969.
8. PETITION OF AMERICAN PAPER INSTITUTE AND AMERICAN PULPWOOD ASSOCIATION
The pulp, paper and paperboard industry is characterized by relatively low
value per ton manufactured products, and has a vita,l interest in maximizing
the productivity achieved in its distribution system.
We have demonstrated that motor transportation is an imporant factor and
cost element in our distribution nework. Furthermore, truck transportation is
essential to the movement of pulpwood which is the major raw material in the
paper industry. Total sa'vings for our industry will be $23 million annually if
the improved limitations are adopted generally.
We have demonstrated that improved width limits will permit easier handling
of standard pallets, and permit transportation economies for consumer sanitary
tissue and industrial packaging material.
The American Paper Institute and the American Pulpwood Association
support H.R. 14474, but we are willing to accept the compromise provisions which
were approved in companion bill S. 2658. We request your Subcommittee to ap-
prove increased size and width limitations as contained therein.
ExHIBIT A
AMERICAN PAPER INSTITUTE 1967 MEMBERShIP LIST
A
Albemarle Paper Mfg. Co., Richmond, Va.
Alton Box Board Company, Alton, Ill.
American Can Company, New York, N.Y.
American Forest Products Corp., San Francisco, Calif.
American Greetings Corp., Cleveland, Ohio.
Ameircan Paper & Plastic Products, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.
Appleton Coated Paper Co., The Appleton, Wis.
Austell Box Board Corporation, Austell, Ga.
B
Baldwinvi.lle Products, Inc., Baldwinville, Mass.
Banner Fibreboard Co., Wellsburg, W. Va.
8 AssocIation of American Railroads release dated 12/28/67.
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698
flay West Paper Co., Green Bay, Wis.
Bemis Co., Minneapolis, Minn.
Ben-Mont, Bennington, Vt.
Bergstrom Paper Co., Neenah, Wis.
Berwick Textile Products Co.. Inc., New York, N.Y.
Bird & Son, Inc.. E. Walpole, Mass.
Blandin Paper Co., Grand Rapids, Minn.
Boise Cascade Corp., Boise, Idaho.
Bowaters Southern Paper Corp., Calhoun, Tenn.
Brown Company, New York, N.Y.
L. L. Brown Paper Co., Adams, Mass.
Brownville Paper Co., Brownville, N.Y.
Buckeye Cellulose Corp., Memphis, Tenn.
Budd Company, Newark, De.l.
Burrows Paper Corp., Little Falls, N.Y.
Buzza Cardozo Corp., Anaheim, Calif.
C
J. D. Cahill Co., Hampton, N.H.
Geo. S. Carrington Co., Leomiuster. Mass.
Carolina Paper Board Corp., Charlotte, N.C.
Case Bros., Inc., Manchester. Conn.
Case & Risley Press Paper, Inc., Oneco, Conn.
Cel-Fibe. Milltowñ, N.J.
Cellu-Products Co., Patterson, N.C.
Chesapeake Corp. of Virginia, The, West Point, Va.
Chesapeake Paperboard Co., The, Baltimore, Md.
Cleo Wrap Corp., Memphis, Tenn.
Columbia Corporation, The, Chatham, N.Y.
Combined Paper Mills, Inc., Combined Locks, Wis.
Consolidated Packaging Corp., Chicago, Ill.
Consolidated Papers, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Container Corp. of America, Chicago, Ill.
Continental Can Co., Inc., New York. N.Y.
Continental Paper Co., Ridgefield Park, N.J.
Cottrell Paper Co., Inc., Rock City Falls, N.Y.
OPS Industries Inc., Chicago. Ill.
Crane & Company, -Inc., Dalton, Mass.
Crown Paper Board Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Crown Zellerbach Corp., San Francisco, Calif.
Crystal Tissue Co., Middletown, Ohio
Curtis Paper Company, New-ark, Del.
D
Daring Paper Mills Division. Downingtown, Pa.
Deerfield Glassine Co., Inc., Monroe Bridge, Mass.
C. H. Dexter & Sons. Inc.. Windsor Locks. Conn.
Diamond National Corp., New York, N.Y.
Doll Paper Company, Patterson, NC.
Domtar Pulp and Paper, Ltd., St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada.
Downingtown Paper Company, Downingtown, Pa.
Dunn Paper Co., Port Huron, Mich.
E
EasTex. Incorporated, Silsbee, Tex.
Eaton-Dikeman Co., The, Mount Holly Springs, Pa.
Electric City Paper Mills, Inc.. No. Tonawanda, N. L
Elk Paper Manufacturing Co., Childs, Md.
Equitable Bag Company, Long Island City, N.Y.
Erving Paper Mills. Erving. Mass.
Esleeck Mfg. Co., Turners Falls, Mass.
F
Falulah Paper Co., Fitchburg, Mass.
Federal Paper Board Co., Inc., Bogota, N.J.
PAGENO="0711"
699
Fibreboard Corporation, San Francisco, Calif.
Finch, Pruyn & Co., Inc., Glens Falls, N.Y.
Fitchburg Paper Co. (Div. of Litton Industries), Fitchburg, Mass~
Flambeau Paper Co. (Div. of Kansas City Star Co.), Park Falls, Wis.
Fleming & Sons, Inc., Dallas, Tex.
Foster Paper Co., Inc., Utica, N.Y.
Fox Paper Co., The, Lockland, Ohio.
Fox River Paper Corp., Appleton, Wis.
Fraser Paper Limited, New York, N.Y.
French Paper Co., Niles. Mich.
G
Gardiner Paper Mills, Inc., York, Pa.
Georgia-Pacific Corp., Portland, Oreg.
Gibson Greeting Cards, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Gift-Raps, Inc., Houston, Tex.
P. H. Glatfelter Co., Spring Grove, Pa.
Great Northern Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
Great Northern Paper Co.-Southern Div., Cedar Springs, Ga.
Green Bay Packaging Inc., Green Bay, Wis.
Gulf States Paper Corp., Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Halltown Paperboard Co., Halltown, W. Va.
Hamersley Mfg. Co., Garfield, N.J.
Hammermill Paper Co., Erie, Pa.
Hampden Glazed Paper & Card Co., Holyoke, Mass.
Harding-Jones Paper Co., Middletown, Ohio.
Hawthorne Paper Co., Kalamazoo, Mich.
Hazen Paper Co., Holyoke, Mass.
Hennepin Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
Hoerner-Waldorf Corp., Koekuk, Iowa.
Hoerner-Waldorf Corp., of Montana, Chicago, Ill.
Hoffinaster Company, Inc., Oshkosh, Wis.
Hollingsworth & Vose Co., East Walpole, Mass.
Holyoke Card & Paper Co., Springfield, Mass.
Hudson Pulp and Paper Corp., New York, N.Y.
I
Inland Container Corporation, Indianapolis, md.
Inland Empire Paper Co., Millwood, Wash.
International Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
Interstate Folding Box Co., Middletown, Ohio.
K
Kennebec River Pulp and Paper Co., Inc., New York, N.Y.
Ketchikan Pulp Co., Bellingham, Wash.
Keyes Fibre Co., Waterville, Maine.
Kieffer Paper Mills, Ewing, md.
Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah, Wis.
Knowlton Bros., Inc., Watertown, N.Y.
L
Lawrence Paper Co., The, Lawrence, Kans.
J. P. Lewis Co., Inc., Beaver Falls, N.Y.
Longview Fibre Co., San Francisco 4, Calif.
Loroco Industries, Inc., Lancaster, Ohio.
Lowe Paper Co., Ridgefield, N.J.
Ludlow Corp., Ludlow Papers Division, Needham Heights, Mass.
Lydall & Fould's Div., Colonial Board Co., Manchester, Conn.
MacAndrews & Forbes Co., Camden, N.J.
Marcal Paper Mills, Inc., East Paterson, N.J.
Massillon Paper Company, The, Massillon, Ohio.
PAGENO="0712"
700
McIntyre Bros. Paper Co., Inc., Fayetteville, N.Y.
John A. Manning Paper Co., Inc.. Troy, N.Y.
Mend Corporation, The, Dayton, Ohio.
Menasha Corporation, Menasha. Wis.
iMerrimac Paper Co., Inc., New York, N.Y.
Michigan Carton Co., Battle Creek, Mich.
3Iillen Industries, Inc., New York, N.Y.
Millers Falls Paper Co., Millers Falls, Mass.
Mohawk Paper Mills, Inc., Cohoes, N.Y.
Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., Bennington, N.H.
Morris Paper Board Co., Inc., Paterson, N.J.
Mosinee Paper Mills Co., Mosinee, Wis.
Mystic Industries Corp., Wakefield, Mass.
N
National Vulcanized Fibre Co., Parsons Paper Div., Holyoke, Mass.
Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Co., Port Edwards, Wis.
The B. F. Nelson Mfg. Co~, Minneapolis, Minn.
Newark Boxboard Company, Newark, N.J.
Newman & Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Newton Falls Paper Mill, Inc., Newton Fails, N.Y.
New York & Pennsylvania Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Nicolet Paper Co., West DePere, Wis.
0
Olin Packaging Division, Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Owens-Illinois, Forest Products Division, Toledo 1, Ohio.
Oxford Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
P
Packaging Corporation of America, Evanston, IlL
The Papereraft Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Paper Products, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
Joseph Parker & Son Co., Inc., New Haven, Conn.
Paterson Pacific Parchment Co., Sunnyvale, Calif.
Paterson Parchment Co., Bristol, Pa.
Payne-Jones Company, Lowville, N.Y.
Pejepseot Paper Div., The Hearst Corp., Brunswick, Maine.
Peninsular Paper Co., Ypsilanti, Mich.
Penobscot Co., Boston, Mass.
Perkins Paper Products, Ltd., Chorneday, Quebec, Canada.
Port Huron Paper Co., Port Huron, Mich.
Potlatch Forests, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
Prairie State Paper Mills, Inc., Joliet, IlL
Procter & Gamble Co. (Charmin Distributing Co.), Cincinnati, Ohio.
Q
Quaker Oats Company, The, Pekin, Ill.
B
Rayonier Incorporated, New York, N.Y.
C. A. Reed Co., Wihiamsport, Pa.
Rhode Island Card Board Co., Pawtucket, R.I.
Riegel Paper Corp., New York, N.Y.
Rising Paper Company, Housatonic, Mass.
Rite Paper Products, Ltd., Chomeday, Quebec, Canada.
Riverside Paper Corp., Appleton, Wis.
Robertson Paper Box Company, Inc., Montville, Conn.
Rochester Paper Co., Rochester, Mich.
Rogers Corp., Rogers, Conn.
Rondout Corp., Napanoch, N.Y.
H. W. Paper Company, Longview, Wash.
S
St. Joe Paper Co., Jacksonville, Fla.
St. Regis Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
PAGENO="0713"
701
Scott Paper Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
Seaman Paper Co. of Mass., Inc., Baidwinville, Mass.
Shawano Paper Mills, Green Bay, Wis.
Simkins Industries, Inc., New Haven, Conn.
Simpson Lee Paper Co., Kalamazo, Mich.
Simpson Timber Co., Seattle, Wash.
H. P. Smith Paper Co., Chicago 38, Iii.
Sonoco Products Co., Holyoke, Mass.
Sorg Paper Company, The, Middlletown, Ohio.
South Carolina Industries, Inc., ChicagO, Ill.
Southern Specialty Paper Co., Chattanooga, Penn.
Southland Paper Mills, Inc., Lufkin, Tex.
Southwest Forest Industries, Phoenix, Ariz.
Southworth Co., West Springfield, Mass.
Spaulding Div. of Publishers Paper Co., Newberg, Oreg.
Springfield Coated Paper Corp., Camden, N.J.
Standard Cellulose Prod., Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
Standard Packaging Corp., New York, N.Y.
Standard Paper Mfg. Co., Richmond, Va.
Stirling Converting Co., Inc., Bound Brook, N.J.
Stone Container Corp., Chicago, Ill.
John Strange Paper Co., Menasha, Wis.
Strathmore Paper Co., West Springfield, Mass.
Straubel Paper Co., Green Bay, Wis.
Sullivan Paper Co., Inc., West Springfield, Mass.
Swanee Paper Corp., New York, N.Y.
T
Tennessee Paper Mills, Inc., Chattanooga, Tenn.
Tennessee River Pulp and Paper Co., New York, N.Y.
Tennessee Tissue Mills, Inc., Nashville, Penn.
Thilmany Pulp and Paper Co., Kaukauna, Wis.
Tidi Products, Pomona, Calif.
Tileston & Hollingsworth Co., Boston, Mass.
Tomahawk Power & Pulp Co., Tomahawk, Wis.
Toronto Paperboard Co., The, Toronto, Ohio.
Tuttle Press Co., The, Appleton, Wis.
U
Union Camp Corp., New York, N.Y.
Union Mills Paper Mfg. Co., New Hope, Pa.
United Board & Carton Corp., New York, N.Y.
U.S. Plywood-Champion Papers, Inc., New York, N.Y.
V
Valentine Pulp & Paper Co., Lockport, La.
W
S. D. Warren Co. (Div. of Scott Paper Co.), Boston, Mass.
Wausau Paper Mills Co., Brokaw, Wis.
West Carroilton Parchment Co., West Carroilton, Ohio.
Western Kraft Corp., Portland, Oreg.
Westfield River Paper Co., Inc., Russell, Mass.
West Virginia Pulp and Paper, New York, N.Y.
Weston Paper & Mfg. Co., The, Terre Haute, md.
Byron Weston Co., Dalton, Mass.
Weyerhauser Co., Tacoma, Wash.
Whippany Paper Board Co., Inc., Whippany, N.J.
Whitestone Prod. Corp., Farmingdale, N.Y.
Geo. A. Whiting Paper Co., Menasha, Wis.
Wrap-tures Gift Wrap, Inc., Rochester, N.Y.
Wm. B. Wright & Sons Co., West Warren, Mass.
Wyomissing Paper Co., Div. of Wyomissing Corp., Reading, Pa.
Y
Yorktowne Paper Mills, Inc., York, Pa.
PAGENO="0714"
702
ExHIbIT B
For all industries
Paper
group
Tons shipped Truck tons
Total tons
Truck tons
Total
1,334,838,000 561,967,000
65,551,000
30,809,000
Papergroup(percent)
Truck, all industry (percent)
Truck, paper group (percent)
4.9
42.1 100.0
2. 3 5. 5
47
100
Total tonnage
Truck tonnage
Sample:
All industries
Paper group
1,334,838,000
65, 551, 000
561,867,000
30, 809, 000
Source: 1963 Census of Transportation; percentage calculations computed by American Paper Institute from tonnage
tables reported by U.S. Department of Commerce, TC 63-C3-1.
Boisz CASCADE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT,
Boise, Idaho, May 23, 1968.
Hon. GEORGE H. PALLON,
Chairman, Committee on Pubflc Works,
U.B. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Dusiu CHAIRMAN F~uLoN: I understand that all appointments for oral presen-
tation at your hearing commencing May 24 on H.R. 14474, Senate 2658, a bill to
increase motor vehicle sizes and weights on the interstate highway system,
have been scheduled. I would appreciate your allowing this statement in support
of this legislation to become a part of the record in this proceeding and asn
enclosing 50 copies for distribution.
As a forest products company, we are very much interested in seeing this
bill become a law. Specific reasons for our support of this `bill are:
(1) To prosper we must maintain markets outside of our producing region
because our western production capabilities far exeeed the region's ~bi1ity to
consume. Highway transportation plays a major role in enabling our industry
to remain competitive.
(2) Present restrictions on minimum weights and wIdths of trucks arO not
conducive to efficient and economical loading of forest products. FOr example,
unitized packages of forest products measuring four feet are impossible to
load side by side in a van when outside maximum width is restricted to 96 inches.
(3) There are tremendous areas of the Western states which are miles from
railroad trackage; this plus chronic rail car shortages necessitates more realistic
weights and widths for truck hauling of forest products.
(4) The present weight and width limits are based on 1946 standards set ~y
the AASHO. Current engineering and factual knowledge reveal these standards
are sadly outof date. , ` `
(5) The so called "freeze" of 1956 caught `the Western states with a consider-
ably lower uniform axle limitation than that which existed in many other
portions of the country. The proposed legislation will allow uniformity by
raising the federal limits and thus permit each state, if they so legislate, to set
new standards.
(6) As a company which operates a large private truck fleet, we contribute
a significant sum of money to construction `and maintenance of our system of
highways through payment of various "user taxes". Thus, we are interested
in being able to generate a more efficient return on these monies through more
realistic weights and widths which are more in accord with present day highway
conditions and truck hauling capa,bilities.
In summary, I again urge your favorable consideration of this important
legislation which is so vital to the economic growth of the Western states and
specifically the forest products industry.
Very truly yours,
F. L. SIGLOH,
Director of Transportation and Distribution.
PAGENO="0715"
703
NATIONAL WOOL GROWERS AsSoCIATIoN,
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Re FI.R. 14474.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLOW,
Chairman, House Committee on Public Works,
house Office Building, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. FALLOW: At the 103rd Annual Convention of the National Wool
Growers Association, held in Dallas, Texas, January 28-31, 1968, the following
resolution was adopted:
"Under present load limit and truck length limit requirements, truckers are
unable to haul uniform maximum weights interstate. We suggest that uniformity
of truck load and length limits be achieved by Federal legislation and co-
operative agreements between the states."
In view of this resolution we do endorse H.R. 14474 which is before your
Committee and we would appreciate it very much if this letter of endorsement
can be made a part of the hearing record on this bill.
Sincerely,
EDWIN E. MARSH, Executive Secretary.
AMERICAN FARM BuiuAu FEDERATION,
Washington, D.C., June 4, 1968.
In re vehicle size andweight limitations.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI, S
Chairman, Roads Subcommittee,
House Committee on Public Works,
House Office Building, Waskingtoiv, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: At the last annual meeting of the American
Farm Bureau Federation the voting delegates of the member State Farm Bureaus
reviewed the question of motor vehicle size and weight limitations on Interstate
Highways, and adopted the following policy position:
"We support increases in the federal ceilings on weight and size limits for
interstate highways to permit states to increase limits if they so choose. Ceilings
should Je at levels which will prevent damage to highways."
We believe that technical infornlation has been supplied, indicating that some
liberalization of present limitations is feasible without increasing highway
damage.
We therefore support the objectives of H.R. 14474, and 5. 2658 as approved.
by the Senate.
It will ~e appreciated if you will include this letter in the bearing record.
Sincerely yours, S
JOHN 0. LYNN, Legislative Director.
IOWA GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION, INC.,
Des Moines, Iowa, May 23, 1968.
Congressman JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads of House Public Works Committee, House
Office Building, Washington, D.C. S
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: I am instructed by action of a committee
know as the Joint Roads Committee for Action to write you and apprise you and
your committee and each of our Iowa Congressmen of the position of the Joint
Roads Committee for Action with regard to the proposed increase in the maxi-
mum size and weight limitations for trucks. I am writing as the chairman of
the joint committee.
Following is the action of this committee:
"The Joint Roads Committee for Action in Iowa composed of representatives
of the following governmental agencies or independent organizations, Iowa
State Highway Commission, Iowa Good Roads Association, Iowa County Engi-
neers Association, League of Iowa Municipalities, Iowa County Supervisors
Association, endorses the action of the Iowa State Highway Commission in its
Position Paper No. 1, dated March 5, 1968, opposing any increase in truck size
and weight limitations on interstate and other highways, roads and streets of
the state." S
PAGENO="0716"
704
The motion to apprise the committee of this action was unanimously passed
with the following representatives of the above organizations present and voting:
Harry J. Bradley, Jr., Chairman, Iowa Highway Commission.
Martin Wiley, President, Iowa Good ROads Association.
R. G. Hileman, Executive Secretary, Iowa Good Roads Association.
Paul Hixson, President, Iowa County Engineers Association.
Warren Davison, Iowa County Engineers Association.
Luther Randall, Iowa County Supervisors Association.
Robert Hays, Iowa League of Municipalities.
The committee is composed of nine representatives from the organizations
mentioned or their alternates who were designated in the original committee
formation.
On behalf of the Joint Roads Committee for Action in Iowa, I request that our
position be made a part of the record with regard to S. 2658.
Very truly yours,
R. G. HILEMAN,
Chairman, Joint Roads Committee for Action.
WH~LPOOL Coxp.,
Benton Harbor, Mich., May 23, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLuczYNsKI,
Chairnuuv, Roads S~ubcommittee,
U.E,~. House of Representatives,
House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE KLUczYN5KI: We offer the following as Whirlpool's
position statement for the record on S. 2058.
We urge early and favorable consideration of 5. 2658, which would greatly
improve the vehicle Weight and Width Limitations on the Interstate System.
Since Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and ships household appliances,
we are particularly interested in the proposed width of highway trailers. Our
shipping costs by highway have always been unreasonably high because many
appliances are 31 inches to 33 inches in width and depth or from front-to-back,
and cannot be loaded three-abreast. This results because present restrictions on
highway trailers limit exterior width to 96 inches, which results in 92 to 93
inch interiors. The proposed legislation could permit an exterior width of 102
inches and an interior width of 98 or 99 inches, permitting shipments of appli-
ances three-abreast.
For example, today a 40-foot long trailer can take from 26 to 38 refrigerators,
weighing a total 8,000 to 12,000 pounds. This is many thousands of pounds under
an allowable load, is not financially attractive to the carrier, and results in un-
reasonably high transportation costs for us. 5. 2658 could permit us to ship 39
to 58 refrigerators in one load, weighing from 12,000 to 18,000 pounds. This
weight still is many thousands of pounds under allowable limits.
Passage of S. 2658 could allow us to achieve better utilization of shipping
space; resultant efficiencies could provide benefits to the ultimate consumer
through price stability; trailers with full width loads have less chance of load-
shifting during transit; and the lower cost per unit for transportation could help
absorb the many other increasing costs of doing business, benefiting us and the
consumer. This bill is one of the very few issues today that might help reduce or
stabilize a cost-of-doing business.
If further information is needed, we shall be pleased to cooperate. Thank you.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM V. SNYDER,
General Manager, Physical Distribution.
STATEMENT OF HENRY C. HILLAND. DILECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, UTAH STATE DEPART-
MENT OF HIGHWAYS, RELATING To INCREAsE IN VEHICLE WEIGHT AND WIDTH
LIMITATIONS ON THE INi~rnsTArn SrsrnM
The proposed legislation appears inevitable in view of the reluctance of the
States to reach an agreement on size and weight criteria. This modification
PAGENO="0717"
705
modernizes Interstate limitations which were adopted in the 1956 Legislation
and which perpetuated regulations which had existed in states for many years.
S. 2658 would permit a 20,000 pound single axle, a 36,000 pound tandem axle,
and 102" vehicle width. Present Utah statutes limit a single axle to 18,000 pounds,
a tandem axle to 33,000 pounds, and a maximum width to 96". Utah's present
size and weight limitations are not in harmony with the trends of the transporta-
tion industry for the development of more efficient carriers nor are they con-
ducive to the development of new industry, especially in those areas not served
by rail facilities.
The proposed increase in size and weight poses no problem relative to their
use on the Interstate System in Utah. State control would continue in the areas
of interior axle weights, maximum vehicle length, and maximum vehicle gross
weight.
With the increase in size and weight limitations on the Interstate System, the
trend must be for the adoption of the same limitations for the other highway
1./TA H - TRuc,~ Ra~/r/ AJG
PAGENO="0718"
706
systems. There will be a need for restriction ofsize and weight on certain areas
of the State, Federal Aid, and local road systems because of inadequate capacity
of bridge and pavement structures.
The State of Utah, which is responsible for the maintenance of the Federal Aid
systems. will be constrained to protect inadequate highway routes until they
can be reconstruet~ to carry the proposed loadings. New roadway construction
designed to accommodate the increased weights is estimated to exceed the cost
of current designs by approximately $1,000 per lane mile. New bridge construc-
tion designed to accommodate the increased loadings is estimated to exceed the
cost of current designs by approximately ~%.
The State Road Commission of Utah firmly believes that an increase in weight
limitations as proposed in this bill is urgently needed to provide for the economie
development of this State.
LAYOUT YOO UEAD LOAD UO~ENT
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PAGENO="0719"
707
~IDG~ INVE1'JT0~Y (MO~LT44Al~i 20~'r.)
0
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A.
NATIONAL APPLE INSTITUTE,
Washington, D.C., Jnne 7,1968.
Hon. JOHN 0. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Roads E~ubeommittee,
~ House 01 Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
M~ DEAR Mn. KLUCZYNSKI: In be-half of the twenty-eight state and regional
apple grower organizations federated in our National Apple Institute, and rep-
resentative of some fifteen thousand apple growers throughout the country, we
would like to endorse, with some qualification, the provisions of H.R. 14474 rela-
tive to liberalization of weight and size of vehicles hauling goods on the public
highways.
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PAGENO="0720"
708
We share the concern of all taxpayers relative to increasing costs to build and
maintain adequate and safe road systems, and are opopsed to such liberalization
of weight nd size provisions for trucks as would permit increasingly damaging
weights on roads not constructed for such weights. However, in the interest of
economic transport of goods, including apples, we are also concerned that ade-
quate capacities and weight allowances be permitted to provide for greatest
efficiencies in transport.
Modification of existing weight limitations and width limitations which will
still retain reasonable and realistic weights for the protecton of roads and the
safety of non-truck vehicles on the roads . . . we concur in and endorse.
We appreciate that this presents a real challenge of achievement, but it is our
understanding that weight and size relationship formulas are being proposed
which. would retain these protective features.
Sincerely,
FRED P. CoREY, Eweeutive Vice President.
AMERIcAN NATIONAL OAT1~LEMEN'S ASSOCIATION,
Denver, Cob., June 4, 1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Sabcommittee on Roads,
House Committee on Public Works,
Was/i ington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. KLUCZYNSKI: Reference is made to H.R. 14474, a bill to amend Sec-
tion 127 of Title 23 of the U.S. Code relating to vehicle weight and width limita-
tions on the Interstate System, in order to make certain increases in such
limitations.
The American National Cattlemen's Association, at its 71st Annual Conven-
tion in January, 1968, passed the foliowing resolution on this subject entitled,
"Truck Uniformity":
"Whereas, a bill has been introduced in Congress to enable the various states
to adopt uniform standards for trucks in interstate commerce Now, therefore,
beit
"Resolved, That the American National Cattlemen's Association endorse this
legislation in principle."
Transportation of livestock by motor truck is a tremendously important sub-
ject to us since a very high percentage of our product is moved to market in
motor trucks. We believe that this type of permissive legislation is important to
the achievement of greater efficiency of motor truck operation in the marketing
of livestock.
We ask that you please make this letter a part of the hearing record. Thank
you.
Cordialiy,
C. W. MCMILLAN.
ASSOCIATION 0F AMERICAN RAILROADS,
Washington, D.C., June 18, 1968.
Hon JOHi~ KLUCzYN5KI
Chairman, SubcOmmittee on Roads,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. OuAIRMa~i: Here is a statement on behalf of the Association of
American Railroads, expressing our opposition to enactment ~t this time of S.
2658, which is now pending before the Subcommittee on Roads of the House
Committee on Public Works.
Our national transportation policy demands that the existing inequitable
situation between motor carriers and railroads, resulting from inadequate high-
way user charges on heavy units, not be aggravated or wOrsened, as would be
done by this bill. Highway coSt burdens should be assumed by those users oc-
casioning such burdens. If such is not done, the aation's available transportation
resources are used in uneconomic and inefficient ways. S. 2658 cannot be con-
sidered separate and apart from this principle. While your Committee may have
no direct jurisdiction over the measure and level of user charges, it seems to us
that it does have a general responsibility imposed upon it by the national trans-
portation policy.
PAGENO="0721"
709
If, with the new and additional economic factors, sufficient facts are not avail-
able for application of the aibove principle, then action on this bill should be
withheld pending requisite study.
I respectfully ask that this letter and the attached statement be made a part
of the record of hearing before your Conimittee on S. 2658.
Sincerely,
THOMAS M. GOODFELLOW.
`STATEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS BEFORE THE SUBCOM-
MITTEE ON ROADS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS WITH RESPECT TO
5. 2658
The American railroads are strongly opposed to enactment of S. 2658 at this
time. In our opinion, any favorafble action on the bill would be premature and ill
advised. The reasons for this opinion embrace the interests of our industry and
of the general public-and in most respects we find those interests to be largely
common. Briefly stated, those reasons are:
1. Our n'ational transportaJtion policy demands that the presently existing in-
equitable situation as between motor carriers and' railroads,1 as well as between
the various classes of highway. users, must not be aggravated or `wo'rsened. S.
2658 would do exactly that.
2. Wh'ile safe operation on the highway is the direct. concern of it's users, the
railroads have a direct interest in the proper assignment of cost burden re-
quired by those considerations.2 S. 2658 contains no such provision.
3. The motor vehicle weights `and sizes permitted under S. 2658 exceed those
which, after comprehensive study, have been recommended to and adopted by
the Congress. Without further economic study, action permitting such excess
would be premature.
4. Without comprehensive study of what will be required in the interest of
safe operation on the highWays and assignment of cost `responsibility theref~r,
passage of S. 2658 would certainly be untimely.
There follows a discussion of each of the foregoing reasons for our opposition
to S. 2658.
Briefly, this bill would accomplish the following:
(A) Weight on a single axle increased to 20,000 lbs. (presently set by law
at 18,000 lbs. on Interstate System)
(B) Weight on a tandem axle increased to 34,000 lbs. (presently set by
law at 32,000 lbs. on Interstate System).
(C) Vehicle width of 102" plus additional width for safety devices and
tire bulge. (presently set by law at 96" on Interstate System)
(D) Overall vehicle gross weight without a maximum, weight calcu'lSted
`by a formula based on the number and spacing of axles. (presently set `by
law at 73,280 lbs. on the InterState System) `
(E) No overall length limits of vehicle combinations. (present efficient
length controlled by gross vehicle maximum of 73,280 l'bs, on the Interstate
System)
These sizes and weights are to be the maximum allowed on the Interstate
System with the States to set their own Standards within the Federal limits.
Incidentally, there is no praCtical way to confine such vehicles to the Interstate
System. Some States in 1956 retained maximum weights in excess of Federal
standards at the time of passage of the Act by special provisions of the law.
This bill will do much more, both specifically and in brohd economic effects,
than the above specifications would indicate. The vehicle dimensions asked fo'r'
exceed the recommended sizes and' weights developed by any current valid study,
including that study authorized by the Congress in establishing the Interstate
Sy~stem. Further, these dimensions carry none of the safeguards, either as t'o fi-
nancing or safety of operation, recommended to `the Congress in the Same study.
THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY DEMANDS THAT THE PRESENTLY EXISTING
INEQUITABLE SITUATION NOT BE AGGRAVATED OR WORSENED
We do not h'ave to remind this Committee that the Oongress, in 1940, by the'
passage of the National Transportation Peilcy, prescribed fo'r the future policies
1 Appendix p 713
2 Appendix, P. 713.
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and guidelines which should be adhered to in order to make available to the na-
tion an adequate and efficient transportation network. While this Policy is cast
in somewhat broad terms, there is at least one aspect of the Policy which is be-
yond controversy or doubt.
The type of national transportation system whieh the Policy seeks to bring
about is one in which the several modes are dealt with fairly and equitably so
that the inherent advuntages of each can be realized-thus promoting an efficient
and economical use of the country's transportation resources. In the words of
the Policy, the objective is:
"* * * to recognize and preserve the inherent advantages of each [mode];
to promote safe, adequate. economical, and efficient service and foster sound
economic conditions in transportation and among the several carriers * *
The question posed is whether this legislation is consistent with these objec-
tives. A short explanation will suffice to show plainly that it is not.
Since one of the important objectives of the National Transportation Policy is
to foster sound economic conditions in transportation and among the several
carriers and to insure the efficient use of transportation resources, it follows
that those carriers using publicly supplied transportation facilities should pay
adequate charges for their use. In other words, if economic conditions are to
be sound among the several carriers, each class must pay its way. If this is
not to be the case, the nation's available transportation resources will be used
in uneconomic and inefficient ways. Studies ordered by Congress and reports
resulting therefrom show beyond question that the heavier trucks and combi-
nations should be paying considerably more than they do now for their use of
the highways.3
Since present user charges are inadequate, common sense tells us that to
permit further increases in vehicle sizes and weights simply would aggravate
and worsen the inequitable situation now exi~ting. Two things are clear, namely,
present user charges should be increased commensurate with existing motor
vehicle sizes and weights and no increase in such sizes and weights should be
permitted without further and corresponding increases in user charges.
Some might ask if this is not a matter of singular concern to the several classes
of highway users, including the private automobile owners and the several other
classes of users who operate smaller types of equipment. The answer must be
that it is of concern to the several categories of highway users, but not alone
to them. The railroads, being vigorous competitors of highway carriers, also
have an important interest in the elimination of the enormous and unjustified
subsidies in the form of inadequate user charges paid by the operators of the
larger highway units.
It may be argued that the fixing of user charges is not a function of this
Committee, but its overall responsibility cannot so easily be avoided. While this
Committee may not determine the measure and level of increased or altered
user charges, its obligation is clear-it should not recommend to the Congress
any legislation that will materially increase the cost of highways, as will S. 2658,
unless and until accompanied by wholly adequate user charges to be paid by
those responsible for such costs. To do otherwise is to recommend use of our
available transportation resources in uneconomic ways.4 Significantly, such in-
creased cost of highways, and the resultant uneconomic and inefficient use of
our transportation resources, would be for the benefit of only a small segment
of total highway users. Moreover, consideration of increased highway cost and
responsibility therefor cannot be confined to the Interstate System since there
appears no practical way to confine such vehicles to that system. Traffic does
not originate and terminate on the Interstate System.5
THERE SHOULD BE PROPER ASSIGNMENT OF THE COST BURDEN OCCASIONED BY SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOVERY OF SUCH~ COST FROM THOSE RESPONSIBLE
We should like to say something about highway safety, giving full recognition
to the fact that the railroad industry is not the spokesman for what is needed to
make operations on the highway safe. Also, we want to say that it isn't the desire
or purpose of the railroads to secure competitive equality or competitive ad-
vantage by sponsoring safety requirements for highway users. But highway
3Final report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study, January 6, 1961, House Document
54, 87th Congress, 1st Session.
4Appendix, p. 713.
5Appendix,p. 713.
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711
safety becomes a proper and just concern of the railroads when, by reason of the
increased size and weight of vehicles permitted, the existing highway plant must
be upgraded to insure safe operations. In such instances, the railroads have a
right to object to the Government undertaking a course of action which will
result in greater expenditure for the highways, expenditures which would be
unnecessary if the contemplated action were not taken, unless the additional
costs are recovered from those responsible. Stated differently, the larger and
heavier vehicles permitted by this legislation will create new and unique safety
problems-the solution of which will cost large sums. Yet there is no provision
made for these beneficiaries to pay a single additional cent towards such costs.
There is overwhelming evidence that allowing larger and heavier vehicles to
operate on the highways will necessitate increased Government expenditures
if safe operations are to be maintained.6
The recent disaster of the "Silver Bridge" (Point Pleasant) between West
Virginia and Ohio has focused nationwide attention on this aspect of highway
safety. While it is futile to confine consideration to the Interstate System, not
all the bridges on that system as it is currently being used are designed to carry
the loads and lengths that would be permitted under 5. 2658. Since, as we have
said, no one has come up with the means of confining the operation of a given
truck entirely to the Interstate System, the question of bridges on the remainder
of the Federal Aid System, and other roads and streets, becomes important. West
Virginia has estimated a cost of $200 million to place its bridges in shape to
carry even the presently permitted weights and sizes.7 If West Virginia is in any
way typical of the other 47 continental States, the nationwide cost of providing
bridges safe for even present weights and sizes would be tremendous.
A further feature of S. 2658 that is relevant to user charges is the "grand-
father" clause.
S. 2658 as passed by the Senate would establish allowable maximum size and
weight limits for motor vehicles using the Interstate System, the purpose of
which limits is "to adequately protect the Federal investment." Having pre-
scribed upper limits for all vehicles, the bill proceeds to permit alternative limits
even higher than the ones primarily prescribed, such alternative limits being
those "permitted for vehicles using the public highways of such State under
laws or regulations established by appropriate State authority in effect on
January 1, 1968 . .
This plainly means that if any state on January 1, 1968 allowed its "public
highways" to be used, for example, by vehicles having single axle loads of
22,400 pounds and tandem axle loads of 40,000 pounds, such loading would be
permissible on the highways of the Interstate System located within that state.
In fact, there are states which on January 1, 1968 permitted such axle loads on
their public highways.
The grandfather clause thus creates a gaping exception to the general
statutory limits which Congress undertakes to fix by this bill and flies in the
face of a logical basis for prescribing any limits at all for vehicle sizes and
weights. In fixing limits of 20,000 pounds for single axles and 34,000 pounds
for tandem axles, the Senate determined, as a matter of policy, that those limits
are the maximum that should be permitted on the Interstate System. The Senate
must have concluded, on the basis of the evidence presented, that sizes and
weights in excess of the proposed numerical limits would be unjustified. There
has been no showing whatever on the merits that loads above those fixed by
the bill would be tolerable or in the public interest. However, the grandfather
clause would permit them.
The situation with respect to the grandfather concept is quite different from
1956 when the first federal size and weight limits were established. At that time
there had never been federal limits on highway use, and an argument from equity
could be made that the states should not at that time be disadvantaged as a
result of having enacted laws in the past allowing sizes and weights in excess
of the limits fixed by Congress in 1956. Those state laws had not been enacted
with awareness that federal limits would have to be taken into account. How-
ever, from 1956 onwards, all of the states were on notice that Congress had
imposed fixed limits on the Interstate System and had directed extensive studies
and research into future size and weight limits and user charges, looking to the
6 Appendix, p. 7i 3.
Report of The State Road Commissioner of West Virginia Concerning Collapse of The
Silver Bridge, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, January 1968.
96-030-GS------46
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712
establishment of definitive limits. That research has been carried out and
recommendations have been based on it.
The grandfather clause is illogical on its face. If it is retained, however,
proper user charges should of course reflect the higher levels of use that would
be permitted and the even higher levels of highway construction and main-
tenance costs that would result in the states that could take advantage of the
grandfather clause.
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ECONOMIC AND SAFETY FACTORS INHERENT IN THE
PROPOSALS OF S. 2658 MUST PRECEDE ANY ACTION THEREON
The measure before you would increase the single-axle load of the heavy
vehicle from 18.000 pounds to 20,000 pounds; increase the tandom-axie load
from 32.000 pounds to 34,000 pounds; increase width from 96 inches to 102 inches.
No limitation would be placed on either length or height of vehicles.
The proposals incorporated in S. 2658 exceed those of the 1946 policy of the
American Association of State Highway Officials; of the 1964 policy of the
American Association of State Highway Officials; of the 1964 Report of the
Bureau of Public Roads to the Secretary of Commerce and of the 1964 Report
by the Secretary of Commerce to the Congress.
The 1956 Federal Highway Act contained two very important sections relative
to this subject. One, Congress instructed the Secretary of Commerce to "take
all action possible to expedite the conduct of a series of tests now planned, or
being conducted, by the Highway Research Board of the National Academy of
Sciences, in cooperation with the Bureau of Public Roads and the several States,
and other persons and organizations, for the purpose of determining the inaxi-
mum desirable dimensions and weights of vehicles operated on the Federal-Aid
Highway System, including the Interstate System, and after the conclusion of
such tests, but not later than March 1, 1959, to make recommendations to the
Congress with respect to such maximum desirable dimensions and weights."
The second important section was "Section 210," which ordered the Secretary
of Commerce "to make available to the Congress information on the basis of
which it may determine what taxes should be imposed by the United States, and
in what amounts, in order to insure, insofar as practicable, an equitable. distri-
bution of the tax burden, among the various classes of persons using the Federal-
Aid Highways or otherwise deriving benefits from such highways."
These studies and reports by the Bureau of Public Roads, acting under the
Secretary of Commerce, were ordered by the Congress of the United States.
The report on maximum desirable dimensions and weights of vehicles operated
on the Federal-Aid Systems was submitted to. the Congress on August 19, 1964,
by the Secretary of Commerce, as House Document No. 354 of the 88th Congress,
2nd Session. That report, as submitted to Congress, did not follow, in a number
of respects, the report submitted to the Secretary of Commerce by the Bureau
of Public Roads. The Bureau's recommendations,, for axle loads, gross loads
and vehicle width, were increased in the Office of the Secretary of Commerce
before the report was submitted to the Congress.
The Highway Cost Allocation Study, identified as "Section 210" was submitted
in two documents, i.e., "Final Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study,"
House Document No. 54 of the 87th Congress, 1st Session, dated January 6. 1961,
and "Supplementary Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study," House
Document No. 124, 89th Congress, 1st Session dated March 24, 196.5.
The Bureau of Public Roads, working with its own staff, in. cooperation with
the State Highway Departments and other interested groups, did comply with
the mandate of the Congress and did submit to you reports which you ordered.
The Road Test at Ottawa, Illinois, which extended over a period from 1956 to
1962, was the most elaborate, refined and scientific undertaking of its kind
ever made. The total cost was in excess of $27 million. The magnitude of this
undertaking can be measured by the fact that Defense Department military
personnel, acting as drivers, drove 120 trucks over the test road 17% million
miles between the dates of November .5, 1958 and November 30, 1900.
Based on those prolonged studies, the Bureau of Public Roads, in consultation
with the State Highway Departments, made certain basic recommendations.
S. 2658 would provide single-axle limitations of 20,000 pounds; tandem-axle
limitations of 34,000 pounds, widths of 102 inches; no length limitations and no
height limitations. The procedures for determining gross loads indicate that 9-
axle vehicles of 98-foot length would be perüiitted to carry gross loads of ap-
PAGENO="0725"
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proximately 124,625 pounds. This is almost 18 tons greater than would be per-
mitted either by the original recomniendations of the Bureau of Public Roads
or `by the policy position of the American Association of State Highway Officials.
However, under this bill, without a length limit, gross loads totaling 150,000
pounds or more could be legally obtained.
To ignore the findings of these officials of the Bureau of Public Roads and
State Highway Departments, with regard to the load carrying capacity of our
highway system, is to invite premature destruction and disaster to our roads
and bridges. The sound and logical course would be to make a current and com-
prehensive evaluation of the sizes and weights of vehicles that are to `be permit-
ted to operate over our roads and streets on the basis of the additiional and new
economic and safety considerations injected by the proposals of S. 2658.
In conclusion, we urge this Committee to withhold any favorable action oii S.
2658 and not to treat of it separate and apart from the question of economic im-
pact and adequate user charges.
APPENDIX
RELATIONSHIP OF HIGHWAY, COST ALLOCATION STUDY TO COMPETITIVE ASPECTS OF
HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION
Competing carriers are not unaware that the network of modern interstate
expressways will expand the potential radius of. trucking operations and will en-
able motor carriers to operate more economically and efficiently along many
intercity rOutes. James C. Nelson in the Brookings Institute Treatise, "Rail-
road Transportation `and Public Policy," discusses its significance to the railroads
as follows: .
"More widespread and intense bus and truck competition with the railroads will
almost certainly be a principal long-term effect of greatly enlarged Federal ex-
penditures `on highway `and of concentration of those expenditures on the key In-
terstate System of competitive routes. As trucking costs fall and trucking speeds
increase on improved highways, the distance range of profitable trucking with in-
crease, a'n'd it will become profitable to haul less highly rated commodities `by
truck." (Final. Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study, House Document
No. 54 of the 87th Congress, 1st Session, dated January 6, 1.961, page' 244.)
TIlE NEUTRALITY STANDARD
In its report on "Carried Taxation" (page 46) published in 1944, the Board of
Investigation and Research defined a standard of neutrality in taxation. In a
section dealing with the comparative tax burdens of competing carrier groups' a
list was given of some of the more common concepts of proper. tax payments by
business concerns. The fourth and last of these concepts was defined and com-
mented upon as follows:
"4. The `amount of taxes that would be paid if a `given sum were to `be
raised from the subjects of comparison in such a fashion as to minimize the
effect of Government upon `the direction and extent of business enterprise
(the neutrality standard).
"With minor qualifications the staff accepts the last of these standards as
the text of overtaxation implied by the events that occasioned the congres-
sional directive to study the extent to which taxes are imposed upon * * *
carriers.'"
"Alth~ugh the problem of the B'oard (that of comparing the complete tax-
payment structures of the several carrier groups) was a different, one, it is be-
lieved that the standard of neutrality can reasonably be. applied to the problem
of tax'ation for the support of the Federal-aid systems insofar as it affects the
competing carrier groups. Competition between the railroads' and the motor
carriers otcurs in through-traffic on main highways paralleling railroad routes.
It `exists between passenger cars and the railroads on the same through routes.
Competition exists between private passenger cars and public transit in through
traffic on main metropolitan arteries." (Final Report of the Highway Cost Al-
location Study, House Document No. 54 of the 87th Congress, 1st Session, dated
January 6, 1961, page 245.)
"Even so, `there is a definite indication in the results of all three allocation
studies that the heavier trucks and combinations (particularly the latter) should
be paying considerably more, in relation to the' payments by the lighter vehicle
groups, than they d'o `now. Except for the motor-fuel taxes, the Federal excise
taxes now going into the highway. trust fund are not similar to the graduate
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registration fees and other motor-vehicle-user taxes from which the States
derive their highway revenues. The Federal automotive excise taxes were not
designed as user taxes, and their present pattern is perhaps not best suited to
their new role." (Final Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study, House
Document No. 54 of the 87th Congress, 1st Session, dated January 6, 1961, page
27.)
LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
"1. A basic legal and administrative consideration in the establishment of
Federal motor vehicle standards is the need to provide at the national level for
the regulation of the major dimensions and weights of motor vehicles operating
on the Federal-aid highway systems. Such regulation must be based on sound
determinations of the needs of commerce and the role of highway transportation
in meeting those needs. The requirements of all legislative and geographical juris-
dictions must be fully considered.
"Leadership in the establishment of the major dimensions and weights of
motor vehicles for national highway systems should be provided at the national
level through the joint participation of the Federal and State jurisdictions
concerned.
"2. The existing Federal enactment providing standards for motor vehicles
operating on the Interstate Highway System also provides (in the preceding
section) that the Secretary of Commerce. in cooperation with the State highway
departments, shall adopt uniform geometric and construction standards for
highways constructed as a part of the Interstate System. This Federal legislation
recognized that the determination of standards for vehicles operating on a high-
way system should be closely related to the standards for the right-of-way; for
the design and construction of pavement, base and subbase, bridges, shoulders,
curves, grades, accelerating and decelerating lanes, parking areas, and other
geometric considerations; and for the maintenance of that highway system to
these standards.
"The relationships between standards for the dimensions and weights of motor
vehicles and the standards for the design, strength, and capacity of compatible
highway facilities are interdependent and constitute an essential consideration in
the establishment and stabilization of either group of standards." (House Docu-
ment No. 354,88th Congress. 2nd Session. page 22.)
"Generally, the weight of a vehicle is related to the serviceability and struc-
tural integrity of a highway; i.e., its pavements, shoulders, and bridges. A high-
way structure is usually desigiied for and maintained at a level of serviceability
to accommodate specific axle weights for a preselected period of time. This pre-
selected period is also the basis for programming public funds including the
determination of the period for the redemption of bonds and the imposition of
taxes dedicated to financing the highway. A modest increase in wrle weights can
decrease the serviceability and shorten the life of the structure. A significant
increase in acole weights can cause serious deterioration in the structure with
failure imminent if it is not quickly reconstructed or replaced. The establish-
nient of vehicle weight standards greater than those for which a highway system
has been designed can require (1) the additional surfacing or reconstruction of
the pavement structures; (2) the strengthening or replacement of bridge struc-
tures; (3) the increased levels of maintenance; and (4) increased financial
burdens and co-mni.itments of public funds." {Emphasis added.] (House Docu-
ment No. 354. 88th Congress, 2nd Session, page 26.)
"Weight primarily affects the serviceability and life of the pavement and
structures through the stresses it places upon them. Overstressing decreases the
serviceability and hastens the reconstruction or replacement of highway facili-
ties. Greater axle weight requires greater pavement `thickness and stronger
bridges. Gross weight can be a critical factor for bridges carrying vehicle com-
binations having short wheelbases. On the other hand, increased lengths make
possible greater gross weights. . . . But basically axle weight affects the service-
ability of a highway and vehicle size affects its capacity." (House Document No.
354, 88th Congress, 2nd Session, page 1.)
"There must be a clear showing that increases in vehicle sizes and weights are
in the public interest.
"Not least among considerations is the ability and willingness of beneficiaries
to pay the increased costs which they occasion." (House Document No. 354, 88th
Congress, 2nd Session, page 1.)
"~tructvres comprising our present highways were designed for and are main-
tained at a level of serviceability to accommodate specific vehicle dimensions and
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a~ie weights for a preselected period of time. Most structures built over the past
decade for the primary highway systems are intended to accommodate greater
vehicle standards and provide better serviceability than those built in the decade
followthg World War IT. The initially selected period of service life of highway
structures is also the basis for the programming of funds which :the public makes
available whether obtained from bond issues, user charges, dedicated tax reve-
nues, or other sources. Increases in vehicle standards which occasion greater
capacity or strengthening of highway structures, or accelerated deterioration of
their serviceability, cannot be justified unless corresponding increases are pro-
vided in the revenues required to meet the costs of highway widening, resurfacing,
reconstruction, and maintenance which they entail.
"Balance is also desirable in the application of vehicle standards both as to
their `scope and timing. Through annual model changes automotive vehicles can
be transformed from one to another dimension and weight standard very quickly.
The upgrading of an entire highway system cannot be so easily provided. Prior to
their construction, highway structures must be designed to meet capacity and
strength requirement anticipated over their lifetime. Any abrupt change in
vehicle standards could possibly bring about wasteful obsolescence of technically
end economically sound structures and weaken the public's continuing high in-
`vestment in highway systems. Further, while in the interests of uniformity it is
desirable to have only. one vehicle standard for all highway systems, it is not pos-
sible at this time as a practical economic, technical, or legislative matter. On the
other hand, neither is it feasible to establish Federal vehicle standards for cer-
tain highways unless as a minimum they comprise a very considerable mileage of
connected routes forming an interstate system." [Emphasis added~] (House Docu-
ment No. 354,88th Congress, 2nd Session, page 2.)
TEN-YEAR RESURFACING COSTS
Table 32 gives, for each of the 38 States and the District of Columbia, the
estimated `cost of all resurfacing required in the 10 year period 1963-72, for the
present and the hypothetical higher axle weight limits, .according to the calcu-
lations made in the pavement evaluation survey. Again, the States are divided
into four groups according to the present axle weight limits. Ratios of cost
for the higher limits to those for the present axle weight limits are also given.
"Of the 28 States with limits at or near 18,000 and 32,000. pounds, an increase
of the limit to 20,000 and 35,000 pounds would increase the 10-year resurfacing
cost by 20 percent or less in 16 States. In nine of `these States, the increase would
be from 20 to 40 percent; in two of them, from 40 to 60 percent; and in one of
them, from 60 to 80 percent. An increase to the 22,000- and 38,000-pound limit
would increase costs from 20 to 40 percent in 11 States, 40 to 60 percent in five
States and 60 to 80 percent in five States. For axle weight limits of 24,000 and
42,000 pounds the scatter is rather wide. It will be noted, however, that 16 of the
28 States give values of the ratio between 1.4 and 2.0." (House Document No.
354, 88th Congress, 2nd Session, page 121.)
House Document No. 354 reports, in addition, that in the 28 States reporting
and having present axle load limits of 18,000 pounds single and 32,000 pounds
tandems, the average remaining life of primary system pavements, before re-
surfacing, under present limits would be 7.4 years. An increase in weight to
20,000 pounds single and 35,000 pounds tandems would reduce the expected re-
maining `life by 1.2 years. The cost of the resurfacing under present load limits
would `approximate $3,330,000,000 over the period 1963-1972, while under an
increase to 20,000 pounds single and 35,000 pounds tandems this cost would in-
crease to approximately $4,264,000,000, or an increase attributable to the in-
creased load of $934,000,000.
Remembering that the reporting States account for only 67.5 percent of the
total primary State highway mileage in the 50 States, it could logically be pre-
sumed that the total additioiial cost of resurfacing under the increased axle loads
proposed by 5. 2658 could easily approximate $1,500,000,000 in the ten-year
period.
"The system travel characteristics of intercity buses and most types of freight-
carrying combinations are conspicuously in contrast to those of single-unit trucks
and automobiles. Tractor-semitrailer combinations travel 30 to 41 percent of
their mileage on the Interstate System and 83 to 90 percent on the combined
Federal-aid systems. For intercity buses the score is 31 percent on the Interstate
System and 85 percent on all Federal-aid systems.
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"Combinations performed by far the greater part of their travel on rural
roads, the score for all roads and streets being 78.4 rural and 21.6 urban.
"For all vehicles taken together, 16.7 percent of the 1964 travel is predicted
to occur on the Interstate System, 30.6 percent on other Federal-aid primary
highways, and 16.7 on the Federal-aid secondary system, making a total of 64.0
percent for all Federal-aid systems combined. Travel on the rural portions out-
weighs that on the urban portions of all systems except the category of "Other
roads and streets," Federal-aid highways comprise a much larger percentage of
rural roads than they do of urban streets. For this reason the percentages are
reversed in this group, "other" rural roads contributing 12.4 percent of esti-
mated 1964 travel and "other" urban roads and streets contributing 23.6 percent.
For all systems the percentages are 58.4 percent rural and 41.6 urban." (Sup-
plementary Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study, House Document No.
124, 89th Congress, 1st Session, dated March 24, 1965, page 57.)
"Standards for vehicle dimensions are primarily related to highway capacity
and those for vehicle weights are related to highway serviceability. Vehicle di-
mensions place requirements on the dimensional or geometric features of high-
way systems: width, radii of curves, clearances, grades, intersections, access
and exit provisions. A wider vehicle requires wider pavements and a higher one
requires greater clearances. Longer vehicles require more generous geometric
patterns and can also make possible greater gross weights without any increase
in axle weights. The dimensional standards also affect the operations of adja-
cent vehicles using the highway. Thus highway safety is the overriding limita-
tion on vehicle dvnzensions. The cost of providing highway facilities of greater
dimensions and the willingness of operators of larger vehicles benefiting there-
from to bear their share of such costs is also an essential consideration.
"Length standards are desirable in the interest of safety and convenience of
composite traffic, in the realization of ultimate capacity of the highway system
and as a criteria for the design characteristics for highway geometries and axle
load-distribution." [Emphasis added.] (House Document No. 354, 88th Congress,
2nd Session, page 35.)
STATEMENT OF THOMAS F. MITCHELL, ExECL'TIVE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA-
PAcjrlc Coup., WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Georgia-Pacific Corporation strongly supports pending legislation which
would increase allowable vehicle widths on the Federal Interstate Highway
System.
Georgia-Pacific, with corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon, is a manu-
facturer of paper, paperboard, converted paper products, pulp, chemicals, plywood,
gypsum products, lumber, hardboard, fiakeboard, particleboard, and other forest
products. Georgia-Pacific is the world's largest single producer of fir and pine
plywood.
The Corporation maintains over 100 distribution centers and sales offices
throughout the United States. Major manufacturing facilities are in operation
in almost every area of the country.
A great percentage of our production, including plywood, hardboard, gypsum,
and other sheet products is shipped in bundles four feet by eight feet by thirty
inches. Average weight of each bundle is approximately 290O~ pounds. All han-
dling-loading and uiiloading-must be with mechanical equipment.
Existing Federal standards limiting outside vehicle width to 96 inches elimi-
nate for all practical and economic purposes, the use of any type of closed
equipment now owned by the common and contract motor carriers to move our
sheet products. With an inside width of less than 96 inches such equipment
is unsuitable for mechanical loading of 4' x 8' sheet products. As a result many
closed trailers, particularly within the western states, are moving empty. Under
the increase proposed in pending legislation, this would not be so.
Since the closed trailers of the normal motor carriers cannot be used for the
economic transport of 4' x 8' plywood and other similar products, Georgia-
Pacific through necessity now maintains a nationwide proprietary fleet of over
three hundred trailers and fiat bed semi-trailers. These are used almost exclu-
sively for over the road shipments of our sheet products.
Not only the proprietary carrier but also the common and contract carriers
are faced with ever increasing labor, maintenance and operating costs. It is
essential that immediate stops be taken to authorize these carriers to move more
net weight per truck unit, if they are to remain competitive with other forms of
transportation.
PAGENO="0729"
717
In this regard, it is significant to note that as a result of rapid advances in
aircraft design and jet air transportation, air freight rates are fast approaching
the level of truck rates. This competition can be met only with larger equipment
and bigger payloads.
Georgia-Pacific believes that upward adjustment of width and weight limits
of standards developed twenty years ago are in keeping with the design standards
of our modern highways and bridges. It is a step in the right direction, and we
would hope that this legislation receives quick approval by this Committee and
the United States Congress.
U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS,
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
Washington, D.C., June 17, 1968.
Hon. JOHN 0. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Roads ~ubcoinmittee,
House Public Works Committee, Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN: I am enclosing copy of a resolution adopted by the
U.S. Conference of Mayors at its annual meeting held in Chicago on Saturday,
June 15. This resolution deals with a specific matter of legislation now before
your Committee.
The Mayors are concerned that a pending proposal would permit the operation
of trucks that are too large and too heavy.
We respectfully request that the resolution be made a part of the record in
the matter pending before you. We would be pleased to discuss this matter
further if you deem it appropriate.
Sincerely,
JOHN J. GUNTHER, Eaecutive Director.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE 1968 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, TUE PALMER
HOUSE, CHICAGO, ILL., JUNE 15, 1908
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
Whereas, an inadequate share of motor vehicle revenue and federal highway
aid is made available to cities and towns despite their obligation to build and
maintain their roads and streets; and
Whereas, the Secretary of Transportation has formally asked Congress to
extend, for at least three years, the completion date for the interstate highway
system because funds available are insufficient to permit completion on the
scheduled date; and
Whereas, the United States Senate has passed and there is now pending in
the House of Representatives a bill (S. 2058-H.R. 14474) which would permit
and encourage action by individual states to allow tht~ operation of truck-
trains with heavier axle loads, heavier gross loads, six inches additional width
and without limit as to length, height or number of trailers included in such
truck-trains; and
* Whereas, two-thirds of the interstate system of highways has already been
designed and completed to accommodate vehicles no greater than those allowed
under present, law, and any substantial increase in weight and size limitations
would subject that portion of the interstate system to use by vehicles in excess
of the weights and dimensions for which such roads and streets were built,
thus shortening the service life of existing facilities and multiplying the
financial burden of all road and streets authorities for maintaining and replacing
roads and streets prematurely destroyed; and
Whereas, it will be difficult if not impossible to confine truck-trains of such
increased size and weight to limited interstate system mileage, and there is no
practical way by which wider trailers and trucks can be made narrower so
as to safely fit into the existing pattern of streets and roads; and
Whereas, we recognize `the difficulty and cost of excluding truck-trains of
larger size and weight which are legal in one state from operation in a con-
tiguous city or state where such truck-trains would violate the law, and we
deplore the lack of uniformity in such regulations and the ill will generated by
such disparity: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved That the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to reject the
aforesaid truck-train bill (S. 2658-H.R. 14474) and to proceed, instead, with
the enactment of legislation to exact increased and appropriate charges for
PAGENO="0730"
718
the commercial use of highways and streets in close relation to the character
and extent of such use, and to now make available to municipal units of
government adequate funds to permit completion of the street and highway
network, including the reconstruction of weak bridges and the building of con-
necting links and alternate routes to relieve congestion.
[From the Chicago Tribune]
TEE Hienwax Bus~rnus ARE AT IT AGAIN
The Tjnited States Conference of Mayors, at its recent meeting in Chicago,
adopted a resolution urging Congress to defeat a bill which would permit larger
and heavier trucks on the interstate highway system. A similar resolution has
been approved by the Chicago city council.
Trucks are important to the national economy, but it is not necessary to let
them get bigger and bigger until they monopolize and wreck the highways. No
truck shipment starts or ends on the interstate system. If Congress raises the
limits for the interstate, truck operators will press for similar standards on con-
necting routes, including city streets.
Officials in all cities know what trucks do to pavements and how they affect
traffic. Chicago's Eisenhower expressway will be tied up all summer by repairs
which probably would not be necessary for years if the pavement had not been
punished by huge trucks. A survey by the American Automobile Association has
shown that 67 per cent of the bridges on major highways were not designed
to support the loads they are called upon to bear under current weight limits
and traffic conditions.
The bin before Congress would permit weights of 20,000 pounds for single-axle
trucks [now 18,000 pounds] and 34,000 pounds for tandem axles [now 32,000].
The measure also would permit vehicles to be wider by half a foot than the present
8-foot maximum. Motorists fear, with good reason, to share the roads with
such monsters.
The bill has been passed by the Senate and is now pending in the subcommittee
on roads of the House public works committee~ Rep. John C. Kluczynski of Chicago
is the chairman of the subcommittee. He is capable of good judgment and should
exercise itby helping to sidetrack this bill.
[From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Sunday MornIng, June 9, 1968]
HIGHwAYs AND BRIDGES THREATENED
The House Public Works Committee is a thin barrier protecting highways
investment of billions of tax dollars from the damage of heavier, longer and
vider trucks. It is a committee of which Robert A. Everett (D-Tenn.) and
Robert B. Jones (P-Ala.) are members.
The Senate already has backed away from responsibility for preserving high-
ways and bridges into which many millions have gone through the federal
Treasury from the pockets of citizens. The senators' attitude is that there is
a difference between authorization of the pavement crushers and allowing states
to make the change.
It is accepted that if this legislation comes out of committee the full House
membership will follow the Senate abdication.
In state capitol corridors the way of a truck lobbyist with a legislator is one
of the wonders of the political world. Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas have
each had a comparatively recent incident in which the truckers were turned away.
But over the years and throughout the nation the state lawmakers have been
easy marks.
It is the House committee that holds in its hands the length of life of these
highways.
There are 97 million motor vehicles in this country, all heavily taxed for
the highways, roads, streets and bridges on which they run. About 16 million
of them are trucks of all sizes, including pickups and delivery vans.
Only the tiny fraction of highway-freighters require the heavy pavements
and strong bridges that use a huge part of construction funds.
PAGENO="0731"
719
In the face of protests, these new owners have forced limitations up and
up again until some states allow 73.280 pounds on interstate routes-without
much real consideration of how the monsters are to get to and from the
newest highways without battering older and thinner pavements.
Now the small group of owners of rubber-tired freight cars are within
reach of taking off the overall weight limit. They hope to be allowed as much
as 105,500 pounds is they spread it over nine axles. They want to operate high-
way trains of three trailers behind one tractor. They feel penned in by a
96-inch width and want 102 inches.
The House committee members, if they attend hearings or read the record,
know the score. They have heard Ross G. Stapp. Wyoming highway chief
and chairman of the transport committee of the American Association of State
Highway Officials, testify that such size is dangerous.
Mr. Stapp says that even on the interstate system there are bridges unable
to take heavier loads than the standards of the years during which they
were designed. More than half of the bridges on primary and secondary
highway systems are designed only for the old standards of loads.
The committee has heard Lowell K. Bridwell, federal highway administrator,
say the proposals would result in higher costs for highway construction and
reduced life of highways.
This is the choice before the Public Works Committee. The public that pays
for these superhighways ought to be warnOd.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
STATEHIGH WAY DEPARTMENT,
Wether$field, Co~ut., April 23, 1968.
Subject: Vehicle weights and sizes.
Hon. EMu~Io Q. DADDARIO and Hon. DONALD J. IRWIN,
Washington, D.C.
DEAE CONGRESSMEN: This is in further regard to my letter of February 8, 1968,
concerning Senate Bill 2658, a bill to amend Section 127, Title 23, U.S.C.
This bill has now passed the Senate in an amended form and presumably
will be before the House in the near future. Therefore, I wish at this time to
call attention to my previous comments on this bill and also with regard to its
present form.
As presently written Senate Bill 2658 is permissible legislation in that
it ~s ould allow the individual states to increase their vehicle size and w eight
limits up to the maximums prescribed in this bill. Also, there is included therein
a grandfather clause which would permit states having higher limits than
those prescribed in the bill to retain same
In view of the nature of this bill being "permissible legislation", if this
provision and that of the grandfather clause are retained, I can offer no objection
to its passage; however, may I reiterate my previous comment that it might be
more appropriate to await the results of the investigation of the Point Pleasant
disaster, and further, to await the results of studies presently underway by
the various bridge and structures people throughout the country before legislating
any increase in vehicle weights.
Very truly yours,
HOWARD S. IVES,
state Highway Commissioner.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
TVetli*ersfleld, Conn., February 8, 1968.
Subject: Vehicle weights and sizes.
Hon. EMILIO Q. DADDARIO,
Re yburn House Office B vilding,
TVashington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. DADDARIO: Attached herewith is a copy of a letter forwarded to
Senator Jennings Randolph, Chairman of the Committee on Public Works,
relative to the February 19, 20 and 21 hearings to be held on the matter of
vehicle sizes and weights, the subject of Senate Bill 2658.
PAGENO="0732"
720
This letter states the position of the Connecticut State Highway Department
with regard to proposed increases in the maximum permissible vehicle size
and weights. I urge the Committee on Public Works to exercise caution before
legislating any increase in vehicle weights.
This letter is forwarded to you for your information and consideration with
regard to the position I have indicated.
Very truly yours,
HOWARD S. 1VE5,
~tate Highwaij Commissioner.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Wethersfield, Cenn., February 8, 1968.
Subject: Vehicle weights and sizes.
Senator JENNINGS RANDOLPH,
Oh airmaH, Convimittee on Public TVorks,
TVashinpton, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR RANDOLPH and Members of; the Committee on Public Works:
The Senate Committee on Public Works has scheduled hearings to be held on
February 19, 20 and 21 on the matter of vehicle sizes and weights, the subject of
Senate Bill 2658, a bill to amend Section 127, Title 23, tLS.C.
One provisiou of this bill would increase the maximum permissible vehicle
width from the present 96" to 102". Connecticut statutes presently permit a
width of 102". Thus this proposed increase would not present any difficulty in
Connecticut.
Provision is also provided in this bill to increase vehicle wights as follows:
single-axle weight from present 18,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs; a tandem-axle weight
from the present 32,000 lbs. to 36,000 lbs., with an overall gross weight to be
LN
determined by the gross weight formula W=500(-+12N+40).
N-i
Connecticut statues presently permit a single-axle weight of 22,400 lbs.
and a tandem-axle weight of 36.000 lbs. Furthermore, gross vehicle weights are
limited as folows: two-axle, 32,000 lbs; three-axle 53,800 Ibs; four-axles 67,400
lbs; and five or more axles 73,000 lbs.
Due to the recent bridge disaster at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and also
due to the additional bridge maintenance encountered by this department in
recent years, the subject of vehicle weights is one in which we have great
concern. While the proposed legislation would establish gross weights on the
basis of a formula which would include "length", there is no provision in
the Federal legislation which establishes a maximum vehicle length. It would
seem, therefore, that if the formula were to be used, length should be added to
the bill in some way. I might comment, however, that we here in the Connecticut
Higbw-ay Department are not completely sold on the use of this formula.
While the Connecticut State Highway Department is sympathetic to the
desires of the trucking industry to increase vehicle sizes and weights, it is
our opinion that such legislation should await the results of the investigation of
the Point Pleasant disaster, and further to await the results of studies presently
under way by the various bridge and structures people throughout the country.
Some of the thinking is that the results of the current studies may suggest
a change in design criteria for future construction. However, we have on the
ground today innumerable bridges built to both current and even older designs.
Certainly, before we destroy these bridges we had better consider what their
maximum capacities are, and then if necessary, a long-term procedure for
rehabilitating them in acordance with the current studies and possible future
weight limitations.
As presently written Senate Bill 2658 includes a "grandfather clause" which
would permit higher weights presently allowed by current State statutes to
continue in effect. Connecticut would certainly want this provision of the statutes
to remain.
In summary therefore, I would strongly urge the Committee on Public Works
to w-ait until our engineers complete the various studies under way before legis-
lating any increase in vehicle weights.
Very truly yours,
HOWARD S. Ivas,
state Highway Commissioner.
PAGENO="0733"
721
HELENA, MONT.,
May 21, 1968.
Representative JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
U.S. Hoi~se of Representatives,
House Roads Subconi~m4ttee, Washington, DXI.
The Montana State Highway Department, operating under code section 32-1123,
Revised Codes of Montana 1947, has a maximum vehicle length of sixty feet.
However, under code section 32-1127, the Montana State Highway Commission
is empowered to issue term permits for a period of nine months to vehicle in
excess of sixty feet in length and not exceeding seventy feet. Under code section
32-1127 (A) vehicles exceeding seventy-feet in length can operate under single
trip permits issued by the Montana State Highway Commission. Our present
State Law on sizes and lengths have functioned most efficiently for many years
from both the administrative operation of the Montana State Highway Corn-
mission and enforcement by the Montana highway patrol. It is our position that
Federal legislation in the fields in size and length is unnecessary and unwar-
ranted. The individual States are in the best position to determine what is safe
and proper vehicle size and length. Any general Federal statutes prescribing
single uniform size and length to be applied to all States will only serve to
obstruct and hamper efficient interstate and intrastate commerce through Mon-
tana and its sister States.
LEWIS M. CHITTIM,
State Highway Engineer, Mont a'na State Highwa~y U~mm'ission.
PAGENO="0734"
PAGENO="0735"
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT-1968
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1968
HOtISE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
STJBCOMMITTEE ON ROADS
OF THE CoMMIrI1~ ON PUBLIc WORKS
Washington, D.C.
The Subcommittee on Roads met at 9 :35 a.m., in room 2167, Ray-
burn Building, Hon. John C. Kluczynski (chairman of the subcom-
mittee) presiding.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The Subcommittee on Roads of the House Com-
mittee on Public Works will please come to order.
Today, we come to what I hope will be the last day of the hearings
on the highway legislation pending before the committee. We are all
aware of the fact that every effort is being made by the leadership to
bring the Congress to a close sometime `around the 1st of August `and
that the Rules Committe indicates that it will finish hearings on
legislation by that time.
It is imperative that we conclude hearings on highway legislation
and move for exectuive sessions to mark up any bills we intend to
report.
T lie Chair has been extremely patient, not only through these hear-
ings, but all hearings I have chaired as I am sure all members and
witnesses know.
In the interest `of time today I will request members to make their
questions as brief .as possible andwill, if necessary, invoke the 5-min-
ute rule so that every member may question the witnesses properly.
In addition to this, I will alternate between both sides so that both
the majority and `the minority will have an opportunity to question
the witnesses. I `will ap'preciate the cooperation of all members in this
matter and also the witnesses.
Our first witness is Mr. Vance Greenslit, president, Greyhound and
Mr. Charles A. Webb, National Association of Motor Bus Owners.
Mr. Greenslit and Mr. Webb, please take the witness stand.
STATEMENT `OP VANCE GREENSLIT, PRESIDENT, GREYHOUND BUS
CO., ACCOMPANIED BY CHARLES A. WEBB, NATIONAL ASSOCIA-
TION OP MOTOR BUS OWNERS
Mr. GREENSLIT. Wifl it be all right for Mr. Webb to make his presen-
tation first, Mr. `Chairman?
Mr. KLuczYNsIcr. Do you have a prepared statement?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Yes'; I `do. ,
Mr. WEBB. Yes, sir.
(723)
PAGENO="0736"
724
Mr. KLtTCZYNSKI. Do you want to put that in the record and hit
the highpoints?
Mr. WEBB. It is a very brief statement and as you request, I will
omit some portions of it.
Mr. KLUczYxsKI. Without objection, the statement will be made a
part of the record in its entirety, and you may proceed.
(The full statement of Mr. Webb follows:)
STATEMENT OF CHARLES A. WEBB, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL AssociaTioN OF MOTOR
Bus OwN~s BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ROADS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE
ON PUBLIC WORKS ON H.R. 14474, JUNE 6, 1968
Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, my name is Charles A. Webb.
I am President of the National Association of Motor Bus Owners. often referred
to as NAMBO.
NAMBO is the national trade association for the intercity motor bus industry.
Our member carriers provide more than three-fourth's of the intercity motor
bus transportation in the United States. In addition to its operator members,
NAMBO has associate members engaged in the manufacture of motor buses,
bus tires, bus seats, and other motor bus equipment, parts, and accessories. I
appreciate this opportunity to appchr before the Subconmiittee to present the
view of the Association.
NAMBO favors enactment of H.R. 14474 to liberalize the vehicle size and
weight limitations imposed by section 108(j) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act
of 1956 (23 U.S.C 127). These restrictions, based on standards more than twenty
years old, have been outmoded by improved highway construction and design.
As a consequence, motor common carriers are not permitted to make the fruits
of advanced technology available to their patrons.
The intercity bus industry is materially and adversely affected by the pro-
hibition against use of the Interstate System of vehicles exceeding 96 inches in
width. Continuance of existing weight limitations would not adversely affect the
bus industry in the immediate future. Wider and safer buses can be manufac-
tured without exceeding the axle and overall weight limitations prescribed by
the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. However, as a matter of principle, we
favor the removal of any weight restriction which has been rendered obsolete
by improved highway construction and design.
On November 17, 1932, the American Association of State Highway Officials
(AASHO) recommended 96 inches as the maximum width of motor vehicles.1
That was more than 35 years ago. At that time, more than half of the nation's
primary rural highways had traffic lanes less than ten feet wide. The general
condition of our highways at that time was reflected in AASHO's recommenda-
tions of 45 miles per hour as the maximum speed of buses and trucks and 16.000
pounds as the maximum single-axle weight. On April 1, 1946, AASHO again
recommended 96 inches as the maximum width of motor vehicles but recognized
that "certain conditions inherent in the design of vehicles suggest the desir-
ability of 102 inches as a standard of maximum width." 2
Between 1932 and passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1056, the per-
centage of primary rural highways with lanes less than ten feet wide declined
from approximately 60 percent to 26 percent. In the bill which became the
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the House of Representatives imposed no
limitation on the maximum permissible width of vehicles authorized to use the
Interstate System. The Senate amendment to the House bill included a maximum
width limitation of 96 inches which was adopted by the conference committee.3
Obviously, the maximum width limitation was not imposed to protect the
Federal government's investment in 90 percent of the cost of the Interstate
System. Since no bus manufacturer had plans in 1956 to produce intercity buses
exceeding 96 inches in width, the limitation was not opposed. In sum, the
legislative history of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 shows that the
Congress merely adopted AASHO's 1946 recommendations on vehicle width and
1 Policy Concernitvg Maximum Dimensions, Weights and speeds of Motor Vehicles To Be
Operated Over the Highways of the United ~8tates, American Association of State Highway
Officials. page 33, Appendix I (1946).
21d at 5.
H. Rept. 2436, 84th Cong., 2d Sess., p. 32.
PAGENO="0737"
725
weight as temporary standards pending a study which the Department of Com-
merce was expected to complete in 1959 but which was not transmitted to the
Congress until August, 1964.
The most recent AASHO recommendation on motor vehicle width reads as
follows:
"No vehicle, including any load and load-holding devices thereon, using com-
pleted sections of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways
shall exceed a width of 102 inches, excluding both tire bulge and approved
safety devices. Further use of the 102-inch maximum width shall not be applicable
on other routes in a State unless the State's highway system is predominantly
of sufficient lane width for safe accommodation of vehicles of such width."
By 1966 highways with lanes 12 feet wide and over bad risen from 10 percent
of total rural primary mileage in 1946 to 41 percent. Highway lane-width trends
during the period 1937-1966 are shown in the table appended to this statement.
The 96-inch width limitation does not prevent a State from permitting buses
of greater width to operate over highways which are not part of the Interstate
System. Most of the States permit buses exceeding 96 inches in width to be
operated in local and suburban service. Eight States permit operation of inter-
city buses exceeding 96 inches in width over designated highways. Ten States-
Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia,
Washington, and Wyoming-have enacted legislation which will permit 102-
inch-wide buses to use the Interstate System if the Federal-Aid Highway Act
of 1956 is amended as proposed in H.R. 14474.
Approval of H.R. 14474 would not permit wider vehicles to be operated over
any portion of the Interstate System unless such operation were permitted under
State law. Regulation of vehicle sizes and weights would continue to be pri-
marily the responsibility of the several States. If the Federal-Aid Highway Act
of 1956 were amended as proposed, a State could permit buses not exceeding
102 inches in width to use the Interstate System within its borders, but any
State, if it so desired, could prohibit the operation oe buses exceeding 96 inches
in width.
If the proposed legislation is approved, it would not be possible for intercity
motor carriers of passengers to make extensive use of wider buses unless a large
number of States conclude that the operation of such vehicles over the Inter-
state System and other improved highways within their borders is consistent
with safety and with the convenience of the general public. It is not economically
feasible for intercity motor bus operators to confine the operation of new equip-
ment to isolated States. Thus, any benefit that bus carriers might derive from
the proposed Federal legislation is dependent on the enactment of implementing
legislation by a number of contiguous States.
We recognize that there are still some roads in some States, particularly ill
mountainous terrain, which are not sufficiently wide to accommodate wider
vehicles. The great advantage of the proposed legislation is that each State
would be permitted to open the Interstate System to 102-inch wide vehicles
but would retain full power to prohibit the use of such vehicles on its narrow
highways. For example, legislation approved on April 2, 1968, by the General
Assembly of Virginia provides that if the Federal limitation on the width of
buses is increased from 96 to 102 inches, the State Highway Commission may
permit buses not exceeding 102 inches in width to be operated "on federal inter-
state and defense highways or any other four-lane divided highways . .
and may permit such operation "between the aforesaid highways and the pas-
senger bus terminals. .
If the proposed legislation is enacted, the intercity bus industry is prepared
to invest millions of dollars to provide Its passengers with wider, safer, and
more comfortable equipment. NAMBO's other witness, Mr. H. Vance Greenslit,
is here to explain the increased safety and comfort which can be provided by
making buses just six inches wider.
~Recomntende4 Policy on ManimUm Dimensions and Weights of Motor Vehicles To Be
Operated Ovdr the Highways of the United states, American Association of State Highway
Offlclals, page 11 (1968).
PAGENO="0738"
726
PERCENT OF DISTRIBUTION OF TRAFFIC-LANE WIDTHS ON PRIMARY RURAL STATE HIGHWAYS WITH HIGH-TYPE
SURFACES'
[Percentages of total miles of such highwaysj
Widths
of tra
ific lanes
Total
over
UnderlOft.
lOft.
lift.
i2ft.and
1966
18
23
18
41
100
1962
21
25
19
35
100
1956
26
32
20
22
100
1952 -
34
36
17
13
100
1946
41
38
11
10
100
1942
44
38
9
9
100
1937
50
(2)
(2)
(2)
100
Bituminous penetration, bituminousconcrete, sheet asphalt, and Portland cement concrete.
2 Conclusive data not available.
Source: Highway statistics, table SM-S, 1956, 1962, and 1966; Highway statistics, summary to 1955, tables SMW-200
and SMW-201B, 1937, 1942, and 1946; maximum desirable dimensions and weights of vehicles operated on the Federal-
aid systems, H. Doc. 354, 88th Cong., 2d sess. (table 17 for the year 1952).
Mr. WEBB. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the sub-
committee.
My names is Charles A. Webb. I am president of the National As-
sociation of Motor Bus Owners, referred to as NAMBO. NAMBO is
the national trade association for the intercity motor bus industry.
Our member carriers prOvide more than three-fourths' of the inter-
city motor bus transportation in the United States and in addition to
our operator members, we have associate members who manufacture
motor buses, parts, and accessories.
NAMBO favors the enactment of legislation to liberalize the vehicle
size and weight limitations presently existing in the Federal High-
way Act of 1956.
These restrictions as you have heard are based on standards more
than 20 years old and have been outmoded by improved highway
construction and design.
Our industry is materially and adversely affected by the prohibition
against the use of the Interstate System `by vehicles exceeding 96
inches in width and continuance of existing weight limitations would
not, however, adversely affect the bus industry in the immediate
future.
Wider and safer buses can he manufactured without exceeding the
axle and overall weight limitations prescribed by the Federal High-
way Act of 1956.
On November 17, 1932, more than 35 years ago; AASHO. recom-
mended 96 inches as the maximum width of motor vehicles. At that
time more than half of the Nation's primary rural highways had
traffic lanes less than 10 feet wide.
On April 1, 1946. AASHO again recommended 96 inches as the
maximum width of motor vehicles, but recognized that certain condi-
tions inherent in the design of vehicles suggested the desirability of
102 inches as a standard of maximum width.
Well, between 1932 and the passage of the Federal: Aid Highway
Act of 1956, the percentage of primary rural highways with lanes
less than 10 feet wide declined from approximately 60 percent to 26
percent.
In the bill which became the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956
the committee and subsequently the House of Representatives im-
PAGENO="0739"
727
posed no limitation on the maximum permissible width of vehicles
permitted to use the Interstate System.
It was a Senate amendment to the House bill which included
a maximum width limitation of 96 inches and that was adopted in
conference.
Obviously the maximum width limitation, was not imposed to pro-
tect the Federal Government's interest or investment in 90 percent
of the cost of the Interstate System.
Since no bus manufacturer had any plans in 1956 to produce inter-
city buses exceeding 96 inches, the limitation was not opposed.
In sum, the legislative history of the Federal Aid Highway Act of
1956 shows that the Congress merely adopted AASHO's 1946 recom-
mendations on vehicle width and weight as temporary standards
pending a study which the Department of Commerce was expected
to complete in 1964.
The most recent AASHO recommendation which I will not read
but which is quoted in my prepared statement recommends 102 inches
as the maximum permissible width on the Interstate System. The
96-inch width limitation does not prevent a State from permitting
buses of greater width to operate over highways which are not part
of the Interstate System. A large majority of States, at least 38 in
number, permit buses exceeding 96 inches in width to be operated in
local and suburban service.
Now, the consequences of this is that the local transit bus operator
is frequently called upon to provide a dual bus fleet. His 102-inch
buses can operate only over city streets but if bus schedules require
passengers to be served over a portion of an interstate route, those
have to be served by 96-inch buses.
There are eight States which permit operation of intercity buses
exceeding 96 inches in width over designated highways. There are
11 States, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon,
South Dakota, Utah, Virgina, Washington, and Wyoming which
have enacted legislation already which will permit 102-inch buses to
use the Interstate System if the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956
is amended as proposed in H.R. 14474 or in the Senate approved bill
S. 2658.
Approval of either of these bills would not permit wider vehicles
to be operated over any portion of the Interstate System unless that
operation were permitted under State law.
Regulation of vehicle size and weight would continue to be pri-
marily the responsibility of the several States. If the Federal Aid
Highway Act of 1956 were amended as proposed, a State could per-
mit buses not exceeding 102 inches in width to use the Interstate
System within its borders, but any State, if it so desired, could pro-
hibit the operation of buses exceeding 96 inches in width.
Now, if the proposed legislation is approved, it will not be possible
for our members to make extensive use of wider buses unless a large
number of States pass enabling legislation. It is simply not economi-
cally feasible for ir1tercity motor bus operators to confine the operation
of new equipment to isolated States. Thus, any benefits our members
received from the proposed legislation is dependent upon the enact-
ment of implementing legislation by a large number of contiguous
States.
9~~O3O6847
PAGENO="0740"
728
Now, we recognize that there are still some roads in some States,
especially in mountainous terrain which are not sufficiently wide to
accommodate wider vehicles, but the great advantage of the legisla-
tion before you is that each State would be permitted to open the
Interstate System to 102-inch buses but would retain full power to
prohibit the use of such vehicles on its narrow highways.
For example, legislation approved on April 2 of this year by the
General Assembly of Virginia provides that if the Federal limitation
on the width of buses is increased from 96 to 102 inches, the Virginia
State Highway Commission may permit buses not exceeding 102 inches
in width to be operated, and I will quote now:
"On Federai interstate and defense highways, or any other four lane
divided highways and may permit such operation between the afore-
said highways and passenger bus terminals."
Legislation was enacted this year by Maryland, and by New York
also, to permit the use of wider buses on the Interstate System pro-
vided the legislation now before the Congress is e.nacted.
The problem that the intercity inotorbus industry faces, of course,
is strong competition with the private automobile, with the airplane,
with the trains. We are attempting to fill a need created in part by the
discontinuance of rail passenger service. We offer the only transporta-
tion service to thousands of small communities. Each bus you see on a
highway is taking the place of 15 to 20 automobiles.
Our passengers are safer riding a bus. Travel by bus is approxi-
mately 15 to 20 times sa.fer than travel by private automobile, but the
problem we face essentially is to provide a more comfortable service to
our patrons.
In the last 30 years the American population has grown taller and
broader and the only way that we can possibly provide the necessary
comfort is to use the additional 6 inches to make the seats in the buses
wider.
So, if this proposed legislation is enacted, our industry is prepared
to invest millions of dollars to provi4e passengers with wider, safer,
and more comfortable equipment.
Our other witness, Mr. Vance Greenslit is here and he will explain
to you in somewhat greater detail the increased safety and comfort
which can be provided simply by making the buses just 6 inches wider.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. We will hear from both of the witnesses and then
we will have the questions.
Do you have a prepared statement, Mr. Greenslit?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Yes, I have; and it has been circulated.
Mr. KLuczYNsKI. Do you wish to have that in the record?
Mr. GREENSLIT. I would very much like to do that.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Without objection, it is so ordered and made a
part of the record in its entirety. You may proceed as you wish.
(The full prepared statement of Mr. Greenslit follows:)
STATEMENT OF H. VANCE GREENSLIT ON BEHALF OF GREYHOUND LINES, INC., AND
THE NATIONAL AsSocIATION OF MOTOR Bus OWNERS BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE
oN ROADS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS ON H.R. 14474,
JUNE 6, 1968
Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, I appear before you today on
behalf of Greyhound Lines, Inc., from which I have juSt recently retired as
PAGENO="0741"
729
Chairman of the Board, and on behalf of the National Association of Motor Bus
Owners, (NAMBO). Greyhound is the nation's largest intercity passenger bus
operator and the identity of NAMBO has been described in the preceding testi-
mony of the President of the Association.
The over-all size and weight of the intercity bus needs to be increased in
response to demands of the bus-traveling public for greater comfort and safety.
One of the principal factors necessitating increased over-all vehicle w-idth is the
current increase in the physical size of the average American-we are not only
getting taller, we are getting broader. Present dimensions in the seating areas
of conventional bus equipment are no longer adequate to provide a proper level
of passenger comfort. In this connection, I invite your attention to a recent study
of the American Seating Company on the trend toward installing wider and more
comfortable seats in theaters, stadiums and other public places. Excerpts from
that study are appended to my statement.
At the same time, design progress is possible to produce a vehicle offering
greater safety to passengers, the driver, and other traffic. Key mechanical com~
ponents which have either a direct or indirect effect on over-all safety can be
increased in size and capacity more than proportionately to increased vehicle
size and weight. Engine power can be greatly increased to give performance
characteristics more consistent with those of today's high-speed expressway
traffic.
If you build a wider bus, you can also build it higher and still stay within
present height limitations. From this engineering relationship, between width
and height, come significant safety advantages. By adding six (6) inches to the
width, the height can be increased to twelve (12) feet as compared with the ten
(10) and eleven (11) feet for the present single and dual-level buses. Here are
the major safety advantages:
1. Greater over-all height directly contributes to safety because it allows
placement of passenger seats at a height from the ground above the point at which
most collision impacts take place. The driver's position is also raised, giving him
better visibility and more safety in case of head-on collision. Greater height
reduces the accumulation of road splash and dirt on windshield and side windows
in wet weather. The increased over-all width also reduces the tendency of the
front wheels to throw road splash and dirt up on the side windows because the
coach structure can extend farther beyond the outside edges of the front wheels.
2. Even though the bus is higher the extra width permits a lower center of
gravity which, in turn, improves resistence to overturning and excess sidesway.
3. Liberalized widths and rear-axle weight limitations permit more extensive
use of stronger materials, such as stainless steel which provides greater pas-
senger protection and less structural weakening through corrosion.
4. The addition of only six (6) inches in width in combination with the in-
creased height makes it possible to use much larger tires. The tire footprint (the
area in conact with the road) is substantially larger~-46 percent-providing:
(a) greatly improved road adhesion
(b) better steering control
(c) greater skid resistance
(d) more effective braking
(e) improved sidewise stability because it permits the use of a special
rear suspension arrangement giving a lateral spacing between bellows of
more than 2'/2 times that possible with a conventional design.
(1) wider spacing between dual-wheel tires for cooler operation, which
reduces the possibility of blow-outs due to excessive heat buildup.
5. Larger wheel diameter and width mean greater brake shoe area, that is
08.8 percent greater total effective brake shoe area and 20.0 percent greater
effective brake shoe area per ton of gross vehicle weight.
0. Wider brake drums reduce heat buildup, cutting down on fading tendencies.
With respect to passenger comfort, each pair of seats can be made from two
(2) to three (3) inches wider, that is from 38 inches to 40 or 41 inches. From
my own personal experience, I can testify that the additional seat widths add
immeasurably to the comfort and convenience of an extended bus trip. By not
using all of the additional six-inch width in widening the seats, we. can increase
the aisle width by at least one-half inch to facilitate loading and unloading
of passengers and their hand baggage.
The additional height inside the passenger compartment makes it possible
for most passengers to walk down the aisle to their seat without stooping.
PAGENO="0742"
730
The additional height also permits larger side windows for improved passenger
viewing.
Greyhound has spent $2,000,000 engineering such a bus, which has been tested
~rnd has proved the advantages heretofore outlined. We thus know that the
liberalination provided for in H.R. 14474 will add immeasurably to the safety
and comfort of the bus-riding public, and are therefore hopeful of your favorable
consideration. Coming at a time when the public is deeply concerned with high-
way safety, the iiitercity bus industry is ready, willing and able to contribute its
part to the furtherance of the safety effort.
Attached to each copy of this statement is a printed sheet showing a detailed
comparison between the specifications of the largest conventional type buses
now being operated and the new- one which Greyhound has engineered within
the limits provided for in the bill here under consideration. While I believe the
attached sheet is self-explanatory, I will be glad to make any further explanation
you request.
Thank you.
SOME CoNsIDERATIONS ABOUT SEATING FRo~I THE AMERICAN SEATING Co.,
GRAND Ra~i~s, Mmii.
There is considerable evidence to confirm the fact that people are demanding
more sitting room for whatever seating requirements they have. It is particularly
notable when considering auditorium and stadium chairs that the trend is
tow-ard w-ider more comfortable seats. The 1'U' & 18" seat that was used 20
or 25 years ago is obsolete and even the 19" seat is found only occasionally and
then usually only because space requirement dictates the use of a few of these
narrow sizes. Most auditoriums are concentrating on 20", 21", & 22" seats to
give the public what is demanded. Obviously in an auditorium increasing the
width Of the seat decreases the capacity for a given area but the objections to
narrow seats have been sufficient to overcome objections to the extra space re-
quired.
The reasons for the increased width of seats are, first, people are getting
bigger and their bodies take up more space and, secondly, people are demanding
more èomfortable seating; the width of the seat is a major contributor to the
comfort that can be built into the seat.
Considerable data has been collected and serves to prove the fact that both
children and adults are getting bigger. In a pamphlet published by the United
States Department of Agriculture entitled, "Heights and Weights of Adults in
the United States", Home Economics Research Report No. 10, measurements
have been tabulated of a number of groups showing this increase over the years.
One of the interesting charts in this book shOws the increase in height and weight
of students entering Amherst and Yale Universities for many years. Through-
out this research report many records prove the increase in weight which is, of
course, a big factor in the comfort of the person seated. I have shown a chart
of this collected data to accompany this report. One of the interesting figures
show-n is that in 20 years-from 1935 to 1957 the average student increased 34"
in height and about IS pounds in weight.
Another interesting publication bearing on this subject is "Weight, Height and
Selected Body Dimensions of Adults in the United States-1960-1962. This is a
pub~ieation by the Public Heatlh Service No. 1000-Series 11-No. 8. In this study
a nationw-ide probability sample 7,710 persons in the 18 to 79 age bracket was
selected. and a vast amount of anthropometric data was tabulated. Interestingly
enough they show seat breadth for men averaging 14" and a seat breadth for
women averaging 14.4". This is one of the few body measurements in which
u-omen exceed men. Also they go on to point out that the increase in size to the
middle age maximum is slightly greater in women than for men. However,
seating cannot be designed for averages and to use average dimensions is mis-
leading w-hen considering adequate seat width.
In this same publication they show' that to the 95 percentile men measure 16"
in seat breadth and to the 99 percentile 17.4". For women in the same range-95
percentile 17.6" and the 99 percentile 19". The man reaches maximum seat
breadth in the ages 25 to 34 whereas the woman attains this width somewhat
later in life in the age brackets of 45 to 54. Since the usual seat in an inter-city
bus measures approximately 34" between the two arms, it can readily be seen
that tw-o women in the upper ranges of thOse dimensions would be squeezed in
quite tightly in such a seat. For example, to accommodate larger women the
PAGENO="0743"
731
seat just does not have enough breadth to even give them minimal sitting space.
This publication from the U.S. Department of Heatili, Education & Welfare on
page 21 makes an interesting observation and I quote it in the next paragraph as
it appears there.
"Changes in body size have been taking place throughout the course of human
evolution, but various studies, some of which are cited here, indicate that these
changes may have been sufficiently accelerated in very recent times to cause
significant differences in anthropornetric surveys made only a few years apart.
An indication of this trend is afforded by a comparison of Army inductees
measured at three different times over the past 40 years.. Inductees during World
War II were 0.67 inches taller and. 10.7 pounds heavier than the inductees of
~\Torid War I. Inductees measured during the .1957-58 were 0.50 inches taller and
over 7 pounds heavier than the World War II inductees, thus making a total in-
crease from 1917-18 to 1957-58 of about 1.2 inches and 19 pounds.
"The same trend toward increased body size is also suggested ill civilian stud-
ies. In two successive generations of Harvard students from the same families,
the sons were 1.3 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier than their fathers were at
the same age. A more recent study suggests that the average height of college
students is continuing toincrease."
Obviously from the statistics we can conclude that bus seats allow an inade-
quate width for many persons today and it is reasonable to believe that the
changes that have been recorded in body dimensions and the increases shown will
continue. If we think in terms of the future the tight conditions existing today
will become even more serious as time goes on.
For comfort it is not adequate just to provide a minimal sitting breadth. A
ierson cannot be comfortable when restricted from movement. For long periods
of sitting such as is tl~e case in inter-city bus travel there should be opportunity
for freedom of movement without the necessity for standing which, of course, in
itself would be hazardous.
We have been considering a seat breadth primarily but another factor is
shoulder width. In a bus seat installation the seats are placed close to the wall
in order to give sufficient aisle space. The person seated at the wall side of the
bus quite often has interference at the shoulder level and lacks freedom of move-
ment of the upper torso, when both seats are occupied, because the shoulder of the
person seated next to him se~ eiely confines him
40
30
Source: Heights and Weights of Adults in the United States"
Hor.e Econcirics Research Report No. 10
Agricultural Research Service
United States Department of AgriceiltuN
WEIGHT(POUNDS)
50
-YALE
--~AMHERST
SERIAL HEIGHTS A]iD WEIGHTS OF STUDENTS ENTERING i~~RST COLLEGE AND YALE UNIVERSITY FROM 1861 to 19S7.
PAGENO="0744"
732
One of the important factors in seating fatigue is time. If we compare the
relatively short time that a person sits in the theatre, perhaps an hour and a
half or two, with the longer time that he is likely to sit in a bus, sometimes as
much as six or eight hours, it becomes evident that unless the bus seat is com-
fortable, sitting fatigue is a serious factor. If the seat is so cOnfining that there
is no chance to shift a little in the seat to change the pressure on the sensitive
popliteal area and the buttocks, then fatigue sets in quite rapidly. A wider
cushion whether it is flexible foam or foam supported on springs, can be designed
to give a much more comfortable cradling effect than a narrower cushion. It
might *be interesting to remember that the airlines have recently been subject
to criticism because of the relatively narrow seats that are provided in the tourist
section of the cabin. The first class passengers get a very comfortable wide seat,
24 inches sometimes. Railroad seating too provides much wider seating per
passenger than bus seating. In the case of the bus seat the vehicle size and the
aisle width determine the sitting space so restrictively that some increase in
the vehicle width is a real necessity before major improvements in sitting com-
fort can be made.
All the available data seems to corroborate the fact that people are getting
larger and need more sitting space and that this trend will continue. The seat
width that might have been adequate for the ancient knight whose stature was
that of the boy of today is inadequate for a large percentage of the bus travelers
of 19~8 and will be more inadequate in the years ahead.
B. W. HENRIKSON,
Vice President, Research an~ Development.
COMPARISON OF INTERCITY BUS MODEL SPECIFICAT1ONS
Item Dual level PD-4501 The Silver Eagle New bus, model
MC-6X
Seating capacity 43 46 43.
Overall length 40 ft 40 ft 40 ft.
Overallwidth 96in 96in 102 in.
Overall height 10 ft. 1l~ in lIft. 2 in 12 ft.
Weight loaded-(gross vehicle weight in pounds)...._ 40, 000 37,900 42, 000.
Number of axles 3 3 3.
Frontaxle 10,735 10.440 14,000.
Dive axle 14.955 18,000 18,000.
Trailing axle 14.310 9, 460 10,000.
Underfloor luggage compartment capacity (cubic
feet) 344 215 450.
Engine horsepower, atgoverned speed 310 263 380.
Engine horsepower perton of gross vehicleweight. 15.5 13.8 18. 05.
Tire sizes:
Front 11.00 by 19.00 11.00 by 20.00 13.50 by 24.50.
Rear driving 11.00 by 19.00 11.00 by 20.00 13.50 by 24.50.
Rear trailing 11.00 by 19.00 11.00 by 20.00 11.00 by 22.50.
Total road contact area of tires (footprint area in
square inches) 800 591 754.6.
Road contact area per ton gross vehicle weight
(area in square inches) 40.0 31.1 35.9.
Total effective brake drum area (square inches) -- - 1909 1554 2116.
Effective brake area per ton of gross vehicle weight. 95.45 81.7 100.6.
Brake size (diameter by width of drums):
Front l43/~ in. by 5 in 16~ in. by 4 in 1614 in. by 6 in.
Rear driving 1414 in. by 8 in 1614 in. by 7 in 1614 in. by 10 in.
Rear trailing 1414 in. by 8 in 1634 in. by 4 in 1434 in. by 5 in.
Interior headroom at center aisle, minimum 7534 in 75 in 7634 in.
Width between seats at center aisle 14 in 14 in 1434 in.
Width of double passenger seat 38 in 38 in 40 in.
PAGENO="0745"
733
COMPARISON OF INTERCITY BUS MODEL SPECIFICATIONS-Continued
Item Single level, New bus,
model MC-5A model MC-6X
Seating capacity
Overall length 35 ft 40 ft.
Overall width 96 in 102 in.
Overall height 10 ft 12 ft.
Weight loaded-(gross vehicle weight in pounds) 28,733 42,000.
Number of axles 2 3.
Frontaxle 10,743 14,000.
Drive axle 17,990 18,000.
Trailing axle 10,000.
Underfloor luggage compartment capacity (cubic feet) 212 450.
Engine horsepower, at governed speed 255 380.
Engine horsepower per ton of gross vehicle weight 17.50 18.05.
Tire sizes:
Front - 11.50 by 22.50 13.50 by 24.50.
Rear driving 11.50 by 22.50 13.50 by 24.50.
Rear trailing None 11.00 by 22.50
Total road contact area of tires (footprint area in square inches) 480 754.6.
Road contact area per ton gross vehicle weight (area in square inches) - - - 33.4 35.9.
Total effective brake drum area (square inches) 1184 2116.
Effective brake area per ton of gross vehicle weight 82.5 100.6.
Brake size (diameter by width of drums):
Front 143/~ in. by 5 in_ - - -. 163-~ in. by 6 in.
Rear driving 143~ in. by 8 in 16-~ is. by 10 in.
Rear trailing None 143'~j in by 5 in.
Interior headroom at center aisle, minimum 753.~ in 76~/4 in.
Width between seats at center aisle 14 in 143/~ in.
Width of double passenger seat 38 in 40 in.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Mr. Chairman, and members of the subcommittee,
I live in Chicago and appear before you today on behalf of Greyhound
from which I just recently retired as chairman of the board having
reached that ripe old age of retirement a few days ago.
On behalf of the National Association of Motor Bus Operators,
Greyhound is the largest intercity pa.ssenger bus operator and the
identity of NAMBO has been described by Mr. Webb in the preceding
testimony.
The overall size and weight of the intercity bus needs to be in-
creased in response to the demands of the bus traveling, public for
greater comfort and safety.
One of the principal factors necessitating increased overall vehicle
width is the current increase in the physical size of the average Amer-
ican. As Mr. Webb says, we are not only getting taller, we are getting
broader.
The present dimensions in the seating areas of conventional bus
equipment are no longer adequate to provide a proper level of passen-
ger comfort. In this connection, I invite your attention to a recent
study of the American `Seating Co. on the trend toward installing
wider and more comfortable seats in theaters, stadiums and other pub-
lic places. Excerpts from that study are appended to my statement
which as you said is included in the record.
PAGENO="0746"
10
At the same time design progress makes it possible to produce a
vehicle offering greater safety to passengers, the driver and other
traffic.
Key mechanical components which have either a direct or indirect
effect on overall safety can be increased in size and capacity more than
proportionately to the increased vehicle size and weight. Engine out-
put, or power, can be greatly increased to give performance charac-
teristics more than consistent with those of today's high-speed express-
way `traffic.
If you build a wider bus you can also build it higher and still stay
within present height limitations. From this engineer relationship
between width and heights comes significant advantages. By adding 6
inches to the width, the height. can be increased to 12 feet as compared
with the 10 or 11 for the present vehicle and dual level buses.
Here are the major safety advantages:
1. Greater overall height directly contributes to safety because it
allows placement of passenger seats at a height from the ground above
the point at which most collision impacts take place. The driver's
position is also raised, ~`ivine him better visa.bility and more safety
in case of headon collision. ~reater height reduces the accumulation
of road splash and dirt on windshield and side windows in wet.
weather. The increased, overall width also reduces the tendency of the
front wheels to throw road splash and dirt up on the side windows
because the structure can extend further beyond the outside edges of
the front wheels.
2. Even though the bus is higher, the extra. width this permits a
lower center of gravity which, in turn, imprOves resistance to over-
turning and sidesway.
3. Liberalized, and rear axle weight. limitations permit more exten-
sive use of stronger materials such as stainless steel which provides
greater passenger protection and less structural wea.kness through
corrosion.
4. The addition of over 6 inches in width in combination with the
increased height make it. possible to use much larger tires. The t.ire
footprint, the area in contact with the road, is substantially larger
by 46 percent, providing greatly improved road adhesion, `better
steering control, the greater skid re.sistance, and more effective braking.
This also improves sidewise stability be.cause it `permits the use of a
special rear suspension arrangement giving a lateral spacing between
bellows of more than 2% times that possible wit.h a. conventional
design. Wider spacing between dual wheel tires is also provided which
gives cooler operation and which reduces the possibility `of blowouts
due to excessive heat buildup. Larger wheel diameter and `width means
greater brakeshoe area, that. is 68.8 percent total greater effective brake-
shoe area, and 28.6 percent bra.keshoe a.rea per ton of gross vehicle
weight.
Wider brakedrums cut down on fading brake tendency. On passen-
ger comfort, each pair of seats can be made 2 to 3 inches wider, t.hat is
from 38 to 40, or 41 inches wide. From my own personal experience I
can testify that t.he additional width in the seats adds immeasurably to
the comfort and convenience of an extended bus trip. By not using all
of the additional 6-inch width in widening the seats, we can increase
PAGENO="0747"
735
the aisle width by at least one-half inch to facilitate loading and un-
loading of passengers and their baggage.
The additional height inside the passenger compartment makes it
possible for most passengers to walk down the aisle to their seat with-
out stooping. The additional height permits larger side windows for
improved viewing.
Greyhound has spent $2 million engineering such a bus as I have
described which has been tested and has proved the advantages hereto-
fore outlined.
We thus irnow that the liberalization provided for in H.R. 14774
will add immeasurably to the comfort and safety of the bus riding
public and we are hopeful of your favorable consideration.
Coming at a time when the public is deeply concerned with highway
safety, the intercity bus industry is ready, willing, and able to con-
tribute its part to the furtherance of that safety effort.
Attached to the statement is a printed sheet showing a detailed
comparison between the specifications of the largest conventional
type buses now being operated and the new one which Greyhound
has engineered within the limits provided in the bill here under
consideration.
While I believe the attached sheet is self-explanatory, I will be
glad to make any further explanation I can at your request.
Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, Mr. Greenslit.
Mr. Webb, in your opinion in these sizes and weights, if they can be
increased, it would not have any adverse effect on the safety operation
of your buses?
Mr. Wni~B. Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. As a matter of fact, the in-
crease in the permissible width of buses would make possible even
safer equipment than we have today.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. What is the maximum width of any bus now
operating on the roads, a maximum?
Mr. WEBB. In most states the maximum permissible width is 96
inches. There are exceptions in about 10 States for the use of buses of
102 inches on certain designated highways.
There are three States, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Hawaii
which allow buses 102 inches or in case of a war, 108 inches in width.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. What is the maximum length?
Mr. WEBB. Forty feet is the maximum.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr~ Cramer, the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. CRAMER. I yield to Mr. Harsha.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. Mr. Harsha, the gentleman from Ohio.
Mr. HARSIJA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Webb, I find myself
in this position to have to make a statement, but I think out of fairness
to you and your associates, I `believe I must make it.
I am opposed to increasing the size and width of any bus at the
present time because unfortunately I believe it is true the busdrivers
are about as bad an obnoxious group of drivers on the highways. They
turn on the turn signal and they think that invests them with the
right to go wherever they want and choose. I know of people who have
been practically run off the highways and I, myself, have almost been
by these bus operators.
I certainly do not look with enthusi'~sin on the idea of giving them
something bigger with which to manipulate the highways.
PAGENO="0748"
736
Irrespective of that, I would like to ask you some questions about
your program here, this one dealing with the cloverleaf. Now, I
understand this purports to show a bus of approximately 40 feet in
length.
Mr. WEBB. That is correct.
Mr. HARSHA. And if you move it around the cloverleaf it strikes
pretty close to the outside edge of that cloverleaf, in an effort to show
the bus could make the cloverleaf in that paved portion of the high-
way.
What if the bus is 45 feet in length? Can it still make the paved
portion of the highway?
Mr. WTr~B. I would, if I might, ask Mr. Greenslit to respond to that.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, I do not know that I can answer because we
have never proposed a 45-foot-long bus so we have made no such study
of that.
Mr. HARSHA. You have never proposed a 45-foot bus?
Mr. GREENSLIT. No, sir.
Mr. HARsIIA. Has any of the associations been in contact with the
Bureau of Public Roads on that?
Mr. WEBB. Oh, no, not at all. I do not know of any consideration
whatever being given by any bus manufacturer or any bus operator
to increase the length of buses from the present. 40 feet.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Intercity operators may have done this, people
operating locally within the city.
Mr. HARSHA. They are not a member of your association?
Mr. GREENSLIT. No. We are primarily dealing with intercit.y buses
and using the Interstate System.
Mr. H~imsnA. Well, they are the worst offenders, the interstate
buses.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Most of the cities permit for instance a 102-inch-
wide bus. A good many of our cities permit a 102-inch-wide bus now.
Mr. HARSHA. Then you would have no objection to putting a limit
on the length of the bus at 40 feet?
Mr. GREENSLIT. No, sir.
Mr. HARSHA. That is all I have.
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. Mr. McCarthy, the gentleman from New York.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, yesterday
we had some colloquy here that suggested that there is .a correlation
between the length and width of a vehicle and its axle rate.
For instance, I cited a speech that the Federal Highway Admin-
istrator made before the Fiber Club Council which sa.id that heavy
commercial vehicles comprising 7 percent of the registered motor ve-
hicles in the Nation are involved in 19 percent of the fatalities.
I would like to ask you if you have any corroboration of this. What
is your accident experience? What I would like to know is what per-
centage of the motor vehicle population of buses comprise interstate
buses and then what percentage of the total deaths your vehicles are
involved in.
Mr. WEBB. I will be happy to supply for the record, Mr. McCarthy,
the information in that form. I can tell you very briefly what our acci-
dent experience is. In terms of passenger fatalities for 100 million
passenger-miles of domestic passenger transportation for the 3-year
period of 1964-66, here the rate for buses was 0.13. For the same
period for all automobiles it was 2.4; for the railroads 0.09, for
airlines, 0.20.
PAGENO="0749"
737
Generally, over the past 20 years the figures show that travel by bus
is approximately 15 to 20 times safer than travel by private automobile.
Mr. MCCARTHY. You do not have now the figures I asked you for?
Mr. WEBB. No, not in the form that you have requested, but we will
be happy to put it in that form and supply it for the record.
Mr. MCCARTHY. I would appreèiate it if you would because I think
Mr. Edmondson of Oklahoma brought up this subject and I think it is
very relevant to our consideration here.
I mean if there is a correlation between size and fatalities then Ii
think we are going to have to be very careful in what we do if by per-
mitting larger sizes we are therefore creating more fatalities. I think
we would be very reluctant to pass this bill to create more highway
deaths.
I think we should know if there is any such correlation. It would
seem to suggest from. Mr. Bridwell's statement that there is, but 1
would appreciate it if you would supply us with that.
Mr. WEBB. I will be glad to.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The committee will be happy to have that in the
records.
(The information follows:)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MOTOR Bus OWNERS,
Washington, D.C., June 17, 1968.
Hon. RICHARD D. MCCARTHY,
house of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN MCCARTHY: The following information is in reply to the
questions you posed to Mr. Charles A. Webb, president of the National Associa-
tion of Motor Bus Owners, on June 12, 1968, in the course of the hearing by the
Subcommittee on Roads of the House Committee on Public Works. on HR. 14474.
One question was for information relating to the proportionate numbers of
interstate buses relative to total motor vehicle population in the United States
and comparable accident experience in terms of fatalities.
The table below shows pertinent data for 1966, the most recent year for which
such figures are available. Insofar as buses are concerned, these figures relate to
Class I motor carriers of passengers reporting to the Interstate Commece Coin-
mission. The smaller (Class II and III) interstate carriers are not represented
because of the lack of petinent data.
However, data for the Class I operations are considered to be representative
in view of the fact that these larger companies account for more than 85 per cent
of passenger miles traveled in the intercity service of all carriers reporting to the
Commission. Also of importance in connection with the present inquiry is the
fact that the Class I carriers operate most of the newer, larger buses in use in
intercity service. .
Class I buses
All motor vehicles,
Total Percent of
Total all motor
vehicles
Total fatalities 53, 000 130 0. 25
Vehicles 96,000,000 18,500 . .02:
Vehicle-miles . 931, 000, 000, 000 1, 204, 000, 000 . 13
Occupant-miles (intercity) 1 990, 000, 000, 000 24, 200, 000, 000 2.40
1 Including travel for busdrivers and bus passengers and for estimated numbers of truckdrivers as well as for automobiiw
passengers. .. . . .
Sources: Total fatalities, National Safety Council; bus fatalities and vehicle-miles for buses, Bureau of Motor Carrier
Safety of Federal Highway Administration; total vehicles and vehicle-miles, Bureau of Public Roads of Federal Highway
Administration; passenger.miles (total and for buses) and number of buses, estimated by this association from all available
data. . .
PAGENO="0750"
738
As evidenced by the figures for passenger (occupant) miles, but operations are
many times safer than are those of the average automobile. Occupants (inc'lud-
ing drivers) of buses of the Class I carriers accounted for about 2.5 per cent of
estimated total travel by occupants of all motor vehicles in 1966. On the other
hand, the 130 fatalities resulting from accidents in which such buses were in-
volved represented 0.25 per cent of the total of 53,000 motor vehicle accident fa-
talities in that year.
The outstanding safety of bus passengers is emphasized by the fact that only
13 of the 130 fatalities resulting from bus accidents in 1966 occurred among bus
passengers and 7 were drivers.
This outstanding record of safety has been attained despite the fact that buses
are required to operate scheduled service under practically all conditions of
w-eather and road. In this respect, bus operators are in a position very different
from that of the typical private automobile operation, which can be suspended
if conditions are not fully satisfactory.
We hope this information adequately answers the questions you raised. We
thank you for the opportunity of providing the information, and respec-tfully re-
quest that it bemade part of the record of hearing on ll.R. 14474.
Sincerely,
STANLEY HAMILTON.
~Ir. kLuczYxsKI. The gentleman from Iowa, Mr. Schw-engel.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Mr. Chairman, first a point. I want to say "amen"
to what the chairman said about being fair in all the hearing he is pre-
siding over and he certainly has been to me and I want to commei~d
him for thatand publicly express my appreciation.
Second, based upon information I am getting in the mails, certain
misinformation is going out to my constituency and SO I reiterate now,
especially for the benefit of the truckers, I am not against this bill nor
am I for it yet.
I am very interested in what we are doing here. I sat with many
members of this committee for 74 days when we brought the greatest
transportation system the world has ever seen into being, the Interstate
System, and I am sorry now- that the people who benefited most dollar-
wise have paid much attention on tInt and expressed appreciation to
the committee for this.
The fact that we have one of the finest systems in the world and the
fact that we spent billions of dollars so that our society and industry
can benefit and people can benefit makes it necessary for us to take
pretty seriously what we are doing here, and before we act, Mr. Chair-
man, I think we ought to have answers to a lot of questions that have
been posed.
A number of very sincere citizens in my State are very concerned.
They want some answers to some of the questions and it had been my
hope, Mr. Chainnan, that the people who are involved here might have
a chance to respond to some of these questions. It is evident now this is
not going to be possible. It may be when I put something in the Con-
gressional Record, which I intend to do, I am not giving those who
would like to have an answer a fair chance and for this, I am sorry. You
will not have a fa.ir chance because we are not going to have extended
hearings here, not a chance to defend some of the conclusions others
have made, or explain them.
It is for this reason that I want to appeal to the chairman that we
give thorough and adequate consideration to the effects of the legisla-
tion here proposed over the long run. I am not against t.he trucking
business. I think this is one of the finest businesses and developments
in this country, not the bus business. I think you are serving, gentle-
men, a great need.
PAGENO="0751"
739
The average citizen could not travel and see this great country of
oms but for you The opportunities you have given people to le'un
tbout this country of ouxs, and the ietired people who could not affoid
to go by airplane. You are right in making them more comfortable.
and for this, I commend you.
With this statement, Mr Chanman, I pledge to you th'tt I will only
take a fair amount of questioning and I will not under the circurn-
stances be given a chance to ask the questions I have so I will just yield
my time, w henevei the ch'uiman thmks I have had sufficient time to
ask the questions, and I will yield to someone else and I will present,
my case in the Congressional Record which I do not think is an ade-
quate or fair way to approach the solution to the problem I have:
pointed to.
Now, if my time is up I will yield. If not, I would like to ask a few
questions of these people.
Mr. KLTJCzYNSKI. Well, the gentleman from Iowa, I would say to yok
that I appreciate the kind remarks you said about the chairman and
the purpose of the heariiigs you said you were not for the bill or against
it now and I want you to know the chairman feels the same. as you d&
and before I make up my mind, I want to give everybody interested,,
w hether lie is for the legislation or ag'iinst it, I w'uit to gu e them a f'ur
hearing and so we can sit down and get this testimony and statements
together and sit down in executive session and I hope we can work
some kind of legislation out that the committee has always done in the
I~ast.
Mr. Schweiigel, I think you are one of the oustanding members of
our subcommittee. You have always been on the job. You have been
present all the time and many times I was short of a member and I
would call your office and you were right on the job, and I appreciate
that very much.
Mr. Cramer, the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. CRAMER. I believe the gentleman from Iowa indicated he had
some questions lie wanted to ask and I will yield to him for that
purpose. But I would like to comment too, Mr. Chairman, just briefly.
There are not too many matters that have had greater study by the
Bureau of Public Roads, by the American Association of Highway
Officials. There are not many subject matters that have had more
reports and studies made thereon. There are not many subject matters
that I know of on which there seems to be a common ground for
understanding and somewhat agreement than the bill that we have
before us and the subject matter we have before us which is now being
testified about and was the other day by truckers, and what have you.
I think I will say to the gentleman from Iowa that we do have very
substantial documentary material based upon which we can make
I think a sound judgment when it comes to the problem of marking
Up this bill.
As a matter of fact, we have so much material that I find it rather
difficult myself to go through it all but I am confident as the chairman
suggested that we can end up with a bill that will protect everybody's
best interest and in particular, the general public.
I will yield to the gentleman for whatever questions he has and
on the 5-minute rule.
PAGENO="0752"
740
Mr. SCHWENGEL. First, I want to say I appreciate your testimony
and I am glad to see you here. I wonder, though, I know some of your
forward looking plans. I know some of your people. I have been
identified in Iowa with roadbuilding.
I wonder why some information given now was not presented to
us when we were having the hearings on the Interstate System a nmn-
her of years ago.
Mr. WEBB. The answer, Mr. Schwengel, is that the industry at that
time had no plans or ideas to produce a wider, more comfortable, or
better bus. So, the 96-inch limitations did not go in by this committee
but as I indicated, by the Senate committee. It was not opposed by
us because we simply had no plans at that time to make a better bus.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. How many buses are in operation in the United
States now?
Mr. WEBB. Mr. Greenslit can answer.
Mr. GREENSLIT. `My company which is the largest; the intercity buses
we are talking about?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Operate 5,300. It is pretty much a guess but some-
where in the neighborhood of 28,000 or 30,000.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. In your estimation how many would take advan-
tage of extending the width?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, it wOuld take us some time to replace our
fleet. We have on order 50 at the moment. I would think it would take
3 to 5 years to have 50 percent of our fleet converted into this newer
type equipment.
Mr. SCHWEXGEL. But we are talking about 15,000 buses.
Mr. GREENSLIT. That would be it, roughly.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Out of the total?
Mr. GREEXSLIT. That is right.
Mr. SOUWENGEL. I notice you have some seats in here. Are those
the type you will use or those the type you are now using?
Mr. GREENSLIT. That is one set of each. One of those sets of seats
are the wider seats that we have engineered for the new bus and it is
amazing if you will have a chance to sit in one of them how much dif-
ference 11/2 inches in seat width means when you have two people sit-
ting side by side.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. How does this size compare with the airplane
seats we have?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, I would say that the present seat in the bus
is comparable to a tourist seat in an airplane and the new seat, the
larger, wider seat is not as wide as first class on an' airplane, but it
gives you considerably more comfort and we have been able to develop
this.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I have traveled almost always first `class in an air-
plane and I have never seen seats that wide. `
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, you will notice we do not have the arm rest
in the middle which makes quite a difference. I think most of the
airplane seats, there is an arm rest which takes up some of the width
space. ` , , , , :
Mr. SCHWENGEL. You are not worried about the weight? It does
riot concern you at all?
PAGENO="0753"
741
Mr. GREENSLIT. Not particularly. We would be in favor of a modest
increase in axleload limits to 20,000 maximum pounds, but it is not
necessary to operate this new bus we have engineered.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. It would not be necessary at all? What is the
average weight of the busload now?
Mr. GREENSLIT. About 38,000 pounds.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. On how many wheels?
Mr. GREENSLIT. On two axles.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. So you are w(ay under the maximum.
Mr. GREENSLIT. That is right.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. And if you went the full width you are asking for
you would not begin to reach the maximum weight?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Yes, we would on the rear axles because we have
more weight on the rear axles, but we can get away from that by put-
ting on a trailing axle to take some of the load off the rear.
Mr. SOITWENGEL. But your total weight would never compare to a
truck.
Mr. GREENSLIT. No.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. So really, you would not be affected if no change
was made in the weight?
Mr. GREENSLIT. The overall weight?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. GREENSLIT. No; the largest bus we have ever had loaded would
weigh less `than 45,000 pounds even with three axles.
Mr. SGHWENGEL. So there is no reason for you to ask for a weight
lift in your buses.
Mr. GREENSLIT. It is not at the moment. However, we can envision
some things we can do with the axleload limit liberalization in the
future.
Mr. SGHWENGEL. I think that is the point we ought to have elabo-
rated. What are those factors?
Mr. GREENSLIT. One of the factors is we could eliminate the two
axles. It is going to be pretty close on the weight limits on the rear
axles of this larger bus we are talking about if we are limited to
18,000 pounds. We think we can do it, but it is going to be marginal
and in order to do it we will have to throw some more weight on the
front axles than we would like to do normally.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. I will yield, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. Mr. Webb, those seats you have on display; are
they being used now?
Mr. WEBB. Those are seats manufactured by American Seating Co.
and the two there on the left are the seats which are presently being
used in the 96-inch bus. The other seats are those which would be
used or could be used in the 102-inch bus.
Mr. GREENSLIT. I might add, Mr. Chairman, we have had two on our
experimental buses.
Mr. KLUOZYNSKI. I do not think you would have room enough for
`the chairman to get into one of those seats.
Mr. GREENSLIT. If you sat in the smaller one first you would feel
very comfortable when you got into the other one, I can assure you.
Mr. KLUOZYN5KI. Mr. `Schwengel asked about the `airplane seats,
and I have to ride first class because I cannot get into `the tourist seat.
It is like sitting in one of those Navy planes with bucket seat's.
PAGENO="0754"
742
Mr. GREENSLIT. I would like to add, Mr. Chairman, that we have
two of these buses that we have engineered. 102 inches wide that have
been operating now as a test for the Interstate System over the toll
road between New York and Chicago with a special permit from the
States involved and they have done a beautiful job and have had
extremely favorable passenger reaction.
Mr. K1U-CZYXSKT. What would be. the width of a railroad car?
Mr. GREEXSLIT. Oh. a railroad car is much wider.
Mr. KLUczYNSKI. Much wider
Mr. GREEXSLIT. Oh, yes: half again as wide.
Mr. KLT~CZYNSKI. I think Mr. Webb spoke about years ago you had
two lane roads of 16, 18, or 20 feet with a shoulder so you do not have
as many accidents now as you had years ago.
Mr. GREEXSLIT. Oh, no. WTe have had the 96-inch width and I have
been in the business for 40 years and we have had it since your primary
roads were 16 feet. wide. Today, they are 22 and 24 feet wide and
there is no safety problem in the additional 6 inches. As a matter of
fact, it is, insofar as our business is concerned, we would improve our
safety record tremendously because of the factors I have previously
mentioned.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Years ago, if you traveled across the country, how
would you operate?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Twenty-five years ago we operated New York to
the west coast, but we did not operate the same bus through. We went
New York to Chicago: Chicago to Denver. It may have been three
changes. Now we go all the way through.
Mr. KLUCZTNSKI. Thank you. I appreciate your answers for my own
information.
Mr. Clausen, the gentleman from California.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you. gentlemen. for your fine testimony. It
has been very illuminating. I am interested in the overall benefits that
are going to be derived from this.
Do you have anything in the way of a breakdown as to the mileage
that you tra.vel between the Interstate System and shall we say the
primary, secondary system ? Do you have any kind of a breakdown
on this?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Slight. Speaking for Greyhound at the moment
we have not been able to arrive at any ~onstant because there is more
and more mileage with the Interstate System being opened all the
time and it is increasing tremendously. I would say at this moment
about 25 to 30 percent of our total annual mileage is on the Interstate
System. Now, when it is completed, I would think it might get as
high as 50 to 60 percent.
Mr. CLATJSEN. From the standpoint of meeting the public demands
if you were sitting here in our position as cOmmittee members and
you had the responsibility for allocating revenues where would you
place the emphasis, on the primary, secondary, or on the Interstate
System?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well. I personally feel that if the emphasis has to
be placed, it has to be placed on the Interstate System to complete
it as quickly as possible. That is probably where it ought to be
placed.
PAGENO="0755"
743
Mr. CLAUSEN. But again now meeting the needs of comrnunit~es and
that sort of thing, how can you better serve the public, through
the Interstate System or the primary and secondary system
improvements.
Mr. GREENSLIT. I do not believe I am in a position really, to give an
intelligent answer to that because both types are used. The. local people
use the Interstate System too, so it is hard for me to answer.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well actually, as I view the traveling public basmc
wishes and we are dealing with different classes, it seems to me that
the cross-country people certainly want to spend more and more dol-
lars for air transportation and it just seems to me we could be doing
more for people if we had more emphasis on the primary and secondary
road system.
I agree we have to complete the interstate first. But would you
comment on that for me, please?
Mr. GREENSLIT. If the emphasis on the primary and secondary sys-
tern would get away from some of the congestion in the metropolitan
areas, then I would probably agree with you. I do not know whether
it would do that or not.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Any questions on my right?
Mr. McEwen, the gentleman from New York.
Mr. MCEWEN. Was it you who testified that 50 buses are now on
order?
Mr. WEBB. Mr. Greenslit testified that Greyhound has on order
50 buses.
Mr. MOEWEN. I see.
Mr. GREENSLIT. We have mentioned in our own plant and we have
two models now, one we have sent to Europe to be tested with a differ-
ent kind of engine and one that we have been operating with a special
permit on the toll roads to work the bugs out of it between New York
and Chicago.
Mr. MCEWEN. What use do you have for these 50 buses if this
legislation is passed?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, of course, there are six States now that we
could operate these 102-inch buses and the seventh State; namely,
Georgia, by special permit. So we think that we could find a place for
them temporarily.
Mr. MCEWEN. Mr. Webb's testimony on page 4, he spoke about
eight States permitting operation of intercity buses over designated
highways.
What are these, primary highways?
Mr. GREENSLIT. These are primary highways.
Mr. WEBB. That is correct. For example, Colorado, Idaho, and
Indiana will permit these buses now over their highways provided
that the highways are 20 feet in width. In certain other States you
can get the special permission and there are about eight States in all
where these buses can be operated today, but not over the Interstate
System, of course.
Mr. MCEWEN. Do you, Mr. Webb, have the list of the eight States
that permit operationnow for buses over.96 inches?
Mr. WEBB. Yes, sir; I do. You have Rhode Island and Connecticut,
and that is because they permitted the~ 102-inch buses, and the State
of Hawaii.
96-030-68----4S
PAGENO="0756"
744
Mr. MCEWEN. What?
Mr. WTEBB. Hawaii. Their limit is 108 inches and that operation
was also permitted there on the grandfather clause.
The other States where intercity buses can be operated on certain
highways are Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, and New Mexico.
Mr. MCEwEN. Then additionally there are 10 States that you name
specifically that have legislation that will permit 102.inch buses to use
the interstate when it was enacted here into law.
Mr. WEBB. Yes; there are 11 States and that legislation has al-
ready passed, but its effectiveness is contingent upon the Congress
acting favorably on this legislation.
Mr. MCEwEN. Would it be feasible in the operation of your inter-
city buses, the 102-inch bus just on the interstate or does it have to use
the primary system?
Mr. WEBB. We see no problem there, Mr. McEwen. The Interstate
System will connect the major popula~tion centers. Then I am quite
sure that by special permit they wifi connect the major population
centers and in most of those centers, 102-inch buses are already being
permitted within the city limits.
It may be necessary in some cases to o~et a special permit to go
perhaps a few miles from the Interstate ~ystem to a downtown bus
terminal.
Mr. MCEWEN. Mr. Webb, let me state one of my concerns. Before
I state it, it was with some trepidation regarding this legislation
which I thought was a very brief and simple comment and the ques-
tion I have, and having made it I ftnd all my friends in the trucking
industry called my office before I left this committee and which I will
state here in a public hearing I resented just a little bit that I could
not ask a question as a member of this committee without having a
floodgate opened. I have friends in the bus business, too, and I hope
I am expressing the concern or asking a question that a floodgate does
not open up from the bus industry. Out of my burning curiosity, I
will chance another floodgate being opened.
I, like many people, own an automobile and drive on the highways.
Like the gentleman from New Jersey on the committee who referred
yesterday to his driving. I have to drive on Kenilworth Avenue and
contend with trucks and buses with my Chevrolet when I am a little
bit. outgunned in size.
What I am concerned about is the effect of these buses. We have
102-inch buses on our primary and secondary systems. I can see that
possibly they could be accommodated on the Interstate System
but in my own State, my own district, and all over this country where
I have traveled, I have seen primary and secondary roads that are
certainly less than adequate with the trucks and automobiles and I
am aware, too, that automobiles have increased in size. They are less
than adequate now to accommodate the traffic we are carrying. This is
the opinion of one who is driving the highways, not based on any
studies, on any engineering, just sitting back of the wheel in my own
private car trying to negotiate th~ traffic.
Now, this Congress has not set requirements on primary and secon-
dary roads regarding width. We have on the interstate.
I want to say, speaking for myself, that I am concerned about what
is the effect on an already antiquated, overburdened, desperately needed
PAGENO="0757"
745
modernization and improvement, primary and secondary road sys-
tems, that I feel have to be attended to now.
Letme say that one of you gentlemen in response to Mr. Clausen's
question, and I guess it was you, Mr. Greenslit, said you hoped to
see this Interstate System completed. This is a feeling that is certainly
shared by, I think, most all of the members of this committee. We want
to see this completed, and one of the reasons we want to see it com-
pleted is that there cannot be a difference between the primary and
secondary systems. This is not going to be immediate. We are not
getting the revenues, as you gentlemen well know, to meet the high-
way needs of America now.
I am concerned more than ever on the interstate, what its effect
is going to be on the primary and secondary systems which admittedly
we have not set any limitation upon, but nevertheless there is 50-per-
cent Federal money going into these systems.
Mr. WEBB. I would simply have to say, sir, that the Congress has
left the matter of width for the primary and secondary systems to
the States.
Some States may feel they cannot increase the widths. Other States
such as New York at its recent session, did increase the width, buses
from 96 to 102 inches.
Mr. MOEWEN. New York State, this last session did increase it to
102 inches?
Mr. WEBB. Yes, sir; that is not in my prepared statement because
the legislation was passed after I had originally written it.
Mr. CRAMER. Would the gentleman yield, because I join the gentle-
man in his concern with the possibility of overwidth buses using
underwidth highways.
Wh'at we need to bring into focus perhaps is what the `situation is
and might be if this bill is passed and, of course, deals only with the
Interstate System.
The 1956 act also dealt only with the Interstate System, so the
present situation, as' Mr. Webb `indicates, is that the States do them-
selves withhold these matters on other than the Interstate System.
Now, let us see what `happens there. As I understand it, the stand-
ards required relating to other than freeway systems, meaning inter-
state and freeway; that there `is a requirement set out in the geometric
design standards for highways and other freeways approved October
7, 1961, and brought up to date subsequently of minimum widths for
servicing two-lane highways, and that is dependent upon the design,
speed, and the current usage, traffic usage, and it runs from a design
speed of 30 miles an hour and 20 cars per day, 50 to 250 c'ars per day,
with a minimum requirement of 20-foot width and `it goes up for, or
from 250 to 400 daily usage, 70 miles an `hour, to 22 feet for two lanes
and then up to 750 it goes to 24 feet, meaning 12 feet each for 70 miles
an hour `and you get then to the same standard as you have on the
freeway.
So far a~s future construction `is concerned, it is pretty well con-
trolled and governed for all practical purposes to at least, for high-
ways the buses would probably use substantially 50 `miles `an hour,
at least 22 feet, 450 to 700 usage, on any system on the freeway.
Secondly, is it not my understanding that the States themselves, as
you have indicated between-what is it, New York and Chicago-that
PAGENO="0758"
746
in order to use these wider buses that you had to get State permission
to do so
Mr. WEBB. Right.
Mr. C~rEJ~. And I presume that in order to ~et that permission
you had to indicate what specific highways you intended to use; is
that correct?
Mr. WEBB. Right.
Mr. Cr~rER. Is it correct to say further that the States did not
give approval for highways that had less than standard 12-foot lane
width?
Mr. GREENSLIT. We did not ask for it.
Mr. CRAMER. You obviously did not ask for it because it does not
make sense.
Mr. GREENSLIT. It would not have.
Mr. CRAMER. I presume the States in carrying out their obvious
responsibility would not give any consideration favorably to such a
request.
Mr. GREENSLIT. I would not think so.
Mr. CRAMER. Because it would not be a safe proposition. The point
I am trying to make, I am not beating anybody's kids, that the States
having accepted responsibility, and I think these hearings would
clearly indicate that this committee expects them to continue to do
so, and your industry has indicated you are willing to recognize. that
there are certain highways that are unsafe and you do not intend
to ask for a permit on those highways; is that so?
Mr. WEBB. Yes. My own State of Virginia is a good example. In
the legislation they passed this year they restricted the 102-inch bus
to a four-lane divided highway. They thought that was proper for
the State of Virginia. The bus industry supported the bill. We did
not ask for the right to go over some of the narrow roads in the
mountainous areas of Virginia.
Mr. CRAMER. As a matter of fact., the grandfather clause, which
was written into the 1956 act with no opposition apparently, is there
are a number of States that could permit substantial increases in
either, and on the Interstate System.
Mr. WEBB. And do so.
Mr. CRAMER. And do so, weights and axle weights, and what have
you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCzYN5IU. Any questions on my right? Mr. Wright, the
gentlema.n from Texas.
Mr. WRIGHT. It seems strangely incongruous to me, Mr. Webb, and
I presume it does to others, that the most restrictive regulations would
apply on the Interstate System which is presumably the one system
best capable of carrying this kind of traffic.
Mr. WEBB. Well, it seems so to me. In Maryland, for example, they
passed legislation that will permit 102-inch-wide buses to use the
primary and secondary systems in Maryland. But obviously, not all
of that system is as good as the Interstate System which they cannot
permit buses to travel on.
Mr. WRIGHT. In reality, what is being sought in this legislation
would be a greater freedom for the States individually to make their
PAGENO="0759"
747
own determinations without being unduly restricted by Federal law
with respect to the Interstate System. That is about what is involved;
is it not?
Mr. WEBB. That is correct.
Mr. WTRIGHT. So, if a State wants to retain the 96-inch width, for
example, throughout its interstate, it may do so.
Mr. WEBB. Certainly.
Mr. WRIGHT. If, on the other hand, it wants to designate certain
highways over which it would feel that it could safely promote
vehicular transportation of 102 inches, it could do that and then
retain a lesser restriction on certain other highways within that State.
Mr. WEBB. That is right.
Mr. WRIGHT. And if the State should wish in its wisdom to retain
what laws it presently has, there is nothing contained herein that
w-ouid be any impetus, really, to any State to change its laws unless it
desired to do so.
Mr. WEBB. I see none.
Mr. WRIGHT. It seems to me all we are seeking to do is to recognize
the improvement that has been brought in the Interstate System and
then to let the States have the latitude within their own volition to
permit somewhat wider and somewhat heavier transportation on the
interstate. That is all that is involved in this: is that not so?
Mr. WEBB. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. WRIGHT. Yes, I yield.
Mr. CRAMER. I know all of us have been upset and provoked other
drivers, although I do not think it is so much problem with the buses
and trucks, but the buses back up one to the other on the highway
causing a passing problem. Do you have any driver regulation on
dist'uices that must be maintained, p'issmg of buses on hills, et cetera ~
Mr. GREENSLIT. We do.
Mr. CRAMER. What are they?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Our rules provide there shall be a minimum of
one bus length for every 10 miles an hour speed so that if they are
going 60 miles an hour and the bus is 40 feet long, it would be 240 feet
minimum.
Mr. CRAMER. Are your drivers pretty well schooled on that traffic
regulation?
Mr. GREENSLIT. I hope so, but I am sure there are some violations
of that and, of course, you are talking about Washington and New
York where there seems to be more buses than any other place. There
must be 50 different companies operating There are so many mdivid
ually owned charter companies where you do not always have the
s'tme rn'inagement oper'itmg these buses that are right together
Mr CRAMER Do you have ~ny coordination with the State police
to see that this is carried out, that it is not violated, or is it strictly
driver regulation?
Mr. GREENSLIT. It is primarily our regulation. I think our regiila-
tions are more restrictive tha.n any State or police regulations.
Mr. CRAMER. I wish some of these city bus systems would adopt
some type of regulation rel'tting to distances between city buses You
get two or three of those stacked up one behind the Other and there
is no way in the world traffic can go around it.
PAGENO="0760"
748
Mr. MCCARTHY. Would the gentleman from Florida yield'?
Mr. ORAMER. The gentleman from Texas yielded to me.
Mr. McO~THY. Would the gentleman from Texas yield?
Mr. WRIGHT. Yes.
Mr. MCCARTHY. What would be the width of three buses stacked
as the gentleman from Florida suggested, one right after the' other.
What is the length of the typical bus?
Mr. GREENSLIT. It is 40 feet.
Mr. MCCARThY. So that three of them would be, if they were close
to each other, the gentleman from Florida would suggest about 120
feet.
Mr. GREENSLIT. That would be the length.
Mr. MoC~&nri~. I would like to say it would be almost impossible
to pass. I have a picture here of one of the new rigs that is running
on the New York State Thruway which is three separate trailers. I
might just pass this around. It is 105 feet in length. If we pass this
bill, this would be permitted, three trucks actually, one tractor and
three trailers in a row. It would be almost the same as three buses
stacked right close to one another.
Mr. GREENSLIT. I guess that is so.
Mr. McOARTHY. Would one of your buses have difficulty passing
something like this?
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, it depends on what kind of road you are on.
It would be no problem on the Interstate System, assuming the truck
was in the right-hand lane and left the; passing lane open, there would
not be any problem.
Mr. MCCARTHY. I think the gentleman from Florida's point is a good
one, that the individual buses running two or three together pose a
tremendous problem. If we pass this, you will have trucks like this
rig, that are 105 feet long and it. will be the same thing.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Well, that is true.
Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. McC~rHY. Yes. I yield.
Mr. CRAMER. Of course at the present time there is no prohibition
relating to length in the present law. So the basic question is whether
there should be any relating to the interstate.
Mr. MCCARTHY. The' effect of increasing weight. will be to permit
longer lengths.
Mr. Cn~&i~n~n. I disagree with you.
Mr. GREENSLIT. That will not be true on buses.
Mr. WRIGHT. It would seem to me, Mr. Chairman, that the situation
pictured here in the photograph that Mr. McCarthy has shown us, if
a truck of this length is now permitted on a primary system within a
given State, it is somewhat beyond the scope of the present, law and
would also be beyond the scope of this suggested amendment.
All that would be involved in this proposal would be to permit the
States more freedom to determine what may be done on the Interstate
System within certain limitations.
Now, it strikes me that a situation like this portrayed in the photo-
graph could be extremely hazardous if it were permitted on a two lane
road where you do not have a free and clear passing lane. I would
hate to have `to follow a thing like that down a narrow highway and
try to'pass it.
PAGENO="0761"
749
It occurs to me that it would pose no problem on the Interstate Sys-
tem if it is constructed to proper standards with, two or three lanes
going in one direction. That would be the only place I would like to
see this kind of rig.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. WRIGHT. Yes.
Mr. MCCARTHY. This is being run on the Interstate System now.
It seems to me to be a violation. I do not know how they do it. It is
being run now on the New York State Thruway which is part of the
Interstate System and I am just not clear on how they do it. I am
going to try to find out.
Mr. WRIGHT. If such a rig is running in violation of existing law,
that law would not be affected at all by the legislation we are con-
sidering. It is merely a matter of enforcement.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Would the gentleman from Texas yield?
Mr. WRIGHT. Ye,s.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Gentleman, we in this committee are faced with the
basic dilemna of recognizing the tremendous needs to complete the
interstate with the primary and secondary road systems and end up
with enough money.
How, in your judgment, keeping in mind the basic business prac-
tices, should these improvements be financed? Everyone seems to
recognize there is a need, and that is true~
Mr. WEBB. The position of our industry has `simply been that we are
willing to pay our fair share `of what the cost is and we know it is
going to be higher.
Mr. CLAtTSEN. So, in your judgment when Government starts to lay
out its budget priorities you agree with some of us that the road im-
provements of this country are one of the areas that we should give
top priority to?
Mr. WEBB. That is correct.
Mr. CLAIJSEN. And you are willing to pay more as long, as it is
consistent with a fair share concept?
Mr. WEBB. That is correct.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Any further questions or comments? Hearing
none, I want to thank you gentlemen for the, splendid statement you
.have made and your testimony. You have been very helpful `to u's.
Thank you, again.
Mr. WEBB. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. GREENSLIT. Thank you, sir.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. The next witness will be Mr. George F. Kachlein,
Jr., executive vice president', the American Automobile Association.
We are glad to have you with us, gentlemen. Please identify the per-
son accompanying ~ ou for the record
STATEMENT OP GE0R(~E P. KACHLEIN, IR., EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT, THE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, ACCOM-
PANIED BY `CHARLES BRADY, DIRECTOR OP HIGHWAY DEPART-
ME~NT, TILE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
Mr. KACHLEIN. I am accompanied `by Mr. Charles Brady who is
director of our highway department, Mr. Chairman, and he will
sit with me. He is the expert in this field.
PAGENO="0762"
730
Mr. KLvCZYNSKI. We are glad to have both of you with us today.
Mr. IkA0HLEIN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and honorable mem-
bers of this committee. We do appreciate this opportunity of appear-
ing before you on this very important piece of legislation.
I have presented to you, Mr. Chairman and members of the commit-
tee, a prepared statement which I asked be incorporated into the
record. Knowing your desire to shorten the time of the hearing. I
have made a summary statement which I shall give.
Mr. KLvJCZYXSKI. We appreciate it and your prepared statement
will be made a part of the record at this point.
(The full prepared statement of Mr. Kachlein follows:)
PREPARED STATEMENT OF GEORGE F. KACHLEIN, Jn., EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT,
AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
The American Automobile Association with 11 million motorist members
opposes HR. 14474 and other bills which would permit larger and heavier trucks
on the Interstate System. These measures would present serious safety hazards to
all highway users for the benefit of the operators of only 250,000 heavy trucks
which would be able to take advantage of the heavier weights and increased sizes
permitted. If enacted, such legislation would bring about substantial increases
in cost to the construction of highways and bridges and accelerated depreciation
in the expected life of such facilities, accompanied by substantial increases in
maintenance costs.
AAA believes that truck combinations are already too large. The passenger
car operator and our members in particular, intuitively fear sharing the same
highway with such huge trucks.
Our member hates to pass them because he can never be sure of what lies
ahead until he moves into the opposing lane of traffic. In rain or slush his
windshield is invariably inundated beyond the capability of his wipers, restrict-
ing his forward vision and creating uncertainty as to safe passage.
He doesn't like to be followed by them for just as often as not they seem
to be climbing up his rear bumper.
He doesn't like to follow them because they block his forward visionand they
slow his travel speed on upgrades.
The motorist's intuitive fear of the heavy truck is well-founded. Whenever a
truck and car collide it is the occupant of the car who is most likely to suffer
injury or death.
A study by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety in 1967 showed that almost
half of the fatal and injury-producing accidents involving common carriers re-
suited from collision with an automobile. For every truck driver who died in
such accidents, 38 others died.
Mr. Lowell K. Bridwell, Federal Highway Administrator, recently told the
Private Truck Council that heavy commercial vehicles comprising 7% of the na-
tion's registered motor vehicles and accounting for 11% of the total vehicle miles
traveled were involved in 19% of the highway fatalities.
He noted that studies by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety revealed that
four out of every ten vehicles selected for inspection in road checks were ruled
off the road temporarily. Brake defects were the major problem.
VEHICLE WIDTH
Legislation before the Committee would increase permissible width~ on the
Interstate System from 96 inches to 102 inches, plus additional width necessary
for tire bulge due to loads and safety devices.
llTsing figures of the Industry Advisory Committee, composed of the American
Trucking Associations, Incorporated and suppliers, the 102-inch width could mean
an over-all width across the tires of 106 inches. This does not include tire chains
or flexible fenders. When such items are added we are really talking about an
over-all width of 108 inches-a full twelve inches above the present statutory
limit.
Don't forget. No traffic movement begins or ends on the Interstate. Other
routes must be used as connectors. Sixty percent of the rural road mileage on
state Primary systems in 1966 had traffic lanes less than twelve feet wide. A
PAGENO="0763"
751
twelve-foot lane is the minimum width needed to accommodate a vehicle 102
inches wide.
Despite the glamour of the Interstate highway network, some 88% of our
state Primary highways are two-lane, and the bulk of our travel is now and
will continue to be over such two-lane roads.
Since the legislation before you would permit a vehicle over 102 inches, it
will permit vehicles which are obviously too wide for the traffic lane. This
creates a tremendous safety hazard. Over 70,000 miles of state primaries are
two-laners with lane widths of less than ten feet.
VEHICLE WEIGHTS
Increases in axle weights have had direct and inevitable effect on the life
of pavements and on the safety of bridge structures. H.R. 14474 would permit
the maximum single axle weight to be increased from 18,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs.,
and the tandem axle limit to be increased from 32,000 lbs. to 36,000 lbs.
Only eight out of every one thousand motor vehicles are truck combinations
of four or more axles. Yet this small number of trucks places an additional
burden on highway and street systems which has caused a substantial increase
in the cost of future road construction in order to accommodate their particular
needs. The small proportion of vehicle population is also a major factor in main-
tenance costs of existing highways and streets.
If the weight of trucks and combinations is further increased, existing roads
and streets will deteriorate at an accelerated rate. The cost to replace bridges
and roads thus prematurely destroyed will become an increasingly heavy tax
burden on the operators of 78 million passenger cars and the 14 million light
truck owners whose needs do not require these heavy facilities but who bear
the major share of the cost of providing and maintaining them.
A pavement e~ aluation sur~ ey conducted by the ~mei ic'in Association of State
Highw ay Officials indicates th'it mci easing the axle w eights to those permitted
under HR. 14474 would reduce existing pavement life 20% and increase re-
surfacing costs 30%.
The 1968 Cost Estimate adds $1 billion to the 1965 Cost Estimate to ac-
commodate hea\ ier and moi e frequent ti uck loadings than oi iginally forecasted
It is noteu oi thy that this mci eased cost w as based on existing truck sizes and
weights. If sizes and weights are increased, the ~1 billion figure will have to be
increased.
When a bill similar to H R 14474 w `is consideied in the Senate Senator
John Sherman Cooper (R-Ky.) requested.the Bureau of Public Roads toprovide
an estimate of the cost if axle limits w ei e mo~ ed to the 36000 lb limit He was
advised that the increased cost for the Federal-aid road system would be more
than ~3 7 billion The cost of incieasing the weights to a 34 000 lb maximum
was set at $1 8 billion The 34 000 lb limit has been passed by the Senate lotal
additional cost could reach $4.7 billion, depending upon the weight limit. This in-
cludes the cost of new constiuction as well `is the necessary costs of upgiading
construction already in place
BRIDGES
The ability of a specific road network to accommodate trucks of a given size
is to a great extent limited by the ability of the bridges to carry the sizes and
w-eights operating over that system. Even the newest of our bridges-those on
the Interstate System-have beeii designed to: accommodate vehicles with axle
weights no greater than 18,000 lbs. single, 32,000 lbs, tandem. Bridges designed to
to less than this standard cannot accommodate the 18,000-32,000 lb.loads already
encountered w-ithout overstresses which reduce the safety margin designed into
the bridge.
In testifying before the Senate Public Works Committee on the subject of bridge
design, Mr. Frank C. Turner, Director of the Bureau of Public Roads, indicated
that increases to a 34,000-lb. tandem axle from the present limit of 32,000 lbs.
would overstress Interstate bridges by 32 to 36%. He further indicated that the
majority of bridges on our Primary and Secondary Systems are less than H-iS
design. This' is a bridge to carry a 15-ton load. Overstress on these bridges,
brought about by increases in axle weight's, would be much greater than on the
Interstate bridges which are designed for heavier loads.
PAGENO="0764"
732
In the same hearings, Mr. John 0. Morton, President of AASHO, testified that
the current practice is to design highway bridges for the 32,000-lb. axle loading.
This limitation applies to our current Interstate bridges.
Mr. Frank Masters, Jr., consulting engineer for the firm of Modjeski and
Masters, testified before the same Senate committee that the conservative design
of many old bridges incorporates a safety factor which has enabled them up to now
to carry increased weight and an increased frequency of heavier loads than was
forecasted when they w-ere built. However, he noted that "-the bridges which we
are designing today are being limited by specifications and standards to structures
with capacities slightly in excess of what is expected on the day such spans open."
He goes on to say:
"In fact. the narrowing margins of safety on many older bridges is of such
common knowledge within the engineering: profession that even the civil engi-
neering exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution comments on it by citing the mam-
moth modern day traffic loads being handled by bridges designed in an era of
horse-drawn wagons."
He also stated:
"Adding significantly to the problem is the growth of freight being carried by
the trucking industry in vehicles which are now averaging loads of more than 13
tons as compared to 7½ tons per vehicle carried in 1940."
And one final quotation from `Mr. Masters:
"I understand that legislation now before Congress proposes a new standard
of axle weights that will, in effect, permit 76,000 lbs. and larger vehicles. This is
difficult to comprehend when you consider the fact that almost half the bridges
and even fewer highways in the Federal-aid Primary and Secondary Systems are
designed for vehicles of 15 tons."
Early this year, the AAA conducted a nationwide survey of state highway
departments to determine the loading characteristics of bridges on Defense Re-
quirement Routes. These routes are routes for military movements in a national
emergency. For the most part these routes are used today for. the great bulk of
our long distance truck traffic.
The alarming report by the highway departments of 38 states and the District
of Columbia is that more than two-thirds of all these bridges are Inadequate for
today's heavy truck traffic. Further, nearly half of these bridges are seriously
inadequate. You will note from the attached tabulation that 67.8% of the bridges
were reported to be of a design standard less than the 11-20-8-16. This bridge
design is one which will accommodate a 32,000-lb. tandem axle loading. It is the
current standard for Interstate bridges. However, almost half of the bridges
reported in the AAA survey were of H-15 design or less. Such a design accom-
modates only 30,000 lb. without experiencing stresses beyond the design limit.
There is no practical way to strengthen a bridge to carry a heavier weight than
that for which it was originally designed. And there is no maIntenance effort
that can be appiled to the bridge which would offset overstressing and fatigue of
principal bridge members.
Although it is doubtful that immediate bridge failure would result from over-
stress, even the bridge experts refrain from speculating on what the margin of
safety would be for fatigue-weakened bridges.
This unknown quantity makes the safety factor all the more critical, because
it is unmeasurable and unpredictable.
In opposing weights proposed in S. 2658, similar to those proposed under H.R.
14474. Mr. `Virden E. Staff, Chief Highway Engineer for the State of Illinois,
stated:
"S. 2658 wil permit vehicles on 118-20 bridges to produce stresses beyond the
present design limits * * * on 11-15 bridges to produce stresses in the unsafe
range * * * on less than 11-15 bridges to produce stresses that can be expected
to result in failure."
(Note: 118-20 bridges are designed for 40,000 lbs.)
Mr. Ward Goodman, Director of Highways for the State of. Arkansas and
Chairman of AASHO's Committee on Bridges and Structures, told the Senate
Public Works Committee:
"The provisions of S. 2658 will overstress bridge design for H-15or less to a
dangerous extent, even up to 40%."
He noted:
PAGENO="0765"
753
"There are 518,226 highway bridges in use now that were built prior to 1936.
They are over 30 years old and practically none of them were designed for loads
over the 11-15 design load and many are for the equivalent of 11-12, 11-10, or
even less."
EFFECTS OF INCREASING SIZES AND WEIGHTS
Roads and bridges are designed for specific weights and expected volumes of
traffic. It is easy to change a vehicle dimension, harder to change a road, but
almost impossible to change a bridge. Are we going `to destroy the completed sec-
tions of the Interstate System for the sake of 250,000 truck's? We must find a
top limit on vehicle dimensions and weights and stick to it.
VEHICLE LENGTH
I-JR. 14474 fails to provide a maximum length limit. Absence of a length limit
or maximum gross weight limit will lead inevitably to longer combinations on our
nation's highways. We could have double bottom combinations as well as `triple
bottoms with vehicles well over 100 feet long. This will turn our Interstate high-
ways into truckways, with highway freight trains making travel so uncomfortable
and so hazardous `that passenger car operators will be forced off `the newer
highways onto other roads not frequented by trucks.
Does this sound a little far-fetched? According to a recent article in Oommercial
Car Journal, triple truck trains have been operated `by Western Gillette on an
unscheduled basis for the last four years. A vice president of that company
confidently predicts that triples will be in regular use by 1970 or 1972 at the
latest. The same issue carries a notice that the New York State Thruway Au-
thority and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority have been approached on the
use of triple bottoms. Since the appearance of this issue, the Massachusetts Turn-
pike Authority has granted this request.
The bill before you contains no provision assuring adequate operating charac-
teristics so as to make such large trucks compatible with today's traffic.
AASHO has recommended that the minimum weight/horsepower ratio be at
least one horsepower for every 400 lbs. This should be the absolute minimum
and should be specified in the law or by safety standards of the National Highway
Safety Bureau.
THE GRANDFATHER CLAUSE
HR. 14474 contains a "grandfather clause" permitting states which already
have higher weights and greater dimensions than contained in the present bill
to retain such higher limits. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 also had such
a "grandfather clause."
There may have been some justification for the "grandfather clause" in 1956
because the effects of heavy trucks on our bridges and roads did not appear to be
adequately documented. After spending $27 million to find the answers, we now
know what these effects are. There is no longer any justification for continuation
of the "grandfather clause."
To permit some states to con'tinue with heavier weights and greater sizes than
permitted for other states continues the same situation which has led the truck-
ing industry and others to press for increased weights.
The "grandfather clause" in Section 127 of Title 23 should be eliminated. States
presently having higher axle weights and heavier gross weights than permitted
in Section 127 as presently written should be required to conform to the lower
weights within a stipulated time interval.
RECOMMENDATIONS
AAA makes the following recommendations:
1. No upward revision in the present axle weights or gross load limits in
Title 23.
2. Width limit be retained at 96 inches.
3. The establishment of a length limit or maximum gross load limit so as to
preclude the possibility of extremely long truck combinations.
4. Elimination of the "grandfather clause."
5. Establishment of a weight/horsepower ratio of at least 400 to one for all
trucks. This should be accomplished either by statute or appropriate safety
standard.
PAGENO="0766"
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PAGENO="0767"
755
sent serious safety hazards to all highway users for the benefit of only
250,000 heavy trucks at this time which would be able to take advan-
tage of the heavier weights and increased size permitted.
If enacted such legislation would bring about substantial increases
in cost to the construction of highway and bridges and accelerated
depreciation in the expected life of such facilities accompanied by sub-
stantial increases in maintenance costs.
The AAA believes that truck combinations are already too large.
The passenger car operator and our members in particular intuitively
fear sharing the same highway with such huge trucks. The mortorists
intuitive fear of the heavy truck is well founded. Whenever a truck
and car collide it is the occupant of the car who is most likely to suffer
injury or death and not the truck driver.
A study by the Bureau of Motor Carriers Safety in 1967 showed that
almost half of the fatal and injury-producing accidents involving
common carriers resulted from collisions with an automobile.
For every truck driver who died in such accidents, 38 others died.
Mr. Bridwell, the highway administrator recently told the truck
council that heavy vehicles comprising 7 percent of the registered
motor vehicles account for 11 percent of the total vehicle miles traveled
and were involved in 19 percent of the highway fatalities.
Now, let us take a look at vehicle width which you heard testimony
on today and yesterday. Legislation before the committee would in-
crease permissible width on the Interstate System from 96 inches to
102 inches plus additional width necessary for tire bulge due to loads
and safety devices.
Do not forget traffic neither begins nor ends on the interstate. Other
routes must be used as connectors. Sixty percent of the rural road
mileage on State primary systems in 1966 had traffic lanes less than
12 feet wide. A 12-foot lane is the minimum width needed to accom-
modate a vehicle 102 inches wide.
Using figures of the Industry Advisory Committee composed of
the American Trucking Associates, Inc., and suppliers, the 102-inch
width could mean an overall width across the tires of 106 inches and
some testimony says 108.
This does not include tire chains or flexible fenders. When such items
are added we are really talking about an overall width of 108 inches,
9 feet, and not 8 feet. It is a full 12 inches above the present statutory
limit. This creates a tremendous safety hazard. Percentagewise apply
it and you are talking about not just a small increase but a 12.5-percent
increase.
VEHICLE WEIGHTS
Increases in axle weights have had direct and inevita~ble effect on the
life of pavements and the safety of bridge structures. If the weight
of t.rucks and combinations are further increased, existing roads and
streets will deteriorate at an accelerated rate.
The cost to replace bridges and roads thus prematurely destroyed
will bcome an increasingly heavy tax burden on the operators of 80
million passenger cars and the 15 million light truck owners whose
needs do not require these heavy facilities but who bear the major
share of the cost of providing and maintaining them.
PAGENO="0768"
756
If you look at the records provided by the heavy truckers they are
talking about 11 percent use and yet, the other people, the 89 percent
would be the ones who would bear the greater share of the cost of this
accelerated deterioration of our highways for the benefit of the 250,000
truckers.
BRIDGES
Ability of a specific road network to accommodate trucks of a given
size is to a great extent, limited by the ability of the bridges to carry
the sizes and weights operating over the system.
Even the newest of our bridges, those on the Interstate System
which I have heard so much about recently have been designed to
accommodate vehicles with axle weights no greater than 18,000 pounds
single, and 32,000 pounds tandem.
Bridges designed to lesser than this standard cannot accommodate
the 18,000/32,000 pound loads already enc.ountere.d without overstress
which reduces the safety margin design in the bridge.
This testimony before the Senate Public Works Committee on the
subject of bridge design by Mr. Frank Turner, Director of the Bureau
of Public Roads, indicated that the increase to a 34,000-pound tandem
axle from the present limit of 32,000 pounds would over-stress inter-
state bridges by 32 to 36 percent. That is a 2,000-pound increase-32
to 36 percent overstress!
Mr. Frank Masters, Jr., consulting engineer for the firm of Mojeski
and Masters, testified before the same Senate committee that the con-
servative design of many old bridges incorporates a safety factor
which has enabled them, up to now, to carry increased weights and an
increased frequency of heavier loads that was forecast when they were
built.
However, he noted that the bridges which we are designing today
are being limited by specifications and standards to structures with
capacities slightly in excess of what is to be expected on the date such
spans open.
He also stated:
I understand that legislation now before Congress proposes a new standard
of axle weights that will, in effect, permit 76,000 pounds in larger vehicles. This
is difficult to comprehend when you consider the fact that almost half the bridges
and even fewer highways in the federal aid primary and secondary systems are
designed for vehicles of 15 tons.
Earlier this year the AAA conducted a nationwide survey of State
highway departments to determine the loading characteristics of
bridges on defense. requirement routes. These routes are routes for
military movements in national emergency. For the most part, these
routes are used today for the great bulk of our long-distance truck
traffic..
The alarming report by the highway departments of 38 States and
the District of Columbia is that more than two-thirds of all these
bridges are inadequate for today's heavy truck traffic.
Further, nearly half of these bridges are seriously inadequate. You
will note from the tabulation attached to my statement that 67.8 per-
cent of the bridges were reported to have been designed to standards
less than H. 20-5.16. This bridge design is the one which will accorn-
modate a 32,000-pound tandem axle load. It is the current standard for
PAGENO="0769"
757
interstate bridges. However, almost half of the bridges reported in the
AAA survey were of H. 15 design, or less. Such a design accommo-
dates only 30,000 pounds without stress beyond the design limit.
There is no practical way to strengthen a bridge to carry a heavier
weight than that for which it was originally designed and there is no
maintenance effort that can be applied to the bridge which would offset
overstressing and fatigue of bridge members.
Let us turn to vehicle length. H.R. 14474 fails to provide a maxi-
mum length limit. Absence of a length limit or maximum gross weight
limit will lead inevitably to longer combinations on our national high-
ways. We could have double bottom combinations as well as triple bot-
toms with vehicles over 100 feet long and as you recall, Mr. McCarthy
gave a glossy print of one that was 105 or 108 feetlong, that is now
being used on the New York Throughway. This will turn our inter-
state highways into truckways not passengerways, but truckways and
busways for which the Interstate System was not created. It will make
our highway freight trains so large, so long that again, as I say, these
will be roads that will be frequented by the truckers to the exclusion,
if you will, of you and me as a passenger car operator.
Certainly now, this was not the intention of Congress in creating the
greatest Interstate System, the greatest highway system that has been
built in this world.
A vice president of Western Gillette Trucking Co. confidently pre-
dicts that triples will be in reoular use by 1970 or 1972 at the latest.
As I said, the New York ~tate Throughway Authority and the
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority have already been approached on
the use of triple bottoms and already have granted the use of the same.
The picture as you saw clearly indicates that it is already in use.
Now, the effect of increasing size and weights. Roads and bridges
are designed for specific weights and expected volumes of traffic. It is
easy to change a vehicle dimension. It is harder to change a road, but
almost impossible to change a bridge.
Are we going to destroy the completed sections of the Interstate
System aiid jeopardize hundreds of billions of dollars invested in other
Federal-aid roads for the same 250,000 trucks?
We must find a top limit on vehicle dimensions and weights and stick
with it.
Let us turn to the grandfather clause about which you heard the
truckers say yesterday: "If you take out the grandfather clause then
we, together with others must oppose the passage of this pending
legislation."
H.R. 14474 contains a grandfather clause permitting States which
are already having higher weights and greater dimensions than con-
tained in the present bill to continue higher limits.
The Federal Aid to Highway Act of 1956 also had such a grand-
father clause.
There may have been some justification for the grandfather clause
in 1956, because the effects of heavy trucks on our bridges and roads
did not appear to be adequately documented. After spending $27 mil-
lion to find the answers, we know now what these effects are; there is
no longer any justification for continuation of the grandfather clause.
To permit some States to continue with heavier weights and greater
sizes than permitted for other States continues the same situation
PAGENO="0770"
758
which has led the trucking industry to press for increased weights.
Remember, they stated: "We have new techniques," as did the bus
operator toda.y; "We have found new things, and, therefore, we should
increase the weights. We should increase the widths."
Yes, for our purposes. But what for the passenger driver and the
light trucker? And at whose cost?
The grandfather clause in section 1~7 of title 23 should be elim-
inated. States presently having higher axle weights and heavier gross
weights than permitted in section 127 as presently written, should be
required to conform to the lower weights within a reasonably stipu-
lated time interval.
There should be no harm or no damage given to the truckers or the
others who have presently abided by the weights authorized by States;
but within a reasonable time, they should be made to conform. This is
not something unusual in our law.
Thus the American Automobile Association makes the following
recommendations:
1. No upward revision in the present axle weights or gross load
limits in title 23;
2. Width limit be retained at 96 inches;
3. The establishment of a len~th limit or a maximum gross load
limit so as to preclude the possibility of extremely long truck com-
binations, such as the picture which has been introduced and show as
an exhibit;
4. Elimination of the "grandfather" clause; and
5. Establishment of a weight to horsepower ratio of at least 400 to
I for all trucks. This should be accomplished either by statute or appro-
priate safety standards.
Thus, gentlemen, this concludes my direct presentation of the posi-
tion of nearly 11 million members of the American Automobile Asso-
ciation. Our membership comprises nearly 12.5 percent of the total
individual passenger car operators operating on our Interstate Sys-
tems and primary and secondary systems, today-a system which you
gentlemen over the years have so ably provided by proper legislation.
And in turn, we expect you to, in your good judgment, see that our
interstate, our primary and secondary systems are properly protected
for the overall use of all of the people of these grea.t United States.
Thank you very much.
Mr. KI~trczYxsKI. Thank you, Mr. Kachlein, for that splendid state-
ment of yours. Also we appreciate your cooperation with the commit-
tee in making your remarks very brief and right to the point.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas at this time,
Mr. Wright.
Mr. WRIGHT. I do not quite understand your contention with respect
to weight. Is it your position that the present design standards for
bridges on the Interstate System are inadequate to carry the weight
that would be permitted under this bill?
Mr. KACHLEIX. Yes, sir.
Mr. WRIGHT. You feel the present interstate standards for bridges
would not adequately permit the kind of weight that the bill would
allow?
(At this point, Mr. Roberts assumed the chair.)
PAGENO="0771"
759
Mr. KAGHLEIN. That is right, sir. That is not based upon my judg-
ment; it is the testimony introduced into the Senate hearing by
AASHO representatives as well as represeotatives from the Depart-
ment of Transportation.
A statement was made at the hearing yesterday which I think
should be corrected.
Mr. Wind-IT. Excuse me, sir. I did not mean to interrupt, but are
we not dealing with a different bill now than the one to* which that
testimony directs itself?
Mr. KACHLEIN. As you recall, the AASHO provisions provided
f or 20,000 pounds on single axle and 32,000 pounds on tandem weight
and not `the 34,000 pounds.
The statement was made yesterday by the truckers-it may have
been made inadvertantly-that AASHO had approved 34,000 pounds
tandem, and I think if you will look at the record and also the state-
ment `that was made by the president of AASHO, he stated that that
been made inadvertently-that AASHO had approved 34,000 pounds
Mr. WRIGHT. I think this is a matter that ought to be cleared up.
Mr. KACHLEIN. I agree with you, Mr. Wright.
Mr. WRIGHT. The question is basically an engineering one, it seems
to me.
Mr. KACHLEIN. That is right.
Mr. WRIGHT. It appears to me the committee should seek the best
engineering advice available.
But it would be a question, it seems to me, of fact, fundamentally,
rather than one of just unsupported opinion on either side.
Mr. BRADY. Mr. Wright, the statement was made at the bridge
inspection maintenance and design hearings held by the Senate Public
Works Committee, it was made by Mr. Turner, and I am paraphrasing
here; Mr. Turner indicated that increases to the 34,000-pound tandem
limit, as proposed in this bill and as the Senate at that time was
proposing in 5. 2658, as amended, would overstress interstate bridges
by 32 to 36 percent.
In the same set of hearings, Mr. Morton, who was president of
AASHO, indicated that the interstate bridges are designed for 18,000
pounds single, 32,000 pounds tandem, which are the limits in the
present section 127.
Mr WRIGHT Now, what does the Senate bill that was passed peimit
with respect to this maximum?
Mr. BRADY. 20,000 pounds single, 34,000 pounds tandem.
Mr. WRIGHT. So it is your contention that the Senate bill itself
permits 2,000 pounds, tandem weight more than the bridges are prop-
erly designed for?
Mr. BRADY. That is absolutely correct.
Mr. WRIGHT. I think that is a question of some vital importance.
Because, after all, what are we relating to this legislation is the Inter-
state System and interstate standards. As I understand it, the
committee is not `tttempting to draw `~ conclusion with respect
to the adequacy of the State restrictions on primary and secondary
highways, observing the comment-60 percent of rural road mileage
on the Interstate System in 1966 had traffic lanes less than 12 feet
wide. This, however, it seems to me, would be somewhat beside the
point.
96-030-68----49
PAGENO="0772"
760
All we would undertake to do with respect to either the Senate bill
or the House bill would be to create a ceiling applicable only to the
Interstate System. Beyond this, the State would have the privilege of
allowing certain sizes and weights of vehicles, of restricting them as it
sees fit.
Now, as far as primary system is concerned, as you know, our
Federal law does not touch that. It never has.
Mr. KACHLEIX. Except that you contribute 50 percent to the pri-
mary system and 50 percent to the secondary system on a matching
fund basis, so you do have an interest in what happens.
Mr. WRIGHT. Well, certainly we have an interest, but-
Mr. KAOHLEIN. I understand.
Mr. WRIGHT (continuing). The point I was making is that the com-
mittee and the Congress have always felt that the States within their
own jurisdictions could exercise whatever regulations they deemed
appropriate.
Mr. kAcrn~EIx. I agree with you, Mr. Wright.
Mr. WRIGHT. You are not taking the position, I gather, that we
should extend these restrictions to cover all secondary and primary
roads, are you?
Mr. KAOHLEIN. We are not, sir.
Mr. WRIGHT. Thank you.
Mr. ROBERTS. The gentleman from Florida, Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRA~rrn. The statement was very interesting and very helpful
to us. Of `course, I have be.en appreciative of the tremendous amount of
work done by AAA relating to high*ay matters and am appreciative
of the automobile user interest generally expressed by your association.
There are some matters here that I find it rather difficult to under-
stand in my own mind in view of your testimony, in particular, and
I just reexamined a transcript of a Senate hearing on bridge safety,
which seemed to pretty well substantiate your testimony.
We have asked for and received a study from the Bureau of Public
Roads and the Secrdtary of Commerce, whicli were submitted on
August 1~, 1964, which I am sure you are familiar with, on the subject,
"Maxinmm Desirable Dimensions and Weights of Vehicles Operated
on the Federal-Aid System."
On page 5 of that report, it sets out the recommended maximum
single axle weight, and I quote-page 5, paragraph 5, subpara-
graph (b):
The maximum single axle weight shall be 20,000 pounds and the maximum
tandem axle weight shall be 34,000 pounds.
Which is, as I understand it, the bill before us.
Mr. BRADY. That is correct.
Mr. CRA3rrn. If what you sa~y is correct-and my questions should
not be interpreted as questioning any of your testimony, but why
would the Department of Transportation recommend the limits set
out ill this bill if it has the effect as you have indicated in your
testimony?
Mr. BRADY. Mr. Cramer, I do not wish to speculate on why the De-
partment of Transportation has set out certain recommendations when
their own report shows some other matter. But I think you have hit
right at the heart of the problem here, and that is the problem of de-
signing these roads for an unknown quantity.
PAGENO="0773"
761
Mr. Kachlein, iii the introduction to his statement, said that we
would have to, at some time, come to a determination of what the sizes
and dimensions of these vehicles will be that we expect to use these
roads.
Now, to ask a highway engineer to design a highway for an un-
known quaiEity, such as the size and weights to be carried, not only
on the roads but on the bridges of these roads, is a very unreasonable
thing to do. At some point in time there has to be some understanding~
some provision whereby when the highway engineer designs this
facility, he has to know for what type of traffic and the size of the
vehicles, and at least as best as he can foresee the volume of such ve-
hicles. We do not have this in this legislation.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, if Mr. Turner's opinion is what you said it is,
and he so testified before the Senate hearing on bridges, do you have
any thoughts or information on how this report would have been set
up recommending the higher by 2,000 pounds single axle weight and
higher tandem axle weight by 2,000 pounds?
Mr. BRADY. Mr. Cramer, this is the report by the Department of
Commerce. What the recommendations of the Bureau of Public Roads
were to the Department of Commerce I do not know, but this is a
question that perhaps you should ask them.
Mr. CRAMER. We are going to have them before us hopefully this
afternoon. I will ask that question.
Now, in addition to that, the so-called bridge formula is the same
as was recommended on the same page of the report as in the present
bill. I guess it would not serve any purpose to have the same question
relating to it a~s I did to the single axle and tandem axle weight. We
will address those questions to Mr. Bridwell.
Let me ask you this question: Is it true or is it not true that actually
permitting an 18,000- or 20,000-pound-vehicle axle maximum has a
greater stress on bridges than a 34,000-pound tandem axle unit? So
I mean, my point is, you are in favor of an 18,000-pound single axle,
then is it not true that when it relates to bridge stress, a 34,000-pound
tandem axle really has less bridge stress than does an 18,000-pound
single axle?
Mr. BRADY. I am sorry, I am not a bridge design engineer, and I
could not answer that off the top of my head. I could get the informa-
tion for you and supply it for the record if you wish.
Mr. ORAMER. Is it not logical that an 18,000-pound single axle would
have greater stress effect than a 34,000-pound tandem axle?
Mr. BRADY. It is possible. A great deal depends on frequency of
such stresses, too, you know.
Mr. CRAMER. Now, you have here in your statement a study of the
Defense Highway System and bridges in the respective States as it
relates to whether they are H-10 or 11-15 or 11-20.
Is it your position that the proposed legislation could not even be
properly carried on the 11-20-S-16-type bridge?
Mr. BRADY. That is correct, sir.
Mr. Turner has testified, as you indicated, and as we indicated, that
those limits, the 20-34, which is in the proposed legislation, would
overstress interstate bridges `by over 30 percent.
PAGENO="0774"
762
Mr. CRAMER. `Well, as I understand it, the testimony was to the
effect that it would have a lesser length life by using the higher axle
weights. That is the effect of it, is it not?
Mr. BRADY. Well, that would be the effect.
Mr. Cn~rru. One of these days the bridge is going to fall down?
Mr. BRADY. They will not fall down, but you cut back the bridge
life and this is a cost..
Mr. CRAMER. Of course, this legislation deals solely with the Inter-
state System and your testimony deals with substantially the primary
system.
Mr. KACHLEIN. Not necessarily, Mr. Cramer. If you will take a
look at it, the Interstate System, we stated, was designed on the bridge
structure to the one which, if this law were passed, would decrease
the useful life of the bridge-and according to Mr. Turner's testimony,
overstress them by 30 percent. Because it is the Interstate System that
is also defective in its design factor for the proposed legislation;
namely, the 20,000 pounds and the 34,000 `pounds tandem.
Mr. CRAMER. `Well, I asked the previous question relating to single
axle and tandem axle, and there has been a report made on the matter.
I think perhaps that report answers the question, going from single
axles, from 18,000 to 20;000~ the equivalent factor of increased per-
centage of the relationship of load effect on road pavement structure is
a 51-percent increase relating to single axles, and then 32,000 to 34,000
relating to tandem axles, 27 percent. So in effect, the effect is about
double, going from single to tandem. I think that answers that question.
When we enacted this 1956 bill, there was talk about a grandfather
clause. Now, there were some 19 States, according to the paper we have
available, in which the single axle and tandem axle maximums in those
States were in excess of the then proscribed interstate 18,000 and 32,000
maximum's. Now, of course, those `have been in existence and been per-
mitted since 1956.
how do you justify in your testimony that we should not preclude
those excesses?
Mr. KACuLEIX. We justify it on the ground, sir, that during the 12-
year period we have learned our lessons. We have had tests made. We
know what damage is being done.
As a result of it, just like we learn in connection with billboards and
the like-we had billboards for many years, but we found that they
were interfering with the natural beauty of the highways, and there-
fore we took steps to reduce the use of the billboards on the highways.
And here is a case where we say we take steps to reduce certain types of
trucks that are damaging the highways, and we give them a reasonable
time in which to get off the highways.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, I think you could pick a better example
{laughter] because it appears to me ~h'at the effect of billboard regula-
tion at least relating to the Interstate System-of course, they have
been in existence in many States and accepted under the bonus pro-
vision since 1958, so we have had billboard coi~trol on the `Interstate
System since 1958. But it appears to me that largely the effect has been
they just build bigger billboards beyond 660 feet.
Mr. KACHLEIN. But you are asking legal justification and I at-'
tempted to give it to you; just like we do in any other manner where
PAGENO="0775"
763
we find that it is not proper use, we take means to gradually reduce
the use without injuring appreciably the people who have been using it.
Mr. CRAMER. The grandfather clause that we have in the bill pres-
ently, I have asked some of the witnesses if they would not agree to
limit or `to eliminate, in effect, that grandfather clause, bringing it up
to date, as it relates to the Interstate System. And of course that is all
we are talking about in this legislation. That would be considerable im-
provement, would it not?
Mr. KACHLEIN. rfliat would be improvement, sir, yes.
Mr. CRAMER. And it appears there seems to be pretty much agree-
ment on doing that.
Mr. BRADY. Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. Yes?
Mr. BRADY. You hit the real problem yesterday in referring to this
grandfather clause-
Mr. CRAMER. Yes.
Mr. BRADY. Concerning the States which have, subsequent to 1956,
passed enabling legislation permitting heavier sizes and weights off
interstate roads than currently permitted on interstate roads.
This is a ridiculous situation when the interstate is supposed to be
built to the highest design standards. This emphasizes the importance
of setting the standards on the interstate as well as other highways. We
just have to reach a point w~here we design for a specific vehicle.
Whether we are designing on interestate or other highways, we have
to design for `t specific type of vehicle, ~nd not permit `i i esti iction
on one class or system of highways to lead States to permit heavier
vehicles on another class of highways, then come before the Congress
and sa.y, "We are being trea~ted unfairly, we haye got to get this re-
striction removed and get the heavier vehicle over on the highest de-
signed highway." We will just be backhe.re a couple of years from now
arguing the same case.
Mr. CRAMER. Well, you agree, do you not, however, that limiting the
effect of the grandfather clause does not apply to the Interstate Sys-
tem? Bringing both State laws up to date for the grandfather clause
purposes from 1956 to 1968 is a considerable improvement in the legis-
1 ~tion, would you not say ~
Mr. BRADY. We would like to see the grandfather. ç~lause eliminated.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand.
Mr. BRADY. There is no justification for it in our view.
Mr. CRAMER. It would have the effect of eliminating from 1956 to
1968, would it not, any increase in States during that period?
Mr. BRADY. Your proposal would.
Mr. CRAMER. So actually we are not making any change. in the pres-
ent law as it relates to that?
Mr. TCACHLEIN. Right.
Mr. BRADY. Under your proposal. Under the bill, there is quite a
substantial change, yes.
Mr. CRAMER. I understand. Under my proposal, do we make any
change as it relates to the grandMher clause?
Mr. BRADY. That is correct.
Mr. CRAMER. That is all I have.
Mr. ROBERTS. Thank you.
The gentleman from New York, Mr. McCarthy.
PAGENO="0776"
764
Mr. MCCARTHY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Some of the people from the trucking industry told me that you are
the only organization that opposes this, that most of the people involved
with the highways are in favor of it.
Do you know of any other organizations, bodies, who have expressed
their opposition to this?
Mr. BRADY. If you are asking about the provisions in the present
bill-
Mr. MCCARTHY. Yes.
Mr. Bma~r. The provisions in the bill under consideration here, H.R.
14474 are for 20-36 on the weights. Certainly the Department of
Transportation is opposed to this bill. AASHO is opposed to this. The
National League of Cities testified in the Senate in opposition to an
identical bill, although I do not know if they intend to testify here.
And of course we are opposed to it.
If you are considering S. 2658, as passed by the Senate, AASHO has
a position which is currently 20,000 single, 32,000 tandem, although I
understand they indicated in hearings here that they could live with
34,000.
We are opposed to this.
I do not know how the National League of Cities stands on this
S. 2658 as amended.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Have any other municipalities taken a position?
Mr. BRAnY. It is our understanding the city of Chicago has passed
a resolution opposing the Senate-passed bill, S. 2658.
Mr. McOAirrHY. Do you have a copy?
Mr. BRADY. I have the Chici~go one, yes.
Mr. Mc~CARI'iry. I wonder if we could have that for the record,
Mr. Chairman?
Mr. ROBERTS. Without objection, it will be made a part of the record
at this point.
(The resolution follows:)
RESOLUTION
Whereas the city of Chicago has received national recognition during the years
past as thesafest of an large cities in the United States; and
Whereas the city of Chicago is constantly and continuously, through the Bureau
of Street T±uffic and the Chicago Police Department, exploring ways to improve
upon this outstanding record; and
Whereas there is now proposed legislation pending in the Senate of the United
States to permit heavier and wider trucks and buses on the Interstate Highway
System; and
Whereas a recent study of trucks subject to regulation of the Interstate
Commerce Commission showed that their mileage death rate was more than
twice that of all motor vehicles; and
Whereas the American Automobile Association has stated that this bill would
open the door "to increased discomfort and hazard to the vast majority of the
motoring population to confer special favors on a small minority"; Now, there-
fore, be it
Resolved, That the City Council of the city of Chicago, ever mindful of high-
way safety, does hereby unanimously urge the Congress of the United States to
defeat any legislation to permit heavier and wider trucks and buses on the Inter-
state Highway System; and be it further
Resolved. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to forward copies of this
resolution to representatives from the State of Illinois in the Congress of the
United States.
Adopted Friday, May iT, 1968.
PAGENO="0777"
765
Mr. MCCARTHY. Another contention was made that this would
result in lower rates, that the benefits would be passed onto the ship-
pers. And then I read, I think the same day, that they are now before
the ICC seeking increased rates. Are you familiar with that?
Mr. Bi~n~. I am not familiar with the specifics of. the petition for
rate increases, but the general thrust of the truckers testimony seems
to be that this will bring about a lower cost to the consumer. At the
same time, the Congress is considering weights, they are pushing for
higher rates to the consumer.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Where do you get your figures here? You say this
is only 250,000 and we had disagreement on that yesterday on how
many trucks we are talking about. Where do you get that figure you
used, 250,000, which you say is only 7 percent.
Mr. BRADY. It is a very small percentage of the vehicle populatton.
Mr. MCCARTHY. What do you base that on?
Mr. BRADY. This is based on information in House Document 354
of the 88th Congress. This is the report that Mr. Cramer mentioned a
moment ago, "Maximum Desirable Dimensions and Weights of Vehi-
cles Operated on the Federal-Aid Systems."
On page 109 of that report relating to four and five axles and heavier
vehicles, the report indicates that only a third of the loaded vehicles
weighed more than 60,000 pounds.
Now, we are talking about substantially in excess of 60,000 pounds,
and a third of these vehicles could probably use to advantage higher
permitted axle weights or greater lengths. These are the four to five
axle combinations. According to the report, the number of such corn-
binations which could use heavier weights was 190,000 in 1962.
Now, in the 1967 edition of Motor Truck Facts, on page 28 of that
booklet, it is indicated there were 732,558 four and five axle cornbma-
tions registered in 1966. One-third of this number-on the assumption
about the same number now as in 1966 could use heavier sizes and
weights, if permitted-one-third of this number is 244,186. So we just
rounded it off and said 250,000 vehicles.
(At this point Mr. Kluczynski resumed the chair.)
Mr. MCCARTHY. That would not jibe with another representation
made to me that they paid 40 percent of the trust fund. Do you have
any figures on what the heavy trucks contribute to the trust fund?
Mr. BRADY. These figures are inanother report. Just amoment.
I have before me the Supplementary Report on Highway Cost
Allocation Study, made by the Secretary of Commerce to the Congress
in the 89th Congress, first session. There is a summary, table 4, on
page 20 of this document, which shows, if we consider these same four
and five axle vehicles, and larger vehicles, that they contribute $368.9
million of the total of expended truck fund receipts for that year of
$3,354 million, which represents 11 percent of the trust fund revenue
in 1964 contributed by the combinations of four or more axles.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Would you say that ratio would be fairly close
today?
Mr. BRADY. It would be fairly close today, although subsequent
to this report, all of the truck excise taxes were put into the trust fund:
only 50 percent of them were deposited in the trust fund in 1964. Of
course, the excise taxes on passenger cars goes to general fund, as you
know.
PAGENO="0778"
766
Mr. MCCARTHY. This grandfather clause strikes me as sort of an un-
ending thing, a cycle of ancestor worship.
Wrhat would be the effect if we continue the grandfather clause in
here, now?
I could envision a situation now where we would bring in higher
limits that have been set by certain States between 1956 and 1968, and
I say, in 5 years, we will sta.rt this all over again. What are the States
that would be permitted higher weights than we are enacting here be-
cause of the grandfather clause? About three?
Mr. BRADY. We heard yesterday there are three or four States.
Mr. MCCARTHY. South Carolina?
Mr. BRADY. South Carolina is one.
I have a chart here which shows som~ of these.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Montana? Wyoming?
Mr. BRADY. Maine was one mentioned yesterday, and I think Ver-
mont was also mentioned and Montana.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Yes.
Mr. BRADY. New Hampshire.
Mr. MCCARTHY. So in 5 years we have a situation where they could
come in say, ~WTeli, now look here, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine.,
Montana, they have higher rates and: we have got to compete." And
then we could go through this cycle again.
Do you visualize this as a real possibility?
Mr. BRADY. It is a. very distinct and;real possibility. It happens now
that the States in the West have come in and asked for the same types
of axle weights we have in the east. With the grandfather clause in, you
are going to continue what may be referred to as an unbalanced situa-
tion. We will be back, as I mentioned to Mr. Cramer, a couple of years
frOm now going over the same ground.
Mr. MCCARTHY. Just one more. According to the figures I have here,
67.8 percent of the bridges on the primary and secondary. system-
this is my mathematics-are designed for less than an 18,000 pound
single axle and 32,000 pound tandem axle. Does that jibe with your
figure?
Mr. BRADY. Well, this is what we found in our survey to State high-
way departments, Mr. McCarthy. But one must remember that this
is a particularly high class network of roads. These are defense re-
quirement routes which, for the most part, are the best routes we have
in the country to move troops and civil defense equipment in the event
of a national emergency. They are, for the most part, also the routes
used today for the over-the-road heavy trucking operations.
But we have some 31~ to 3~z~ million miles of roads in this country,
much of which is built to considerably lower standards than the de-
fense requirement routes. So that the 6~.8 percent is on our best net-
work. If we included all the other roads, I am sure the percentage
would be much higher.
Mr. MCCARTHY. I am finished, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. I would say the gentleman from Iowa was very,
very kind to compliment the chairman, too, by the. way, and I had to
compliment him right back: he lived within the 5-minute ruling.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California., Mr. Clausen.
PAGENO="0779"
767
Mr. CLAUSEN. Thank you, Mr. Kachlein, your testimony will cer-
tainly be of very great value to the committee, particularly from the
standpoint of presenting a balanced point of view for the committee.
On page 2 of your testimony, you make reference to the fact:
Mr. Bridwell * * * recently told the Private Truck Council that heavy corn-
merical vehicles comprising 7 percent of the nation's registered motor vehicles
and accounting for 11 percent of the total vehicles miles traveled were involved
in 19 percent of the highway fatalities.
Now, I am wondering if either one of you gentlemen could give me
an idea of how they arrived at the figures, or in your judgment, as it
relates to your testimony, does this include the small pickups, the
panel trucks, and of course the number of farm trucks; or was this a
separate figure do you know?
Mr. KACHLEIN. I will ask Mr. Brady to answer that one.
Mr. CLA SEN. Yes, indeed.
Mr. Bn~~nv. Mr. Bresnahan testified yesterday, at least he submitted
for the record a supplemental statement going into this matter. Ac-
cording to this statement, the presentation of Mr. Bridwell was based
upon all vehicles t.hat~ were larger than two-axle, four-tire vehicles. The
thrust of Mr. Bresnahan's statement was that these are not really the
heavy trucks that are involved. However, he estimates that the heavy
truck percentage is 1.54 percent of the registrations, or least it was
1.54 percent of the registrations in 1964; and that the mileage of the
heavy trucks, according to his computations, was 5.33 percent of the
total mileage; and that of fatal accident involvement, that was 11
percent of the fatal accidents.
So either Mr. Bridwell's statement or Mr. Bresnahan's statement
is equally acceptable to us on this issue. They are both equally bad.
Mr. CLAUSEN. I see. It indicates thereare differences?
Mr. BRADY. There apparently was-I do not know the detail of
what the Bureau of Motor Carriers used in preparing Mr. Bridwell's
stat.emeiit. If Mr. Bridwell is going to be before you, you might check
with him on this. But we will accept either one. They show relatively
the same picture.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Now, also the next paragraph says: "He noted that
studies by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety revealed that four of
every .1.0 vehicles selected. for inspection in road checks were ruled off
the road temporarily."
I wonder, for clarification, could you define this selection for
inspection?
Mr. BRADY. I believe these were the regular ICC inspections that
were made at the specific road checks; but this, again,. .1 do not know
the basis that was used in supplying the material to Mr. Bridwell.
I do have a copy of his speech here. Perhaps that will reveal some-
thing.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, I guess I will not pursue that any further.
Now, the next final question that I would have just for clarification,
you mentioned earlier something about the need to establish standards.
You were. discussing this with Mr. Cramer.
Were you talking about design standards?
PAGENO="0780"
768
Mr. BRADY. I was talking about the need to establish the parameter
of the problem.
We are building highways, which, if properly maintained and if
used to their best advantage, we hope will last 50 years.
Now, after we put these highways in place, even before we put them
in place, we should know the size of the vehicles that we expect to
operate over them so that we can design them sufficiently so tha.t they
will operate the way we expect them to operate.
Now, we have been in this interstate program now for 12 years.
We have designed for a specific size of vehicle, 18-32 according to the
testimony of the Bureau of Public Roads and AASHO. This is the
size of the vehicle that we have designed for. Now we are asked to in-
crease these weights.
We had an overall gross weight when we started, 73,280 pounds.
There will be no overall gross weight under the present legislation.
What we are doing, in effect, we are asking the highway engineers
to design a highway to bea.r whatever weights we may at some date in
the future determine shall be using this facility. We should design
our bridges for practically any weight or a~ny width vehicle that will
be using it. This is a pretty unreasonable situation to put the highway
engineer in when he is expected to design a facility that is going to last
x number of years.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Well, I am sure I am no expert in traffic engineering,
but one thing that strikes me, based upon your comments, that we are
all sort of paying the price here to answer technology in demands and
so on. It is sort of like a cat chasing its own tail. We are describing cir-
cumstances. Because of all the economic factors involved, what eco-
nomic pressures we have would change the size of equipment that
would be put to use and that sort of thing.
It does point out one thing, we cert~inTy are going to be extremely
busy in all of these categories.
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. Any questions by the gentleman from Iowa?
Mr. McEwen from New York.
Mr. McEw1~N. Mr. Kachlein. I want to clarify if you could an item
in your statement. You speak of the proposed 102-inch width, mean-
ing an overall width across the tires of 106 inches. You say this, refer-
ring to the 102 inches, does not include tire chains or flexible fenders.
When such items are added, you say this brings the overall width to
108 inches, or 12 inches above the present statutory limit.
Now, what I want to clarify, are you saying that the present 96-inch
width is held specifically to that width?
Mr. KA0HLEIN. No. sir; I do not want to leave that impression.
There is approximately 6 inches difference because you have your over-
hang under your 96 inches presently, sir. Therefore, you would be talk-
ing about 102 and 108 inches.
Mr. MOEwEN. Right.
Mr. KAcm~EIN. When you get your overhang and your hardware
on it.
Mr. MGEWEX. I take it you would amend your statement and say it
would not add 12 inches over the present statutory limit?
Mr. KACHLEIN. That is correct, sir.
PAGENO="0781"
769
AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION,
Washington, D.C., June 21, 1968.
Hon. ROBERT C. MCEwEN,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
M~ DEAR Mn. MOEWEN: When I appeared before the Roads Subcommittee on
June 12 on HR. 14474, you questioned our testimony dealing with the proposed
increase in truck widths from 96 inches to 102 inches. That statement reads:
"Using figures of the Industry Advisory Committee, composed of the American
Trucking Associations, Incorporated and suppliers, the 102-inch width could
mean an over-all width across the tires of 106 inches. This does not include tire
chains or flexible fenders. When such items are added we are really talking about
an over-all width of 108 inches-a full twelve inches above the present statutory
limit."
Rechecking Section 127 of Title 23, I find our initial statemen:t was correct.
The present law does not permit any portion of the truck to exceed 96 inches,.
whether for the tire bulge or safety items or not.
The legislation before you, however, provides: "or with a width in excess of
102 inches plus additional width necessary for safety devices and tire bulge due
to loads". (Emphasis added). The portion underlined is new; there is no com-
parable provision in existing law.
Thus, we would go from a 96-inch width to a 102-inch width, plus six inches for
safety devices, making a total increase of twelve inches.
I would appreciate it if you would please include this letter in the hearing
record at the appropriate spot. I understand the record will close today.
Sincerely,
GEORGE F. KACHLEIN, Jr.,
Executive Vice President.
Mr. MCEWEN. Those same additions would apply?
Mr. KACULEIN. Would apply; yes, sir.
Mr. MCEWEN. I notice one thing, you did include in here, additional
width, this matter of mirrors. I guess usually the pasenger vehicle can
pass under the mirror?
Mr. BRADY. We could probably put the extra 6 inches on for the
mirror and still bring it up to 12.
Mr. MCEwEN. Thank you.
Mr. KLTJCZYNSKI. Mr. Schwengel, the gentleman from Iowa.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am glad to~ see you fellows from AAA here. I know about your
organization. I worked with your organization in Iowa when I was
with the legislature. You have been before this committee a number
of times and have been very helpful, and most of the time you have
worked with trucks ultimately to bring into being a highway system
to be most modern and efficient.
You are really a friend of the trucking business and have been
through the years. I can testify to this from my experience in Iowa.
Mr. KACTILEIN. I agree with you, sir, and I do want to state this,
that like any good family, there are always differences of opinion
within the family.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Right.
Mr. KACULE1N. This happens to be the one we are at odds about,
but that does not mean that we are not trying to all work together to
get a good highway system.
Mr. SCIIWENGEL. Your Iowa friends were involved-I worked with
you and the truckers in trying to bring about the completion of a sys-
tem in Iowa, including toll, many years ago.
Mr. KACITLEIN. Yes, sir.
PAGENO="0782"
770
Mr. SCHWENGEL. It did not happen. They could not sell enough peo-
ple on the idea. But you were way out in front in making plans for the
Interstate System. You were with us right from the beginning and
pioneered much of the work. So you were a tremendous influence for
good in the development of a great distribution system, especially the
highway system of America.
Now, in one of your opening statements, you stated you represent 11
million dues-paying members of your organization.
Mr. K~CHLEIX. That is correct.
Mr. SCHWEXGEL. You have heard testimony from the truckers pre-
smiling to represent 15 million vehicles in that field. We have heard
the bus people and they represent, they said, $30,000 buses.
We have given a lot of time to you and all of them.
Now, as I also noted from your testimony, you say there are 80 mil-
lion automobile owners in America.
Mr. KAc.HLEIX. That is correct.
Mr. SCHWEXGEL. You represent 11 million, so there are 69 million
who are not represented here and apparently will not have a represca-
tative. But maybe they will be represented in a question that came to
me yesterday over the telephone when a constitutent of mine called
me about another matter, and after he finished that, he said, "Now,
Mr. Congressman, I see by the paper you are going to consider some
truck legislation." He said, "I ain't agin the trucks; we need `em. But
I want to know-and you are my Congressman-whether or not they
are bearing their fair share of the load? And what I want to know,
sir, is what would the trucks be~ paying in license fees and fees and
dues if they paid the same rate as I do on my 1965 Chevrolet, con-
sidering the weight?" Now, what he was talking about was ton-mile.
And he said, "If you can't get that answer, tell me how much I would
be paying if I paid the same rate as they do."
He said, "I have been doing some figuring on my own. That is why
I want you to get an answer." He sa.id, "You have got the help to get
the answer."
So I am presenting that question to you, sir. I know it is not a simple
answer, I know that is true. But is there an answer that I can give this
man? Do you have one off the top of the head, or would it take time to
get an answer to that question?
Mr. KACHLETX. Do you want to answer that?
Mr. Bn~DY. Mr. Schwengel, it would take a considerable amount of
time to get an answer to that. I am not certain it would be very rela-
tive once we did get an answer.
But off the top of my head, I would say that if trucks paid at the
same rate as a passenger car on a ton-mile basis, there would not be a
single heavy truck operating in this country. And if you worked it in
reverse, the passenger car operator would practically go for nothing,
practically a free operation.
If we paid at the same rate in passenger cars and trucks, it would
be impossible for a trucking business'to operate with the size of the tax-
load that it would have on a ton-mile basis.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. If that answer can be gotten, I would like to have
permission, Mr. Chairman, to have it put in the record. I ask both they
and the representatives of the trucking industry, so it will be very fair
in giving an answer to that. question.
PAGENO="0783"
771
I think it may be a very legitimate question that this man ought
to have an answer to. Maybe he, in a sense, represents the 69 million
people who are not here.
But I do think this, and I remember some testimony in the Iowa
Legislature, you felt that through your dues-paying members, you
represent really all of the automobile owners, in a sense, though they
never paid dues to your organization, kind of like the dues-paying
members of the union who represents all the labor people in a sense,,
because they express their problems.
Is that a true statement?
Mr. KACHLEIN. I think that is a reasonable statement to make,
sir. We have attempted to approach it as representing the motorists
as the basic concept, because the problems are identical.
Mr. SCIIWENGEL. Mr. Chairman, here again, I do not want to imply
that I have a feeling against the industry. I know their reasons. But
we have to do these things in the public interest just like you recognize
the utility, but you cannot have eight or ten utilities in the community
and have an efficient service for the people, so you have to have regu-
lations. In a sense, this is our obligation here.
So, again, Mr. Chairman-I guess I have used almost all my time-
I thank you and hope I will have an opportunity to ask some of the
questions I have here of the truckers that we did not get an answer
to, in fairness to them.
Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. SOHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. CRAMER. I think the gentleman's .request is well taken. How-
ever, I think if such a study is made and made a part of the record,
that you almost have to include the secondary benefits that result
from the trucking industry as such, and the busing industry, gen-
eral transportation industry that uses the highway as it relates to
consumer industry.
For instance, we truck tons and tons of those delicious, sweet, great
energy health-giving oranges and vegetables from Florida.
[Laughter.]
Mr. CLKUSEN. And California.
Mr. CRAMER. Out in California too-off the record. [Laughter.]
Mr. KAOHLEIN. Mr. Cramer-
Mr. CRAMER. Obviously there are some secondary benefits that re-
sult from the trucking industry or any other transportation industry,
or secondly, of course, the trucking industry, as the railroads, as the
buses, as the airlines, as I understand it, are considered to be an essen-
tial element of American economic life as, of course, is the use of
the highway by the individual. So I think if you are going to get
into the question of what comparative costs and benefits are, like we
consider river and harbor projects and cost-benefit ratios, you of
necessity would have to include all aspects which relate to automobile
users and the necessary transportation facilities.
Mr. KACTILEIN. Mr. Cramer, would this be getting like the tail wag-
ging the dog? Because actually the 210 study which was made cost
a great deal of money. It came up with certain conclusions, and 1
do not think we have seen much change in circumstances to warrant
additional time.
PAGENO="0784"
772
Mr. C~r~n. That is the other point, because the 210 study was
made, it was supposedly for the idea f getting a pretty clear picture
of these respective interests of all highway users.
Mr. CLA~SEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. SOHWENGEL. I am-
Mr. CRAMER. I did not mean to suggest you in any way did not in-
tentionally include that. I just wanted to expand on your
recommendation.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. This is the reason I said I thought the trucking
industry ought to be allowed to answer the question as well as the
representative of the AAA.
Mr. CLAUSEN. Mr. Chairman, let me make this one comment-I did
riot, take my 5 minutes-it just seems to be the answer given by Mr.
Brady to Mr. Schwengel's question really is totally unacceptable. I
mean, it is quite in evidence that the automobile user cannot get by
for nothing, and you cannot put the trucking business out of business.
So as a result, the answer lies somewhere in between.
I have a great deal of questions for the gentleman from Iowa, but
I question the relevance of the. question ot.her than for your own con-
stituent there.
The only question would be: How would we get out of this dilemma
of finance?
Could you give us a quick response on how we are going to pay
for all the demands that obviously are being made on us because of
the burgeoning economy a.nd the fact of the economic growth we
have? How are you going to balance this finance?
Mr. KACHLEIN. First of all, you are talking about financing the
highways?
Mr. CLAUSEN. Yes.
Mr. KACHLEIN. We are not going beyond that I hope.
The highway picture to the first extent is that we do have one project
ahead of us that we are committed to, and that is the completion of the
Interstate Highway System.
Now, the next question is where do we go from there? Which I
imagine is what you are talking about.
We have been making a study, like many other people who are in
the highway users groups, and there seem to be one general theme
that goes throughout, and that is the functional classification studies
which must be made and which cannot be made in six months' time.
It takes about 3 years, sir, if you are going to come up with realistic
figures which are going to amount to anything and are going to give
you a. plan-just like you did with the 1956 Highway Act that created
the interstate System. It took a number of years in order to do that
and it is at this time that we feel that Congress should take the lead
to make certain that that functional classification study is undertaken
now, with the deadline date to report back that as a realistic date.
So that within 3 years' time, you will have some reasonable idea.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Thank you, gentlemen.
We very much appreciate your statement of your views. You have
been very good witnesses. We want to thank you for giving us the
experience of your great organization.
Mr. KAorn~IN. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
PAGENO="0785"
773
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Now we have with us Mr. Bresnahan and his
associates who came before us yesterday morning and returned this
morning to answer questions by members of the committee.
At this point in the record I will place the statement of Mr. John
De Lorenzi, managing director, Public and Government Relations,
American Automobile Association.
(The statement referred to follows:)
STATEMENT BY JOHN DR LORENZI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS, AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
The American Automobile Association, with eleven million members, appreci-
ates this opportunity to comment on the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968,
H.R. 16994 and HR. 17134.
Besides authorizing funds and approving the 1968 cost estimate for comple-
tion of the Interstate program, this Subcommittee is faced with numerous issues
which must be resolved if we are to have an orderly development of the Federal-
Aid highway program.
1968 COST ESTIMATE
The 1968 cost estimate indicates a need for almost $17 billion in Federal-aid
funds beyond that which has been made available through fiscal 1969. This is on
the basis of 1966 prices. An Appendix to the report indicates price increases
could add $3.35 million to the cost.
Based on these estimates and a realistic assumption that the program will not
be completed until 1975, authorizations at $4 billion per year should continue
through fiscal 1974. A reduced amount should be authorized for fiscal 1975.
Title 23 should be amended so as to extend the time for completion of the
Interstate to June 30, 1975, from the present completion date of June 30, 1972.
FOREST AND PUBLIC LANDS HIGHWAY
Authorizations are contained in both measures for Forest Highways, Public
Lands Highways, and similar categories.
H.R. 16994 continues financing both Forest and Public Lands Highways from
the general revenues of the Treasury, while H.R. 17134 Would place an addi-
tional burden on the Highway Trust Fund of $49 million in both fiscal years
1970 and 1971.
The AAA opposes switching the funding of either of the two programs to the
Highway Trust Fund. Now is not the time to saddle the Trust Fund with
additional liabilities.
HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION
H.R. 17134, in section 8, provides for authorizations for the Highway Beauti-
fication Program, at the $5 million level for Outdoor Advertising, at the $10
million level for Oontrol of Junkyards, and at the $70 million level for land-
scaping and scenic enhancement, for fiscal years 1969-71. No effort is made to
correct the deficiencies in the original legislation.
Some decision is needed in the near future on this program. When we testified
before you on April 19, 1967 we recommended the continuation of the Highway
Beautification Program, with some modifications.
The AAA still opposes the penalty features of the Highway Beautification
Act of 1965. Instead of penalties, we recommend the Federal Government provide
incentives to those states enacting legislation meeting performance standards
developed cooperatively between the states and the federal government. Methods
of accomplishment of agreed-upon standards should be determined by the
states.
We again suggest that the Act be amended so as to provide control of off-site
advertising on all limited access freeways and primary roads, all highways
built on new location, and scenic corridors established by the state, Such con-
trols should be extended to structures and buildings occupying air rights over or
under Federal Aid highways. Exceptions for zoned industrial and commercial
areas should be controlled and regulated through local zoning powers.
In addition, the Highway Beautification Act should be amended to permit
states to decide the question of compensation, and permit those states which are
able to base renumeration on their police power.
PAGENO="0786"
774
ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY
The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1966 required a study of advance acquisition
of highway rights-of-way. This study has been concluded and reported to your
Committee with the recommendation that a Federal revolving fund of $300
miilion-$100 million a year for three years-be established. The need for such
a fund will become more critical as construction moves into urban areas where
land prices frequently escalate at an alarming rate. Advance acquisition of the
necessary rights-of-way for future highways can save the highway user millions
of dollars.
Both measures provide for the advance acquisition of rights-of-way, with $100
million annually. Mr. Cramer and other members of the full Committee have
introduced separate legislation, H.R. 16622, with the same monetary provision
on the subject.
We support the creation of a fund for advance acquisition and recommend the
language in Mr. Cramer's bill be substituted for that which appears in 11.11.
16994 and HR. 17134. Xeitber of these two provide a minimum time period before
the land can be used.
Mr. Cramer's bill requires two years to elapse before the land acquired with
these funds may be used. This will prevent states from using advance acquisition
money to buy land for immediate use, which would negate the purpose of the
fund.
URBAN AREA TRAFFIC OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (TOPICS)
Under the language in both pieces of legislation, money authorized under this
program could be used on any street, road, or alley within an urban area.
The program authorizes $250 million for each of five fiscal years 1970-1974-
a total of $1.25 billion for urban traffic operations improvement. Expenditures
are authorized for projects which "include but are not limited to those which
directly facilitate and control traffic flow." There is no requirement that the
projects must be on any Federal-aid route.
Under H.R. 16994, but not under H.R. 17134, the Trust Fund would pay,
wrongly we think, for work on city streets and conceivably for a host of other
projects which have only an indirect relationship to the federal interest in
highways.
While AAA favors the objectives of the TOPICS program, it opposes the ex-
penditure of Highway Trust Funds on non-Federal-aid roads. Federal-aid routes
are already eligible to receive matching grants for a number of such improve-
ments. There seems little justification to burden the Trust Fund with additional
commitments for roads which are of more local than national importance.
FRINGE PARKING
Section 14 of 11.11. 17134 would authorize a 75-25 payment formula for the
construction of fringe parking areas outside the central business district. AAA.
is opposed to this because it uses Highway Trust Fund money for non-highway
purposes and, in fact, the money is to be used to encourage other forms of
transportation.
AAA suggests that if fringe parking lots are necessary to provide convenient
access to public transportation systems that the cost of their construction be
assigned as a capital improvement to the transit system. Just as the cost of the
construction of subway stations is charged to the transit agency.
H.R. 17134 would fund the fringe parking program from money authorized
for the Interstate program. We are already years behind in the construction
of our Interstate highways and can ill afford to assign the construction of fringe
parking lots a higher priority than the early and expeditious completion of the
Interstate program.
This completes our testimony on the items in the two pieces of legislation
before you. I would like to bring up several related items which we suggest be
added to the bill your Subcommittee reports out.
HIGHWAY FUND CUTBACK
The AAA is greatly concerned by the unilateral action of the Executive branch
of the Federal Government in withholding previously authorized Federal-Aid
Highway funds from the states. This has happened in two successive years, and
PAGENO="0787"
775
has created uncertainty as to amounts of Federal funds available for reimburse-
ment to the states.
The disruption of construction planning and programming will cause many
states to further delay completion of the National System of Interstate and
Defense Highways. Such a delay will have a direct effect on our efforts to save
lives and increase highway safety. On-again, off-again support for our highway
program gives impetus to toll road financing as a means of building critically
needed modern highways.
Equally serious is the damage done to the 50-year Federal-State partnership
of joint responsibility for building highways. The action of the Executive branch
relegates the states to junior partners.
This Committee has 14 bills before it which would prevent further cutbacks
(Appendix A). We recommend the principle of these bills be included in the
legislation before you to firmly establish the role of Congress in determining
highway transportation policy matters.
THE POST-INTERSTATE PROGRAM
The Committee has received a report from the American Association of State
Highway Officials on the need for an expanded Federal-Aid Highway program
after completion of the present one. The Committee has also received a report
by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (pursuant to P.L. 89-130)
titled "1968 National Highway Needs Report."
A review of these reports makes it evident the highway needs of this country
in the decade 1975-1985 greatly exceed those of the previous decade. It becomes
imperative, therefore, that the limited financial resources available be carefully
assigned to projects which give the greatest traffic service for each dollar spent.
We must spend our highway user taxes on roads where the traffic needs are
greatest. If we are to be ready with a Post-Interstate program, Congress must
act this year to ensure needed data is available upon which to base policy
decisions for future highway programs.
AA.A endorses the principle of continuing comprehensive studies of future
highway needs and believes that the Bureau of Public Roads, working in
cooperation with state and local units of government having roads and street
responsibilities, should make such studies.
In such studies, an analysis of efficiency and cost information on the basis
of the character of traffic service provided, termed functional classification, is
of primary importance. Only through such an analysis can a program be identi-
fied which will produce an optimum return to the highway user taxpayer.
The result of such studies if authorized now, could be available for Congres-
sional review by July 1971. Congress can then prepare a program for the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1972, to follow the current highway program.
EXTENSION OF INTERSTATE MILEAGE
As the Interstate program nears completion there is sentiment, as well as
legislative proposals, for expansion beyond the statutory limit of 41,200 miles.
According to studies made by the Bureau of Public Roads upgrading of
limited mileage of Federal-Aid primary highways can make substantial contri-
butions to improved traffic service. This mileage, comprising less than two
percent of all rural mileage, `is expected to serve 15 percent of all rural travel.
The Interstate System, comprising only one percent of the mileage, is expected
to serve an additional 25% of rural travel. Thus, less than three percent of the
rural mileage will ultimately serve 40% of all rural travel.
The findings of this study reinforce the need for the long overdue functional
classification of our street and highway network `which I have just mentioned.
The degree of Federal interest in many routes proposed for an expanded
Interstate System is substantially less than in the present System. The 90-10
matching funds is probably more responsible for proposals to expand the System
than are traffic needs. Whereas most of the present System is truly Interstate
in character, many routes proposed for an expanded System are intrastate, or
lie in only two or three states.
We suggest no extension of the Interstate System until completion of a func-
tionally classified highway network study. Such a study should be mandated
in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968.
96-O3O-GS-----~O
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TOLL ROADS
BPR has a long-standing policy, disapproving interstate highway projects
which would divert traffic from toll roads.
By affording financial protection to toll interests, this policy is entrenching
and inviting the extension of tolls and is stimulating toll entrapment. The policy
also has been exploited by toll road advocates to block construction of segments
of the Interstate Highway System which should be built on the basis of traffic
needs.
We urge Cogress to amend the Federal-Aid Highway Act to remove this pro-
tection of toll interests and to discourage the construction of toll highways which
are a part of, or may be substituted for, sections of toll-free Interstate.
We further urge you to. amend the act to prohibit the relocation of already
designated portions of the Interstate to allow connections with proposed toll
facilities for the primary purpose of providing economic advantage to such
facilities.
HR. 14962, before your Committee, would reimburse states for the cost of
constructing toll roads which have been incorporated into the Interstate System.
The latest estimate of the cost of such reimbursement of depreciated value is
$2.9 billion, up from the $2.3 billion calculated as of June 30, 1957.
As of June 30, 1967 the depreciated value of toll roads originally incorporated
into the System had dropped to $1.9 billion, but over $1 billion of additional toll
facilities have been incorporated into the Interstate System since then. Clearly,
we are regressing in the intent of Congress to provide a toll-free highway network.
We oppose any attempt to "buy out" toll roads. The Trust Fund doesn't have
the money, and additionally, the contractual problems raised in such an
approach appear overwhelming.
We would hope that the Special Subcommittee on the Federal-Aid Highway
Program, which thoroughly investigated the problems of toll roads in 1966, will
submit legislative proposals in the near future in accordance with the sub-
committee's recommendations.
DELAWARE RIVER TOLLS
Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to discuss a most unhappy situation
~vhich has arisen with the Delaware River Port Authority. In February, the
Authority, flouting requests by the New Jersey legislature and others for a
temporary postponement, arbitrarily doubled the bridge tolls on the Benjamin
Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges. Proceeds of the additional tolls are to
be used to further the Authority's interest in additional toll crossings and
provide construction funds for fixed rail transit.
The Secretary of Transportation currently has authority, after the fact, to
find that a toll increase is neither reasonable nor just. While the deliberations
proceed, the motorists are charged the additional fee. What is needed is the
approval of the Secretary before the tolls are increased, instead of fighting a
rear-guard action.
We therefore ask that Section 526 of Title 33 of the U.S. Code, as amended
by Section 6(g) of Public Law 89-670, be amended to provide the Secretary with
this power.
Without this change, you will continue to find small authorities trying to
emulate the New York Port Authority and attempting to build private kingdoms.
Would you believe that one of the reasons given for~ increasing the tolls on
the two bridges was that the George Washington and the Delaware Memorial
Bridges each charge 50 cents, so why not the Franklin and Whitman Bridges?
APPENDIX A
BILLS PROTECTING THE HIGHWAY TRUsT FUND FRoM EXECUTIVE CONTROL
H.R. 14641, Hon. William H. Harsha (R. Mhio).
H.R. 14841, Hon. Edward J. Gurney (R.-Florida).
H.R.. 14932, Hon. Ancher Nelsen (R.-Minnesota).
H.R. 14953, Hon. Benjamin Blackburn (R.-Georgia).
H.R. 15040, Hon. Robert V. Penney (R.-Nebraska).
H.R. 15275, Hon. Jack H. McDonald (R.-Michigan).
H.R. 15442, Hon. John M. Zwach (R.-Minnesota).
H.R. 15483, Hon. Don Clausen (R.-California).
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H.R. 15656, Hon. Lawrence 1. Williams (R.-Pennsylvania).
H.R. 15691, Hon. James G. Fulton (R.-Pennsylvania).
H.R. 16007, Hon. Speedy 0. Long (D.-Louisiania).
H.R. 16255, Hon. J. Irving Whalley (R.-Pennsylvania).
FIR. 16896, Hon. William 0. Cramer (R.-Florida).
H.R. 17118, Hon. Page Belcher (R.-Oklaboma).
Mr. Bresnahan, it is a pleasure to have you before this committee
again.
STATEMENT BY WILLIAM A. BRESNAHAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR,
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS, INC.; ACCOMPANIED BY
EDWARD V. KILEY, RESEARCH GOU~SEL; LEWIS C. KIBBEE,
DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT; AND RICHARD A. LILL,
CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER-Resumed
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. KLuczYNsJiI. I am sorry I was not here yesterday morning, but
there were primaries in the State of Illinois. I like my job so well, I
thought I would shoot for another term.
Mr. Schwengel, would you proceed please.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Gentlemen of the trucking industry, I salute you and I hope as a
result of this questioning no more messages will go out of here that
I am against the trucking business. So if that emanated from you, and
evidently it did from somewhere here-it was unfortunate, because I
am not, nor am I against this bill. I want to establish that beyond a
question of doubt before we begin.
Mr. MCEWEN. Will the gentlemen from Iowa yield?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. KLU0zYNsKI. The gentleman from New York.
Mr. MCEWEN. Mr. Chairman, I do not remember who made a re-
sponse to my question earlier, the matter of State law, and it was
brought out that New York State had passed a law including up to
102 inches.
I just wanted to state at this time the inquiry I made indicated to me
that law is predicated upon or conditioned upon the Federal law
being changed to 102 inches.
Mr. KLUOzYNsKI. That is my understanding.
Mr. MOEWEN. Further, I believe there may be some serious reserva-
tions in the New York State Department of Transportation on in-
creasing weight, and particularly size of vehicles. I just wanted to
bring that out to clarify the statement that was made.
Thank you, Mr. Ohairman.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. Mr. Schwengel.
Mr. ScHwENGEL. When we left yesterday, the committee rose and
went to the floor. We were talking about the number of trucks and you
had just gotten through telling me there were somewhere in the
neighborhood of 15 million trucks on America's highways today.
The question I was about to ask but did not get a chance to ask and
shall ask now: How many trucks in your view will take advantage of
this increased width, length and weight if we give the authorization-
if we pass this bill, in other words, and if the States react as you
would like to see them react to this legislation?
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Mr. kILEY. That, Mr. Congressman, would vary considerably from
State to State. There is really no way of telling exactly how man"
trucks might be able to take advantage of the increases that would be
permissible under this bill.
You mentioned this is a permissive piece of legislation. This in and
of itself changes nothing. It merely gives the States a right to move in
a new direction if they wish to.
Now, in many States, as our testimony indicates, you already have
axieload limits above this. So in this area~ there would be no change
and could be none.
Now, there are about a million truck combinations in operation
today.
Now, the increases that could be obtained under this bill if the States
that could move up by virtue of the fact their law is less than this bill
did move up, most of the increase would be in this million, but not all
of them would take advantage of it. It is very difficult to say.
For example, many trucks today are carrying cargoes of such
densities that increased weights would not be necessary or needed. On
the other hand, in other areas, the freight-carrying vehicle does need
more weight and can use more weight.
Even out of the million category vehicle combinations, there are
straight trucks today in operation which could take advantage of
increased axle weight.
So I do not believe there is one answer we could give you on that
on how many vehicles that could take advantage, and would take
advantage, eventually of these increased weights if the State laws
were changed. However, we can say this, that these increases are vital
and are needed, because the vehicles that can take the increase ulti-
mately, when the State laws are changed, are very vital to the Nation's
commerce, carrying millions of tons of goods of all types all over the
country. But the exact number is very difficult to determine.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. You have heard the testimony giving the figure
of 250,000 trucks that would be affected. Is this anywhere near a
correct estimate?
Mr. KILEY. I do not believe it is, because the 250,000 estimate is a
combination, four- and five-axle group. Many trucks in that four- and
five-axle group will not take advantage by nature of the cargo that
they carry and type of operation t.hey are in. There are some vehicles
outside of the four and five, in the two- and three-axle category, who
could take advantage of the increased axle weight. I do not think the
250,000 has any merit as far as that is concerned.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. We have to have some information. You are in
the business. If you cannot give us some estimates on these questions,
I do not know who can.
I would like to have you give us some figure so that we can make
some judgment on how much, what percent of the traffic of the loads
that are carried on the trucks would be affected, what percentage of
increase, what would be the benefits in other words. That would be
the ultimate answer that I would like to have.
Mr. KILEY. The only way we could provide such a figure would
be to assume such law were increased and every State moved up, you
might arrive at some estimate how many vehicles ultimately might
use this.
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You have the time factor. It will take many years to come about
in States. Every State would not change the law immediately if it
was disposed to do it.
We could give you some more accurate figures.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. The figure has been given us 250,000 trucks would
probably take advantage of this if we passed this bill.
Mr. KILEY. I would say, then, somewhere between 250,000 and about
800,000 trucks, somewhere in there, would be the figure that ultimately
you would have if the State laws were revised upward to meet the
new dimensions.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. That would be roughly a 12-percent increase of
traffic would result?
Mr. KILTEY. Twelve-percent increase in traffic?
Mr. SOHWENGEL. About 12-percent increase of traffic going via the
heavier trucks? Twelve-percent increase on those 250,000 to 800,000
trucks?
Mr. KILEY. You mean by increasing the weight, 12 percent?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Increasing the weight. Right.
Mr. KILEY. Not necessarily; no, sir.
Actually, in many cases you might have fewer trucks by virtue of
the fact, by more economical payloads, you can carry more freight in
fewer number of trucks under the type of gross weight formula this
bill provides.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. I am talking about the increased weight, not in-
creased number of trucks; increased weight would be roughly on the
250,000 to 800,000 trucks, 12 percent?
Mr. KILEY. No; I do not believe it would, because the weight could
vary tremendously. The extent to which the various trucks could use
the additional weight would vary. They would not all use maximum;
some less thaii that, some less than that. So the extent of use would
vary.
Mr. SOJIWENGEL. Probably 5 or 6 percent?
Mr. Kiu~y. That would probably be more close to it.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Of the 250,000 to 800,000 trucks? So considering
the total of tonnage on the highways, that makes. an infinitesimal
amount by comparison; is that not right? Probably less than 1
percent?
The point I am getting at is we may be legislating for a 1-percent
increase of truck traffic? Tonnage? Trucks that would take advantage
of this?
Mr. KILEY. Not necessarily. I do not believe so.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Two percent, 3 percent?
Mr. KILEY. It would be somewhere higher than that, but exactly
how much higher would be hard to tell.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Five percent of the total.
I want to at least raise the point, because it is important in this
consideration, and then match that against what apparently could be
cost that is revealed from the testimony we already have.
Mr. KILEY. I would like to make a comment on that if I could,
Mr. Congressman, because the increased cost that the previous witness
referred to that results, that he imputes would result, from increased
axle load, which in turn was based on formulas derived from the
Illinois road test, our witness, Mr. LilT, testified we believe to be
PAGENO="0792"
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inaccurate deductions from this formula. But even if you accepted
that formula, which we do not-and we do not think you can accept
it-the so-called increased cost assumes that, for exan~ple, if a State
today had an 18,000-pound axle load limit and then it cannot move
above that because of the Federal law, then the Federal law moved
to 20,000 and this State revised its law to 20,000, every 18,000 pounds
on the highway today would become 20,000; that is not correct. Some
of these axleload limits would stay down by virtue of the commodity.
They would not automatically go to the limit.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. You are adding to my evidence here I want to
present. We are actually talking about a very small percent of the
total tonnage carried by the trucking industry? That is the point I
am trying to establish here. And so I am trying to match that against
the benefits now that would come to the consumer. So can you give
us any estimate on what benefits, percentagewise or otherwise, would
come to the consumer as a result of the increase in weights? Just
weight, now.
Mr. KILEY. I think it is difficult to tell you offhand what this would
amount to, but I do not think it is infinitesimal by any stretch of
the imagination; no, sir. It is very impOrtant. It is a very important
increase of benefit to the entire economy. But you are asking to
indicate exactly how many vehicles ultimately might be able to take
advantage of this, and this is just a difficult thing to do. You just
cannot say at this time. But I do not believe, by any stretch of the
imagination, it would be called infinitesimal; no, sir.
Mr. Br~sNAHAx. Mr. Schwengel, I might expand on that-
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes, sir.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. We are neither trying to minimize nor maximize
the potential benefit for the industry and the consumers and the
country* from this legislation. It is awfully difficult to try to pinpoint
it with the statistic here and that statistic there. I think it should
be borne in mind that the trucking industry of the United States car-
ries more tons of freight than any other form of transportation, in-
cluding the railroads: amid that although trucking companies in-
dividually are relatively small, in the aggregate the gross revenues
of the for-hire trueking industry regulated by the Interstate Com-
merce Commission exceeds the total freight gross revenue of the rail-
roads. Now, I think you have to think in those large terms, and we
could be led astray by trying to come up with indefinite statistics that
are not available on a precise basis and then apply them and try to
reach a conclusion.
Mr. SOHWENGEL. First, Mr. Chairman, I want to point out some-
thing to this gentleman. The loads you carry on your trucking in this
Nation surpass that of the world in all forms of transportation.
Mr. BRESNAHAX. Surpasses what, sir?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Transportation in the world, excluding shipping
on the water. But on land transportation, your industry transports
more goods and material across the country, on this continent, than
the rest of the world.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. I had not been aware of that.
Mr. SCHWEXGEL. You have been a tremendous influence.
I know something about this. I think I could substantiate that. docu-
ment that, because I made. a special study of what I call the fifth great
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freedom, the freedom of movement of men and goods. And this is the
reason I am so vitally interested in this area, and I want to be helpful
and not be a hindrance to you.
I want this committee to know all the facts before we act, and I
think there has got to be an answer. And of all the known factors
you have in transportation and the cost of operation and the efficiency
that you have instituted in many ways, the motors you have developed,
the miles you are getting on tires, surpasses any in the world.
For you to sit here and tell me you cannot figure out how much
benefits are going to come to the consumer I cannot believe, because
there is some way to find this information and facilities you have,
and we have in America with all our IBM and estimates and known
figures we can feed into a machine, you can find an answer. I think
you ought to find an answer, because I think this is important, what
is the benefit to the consumer.
You have always been a tremendous benefit to the consumer.
Mr. KLuczYNsKI. Mr. Schwengel, we have to get to the floor. These
are the last witnesses, as you know.
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Yes.
Mr. KLUCzYN5KI. Time is very short for us. We have to get to the
floor in the next few moments. Could you finish your interrogation in
the next 5 minutes?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. No, I could not, Mr. Chairman.
I wonder if we could have this understanding-I have great respect
for these people they are really doing a great service, and there is
a lot of information we will not be able to get in the record unless we
have some understanding. I can present the questions and they can
present their answers in writing. We can have that as part of the
record. This will be quite fair. We would not have this kind of
colloquy that brings out facts, but I would be willing to compromise
on that.
Mr. KLUczYN5KI. Then you would submit questions and these gen-
tlemen would answer and we would have that in the record;. is that
clear?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. We would be most happy to do that, and I am sure
we could give much more complete and accurate answers having a
little time to analyze.
Mr. KLUCZYNSKI. I am sure the committee would be very much
interested.
I have just this one question. Would this be limited to the inter-
state? One of the basic elements here is that this bill actually leaves
in the hands of the States what intentions would really be, or what
the limitations would be. Many States are not un to these limits. Would
you expect many of the States would go to these limits in the near
future?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. We would hope so, Mr. Chairman. But history
shows that this is a long drawn out process and in some cases you never
succeed.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, may I make a request?
Mr. KLUCzYNsKT. Mr. Cramer.
Mr. CRAMER. In addition to that made by the gentleman from Iowa,
could I ask also that such comments and statements relating to the
statement of AAA also be included in your submission?
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Mr. BRESNAHAN. Yes, sir; because I think some of those statements
need some clarification.
Mr. CRAMER. I gathered that you might want to comment on them,
and I was going to ask you that question, but time does not permit.
So would you submit that as well?
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Thank you.
Before Mr. Schwengel leaves now~
Mr. CRAMER. Is that all right, Mr. Chairman?
Mr. KLUczYN5KI. Yes.
Mr. BRESNAHAX. How will these questions be made available?
Mr. SCHWENGEL. Maybe we can a.rrange to get together in my
office, or I will write the questions out and I will be in touch or you
be in touch with me. I will try to make some arrangements with the
questions.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. If you will be good enough to prepare them and
just give us a call, we will come and get them.
Mr. KLUCzYNsKI. Mr. Schwengel will submit the questions.
Gentlemen, thank von for your appearance here.
That concludes the hearing on the highway legislation.
(The questions and replies referred to above are as follows:)
Housn OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D.C., June 28, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman,
Subcommittee 01 Roads,
Public Works Committee.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: Enclosed is a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. William
A. Bresnahan of American Trucking Associations, Inc., with questions and
answers with some conclusions and observations of my own for the Committee
hearings.
Sincerely yours.
FRED SCHWENGEL, 3Iem ber of Congress.
JUNE 18, 1968.
Mr. WILLIAM A. BRESNAHAN,
Anzerican Trucking Asociationa, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. BRESNAHAN: This is in response to a hand-delivered -let~er and also
to the unanimous request made by me and. granted during the timeof the
hearings on the bill that concerns the problem of weight, length~ and widthin
the trucking industry.
After reading the reports of the committee in the Senate it was quite apparent
that the hearthgs didn't bring out a full and complete discussion of the facts
and factors that relate to the provisions of the bill on width, length and weight
under consideration before that committee. This was the reason for my pursuing
this question further.
Therefore. I am sorry that we have not had nor apparently will have an
opportunity for discussion and colloquy that would have been afforded if the
hearings bad been continued. I really believe that in fairness to the trucking
interests and those who have the reslxnsibili.ty of building and maintaining
highways that continued hearings would have served the public interest. Since
that is not to be, `we will proceed under unanimous consent request which was
obtained and hope better insight of problems and solutions will result.
Now the questions:
1. How many trucks of four axles or more are likely to be able to take advan-
tage of heavier axle weights and heavier gross weights if section 127 is amended
as proposed in S. 265S as referred to the House?
2. How do the Western States compare with those in the East relating to
average ton miles hauled under existing provisions of section 127. Title 23?
3. How many dues-paying members do you have in the American Trucking
Association for whom you speak?
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783
4. How does the American Trucking Association develop its policy positions
and what percentage of the total nurnher of truck owners participate in the
development of these policy positiQns?
5. Is it not true that those `who transport livestock have no weight problem
under the present laws and could benefit only by an increase in length?
6. During the hearings that brought `the interstate system into being there
was a testimony that if the highway system was built there would be a great
savings to the trucking industry and increase in the `efficiency in its operation.
What can you say in response to this? Has it resulted in savings?
7. Can yo'u give us any examples of how the development of this system has
helped in the maintenance and operation of machinery-~especially the motors?
Has the number of daily revenue miles driven by truckers increased or decreased
in recent years and, if so, `how much?
8. What has been the increase of the gasoline mileage and the consequent
savings of the cost of gasoline?
9. What has `been the reduction of cost of maintenance of trucks?
10. What has `been you'r experience on the longevity of tires?
11. `Can you give us the average life in number of miles of truck tires for
1930, 1940, 1950 and 1960, as well as recent figures? How much of a saving ha's
this item been to the trucking industry?
12. Wh'at will `be the anticipated savings if the increases propoSed in S. 2658
are granted?
13. Is it true as charged that if the width is established at 102" the overall
width would be closer to 108"?
14. In areas where State Legislatures have approved increases in size and/or
weight, has there been any reduction of shipping rates?
15. Have there been any savings in the operation passed on down to the
consumer? If so, what is the percentage of savings and the total savings?
16. The proposed bill on increasing single and tandum axle weights pertaining
to the interstate system AASHO conducted extensive road tests on pavement
and bridges in Illinois to determine the effect of increased weights on pavements
and structures. Do you know the results of the findings on the AASHO road
test in relation to pavement damage caused by 20,000 lb. single axle as compared
to 18,000 lb. single axle?
17. In the same ASSHO test a comparison was made between the damage
caused by 32,000 lb. tandum axle and a 36,000 lb. tandum axle. Do you know the
additional percentage of damage caused by the 36,000 lb. tandum over the 32,000
lb. tandum?
18. Do you feel the proposed 20,000 lb. single axle and the 34,000 lb. tandum
axle maximum weight for the interstate system would automatically have to
be applied to other highway and street systems?
19. Testimony has been given by ASSHO that the proposed 36,000 lb. tandum
axle on the revised formula provided by the bill will not have the detrimental
effects on those bridges designed for H S 20-44 loadings, but cannot be tolerated
on bridges designed for lesser standards. Do you know what percentage of
bridges on the interstate system and the ABC system are not designed to the
higher H S 20-44 loading?
20. Considering all road systems in the LTnited States, how many bridges now
in use would you estimate were constructed prior to 1936?
21. The Iowa 1967 loadometer studies indicate that 763 axles out of 13,933
axles would be carrying loads involving single axle weight of more than 16,000
lbs. If this is true the percentage in Iowa would be 5~2 % of the truckers taking
advantage of this. Is this anywhere near the national average?
22. Do you share the feeling that most of the motoring public feels that the
extra cost involved in increasing the load capacity of existing and future pave-
ments and structures should be borne by the beneficiary of `the expenditure?
23. If future tests show that the life of the highway system is shortened as
a result of truck traffic and especially because of increase of weights, will the
American Trucking Association support a proposition to levy some type of tax
or assessment to pay for the cost of replacement or rebuilding?
24. What is your reaction to a proposal suggested by the Department of Trans-
portation that federal legislation establish a ceiling for truck size and weight for
trucks operating over any federal aid highway? Under the proposal the industry
could establish limits up to the ceiling but could not exceed the ceiling on any
federal aid highway.
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784
Again. I want to commend the trucking industry for the tremendous contribu-
tion they have made for the solution of our transportation problem and what I
call the Fifth Great Freedom"-the movement of men and goods. The questions
I have raised are not meant to be unfriendly. They are meant to bring, to the
extent possible. the facts we need to know so we can make an intelligent decision
on the policy arid laws that will affect you and all of us in the future.
I also want to express my appreciation of your willingness to cooperate in
answering the proposed questions. If you have further questions on the above,
feel free to call or see me at our mutual convenience.
With kind regards to all my friends, personal and otherwise, in your associa-
tion and assurance of my interest in our problems. I am
Cordially yours,
FRED SOHWENGEL, Member of Congress.
AMERICAN TRUCKING AssocIATIoNs, Inc.,
Washington, D.C., June 21,1968.
Hon. FRED SCHWENGEL,
House of Representatives,
Washington~ D.C.
DEAR Mn. SCHWENGEL: This is responsive to your June 18 letter containing
24 questions, to which we were asked to respond.
These questions, and the answers, are attached.
Respectfully submitted.
W. A. BRESNAHAN.
Question 1. How many trucks of four aales or more are likely to be able to take
advantage of heavier aa~le weights and heavier gross weights if section 127 is
amended as proposed in S. 2658 as referred to the House?
Answer. There are at the present time about 762,469 combination trucks with
four or more axles. Of these, 279,637 were registered for 60,000 pounds or more.
These figures are estimated on the basis of data included in the Supplementary
Report of the Highway Cost Allocation Study. House Document 124, 89th Con-
gress. First Session, Table 8, page 46, and ron 1967 registrations in "American
Trucking Trends," 1967, page 5.
These vehicles will be the ones presumably that would be able to take advan-
tage of the increases in gross vehicle weight that states would be allowed to per-
mit on the Interstate System under the proposed legislation. Many other vehicles
would be able to take advantage of the axle load increases. Three-axle dump
trucks for example would be able to increase their payload by heavier axle loads
even though their gross weight would not be at the top of the allowable grosses
now realized. In other words a three-axle truck can now haul the sum of the
axle loads under the Federal gross weight limit. This would also be true, pro-
vided the wheelbase is sufficient. under the proposed. legislation. Thus, at the
present limits of 18,000 and 32,000 pounds for single and tandem axles respec-
tively. and with 10,000 pounds on the front axle this vehicle can gross 42,000
pounds. Under the proposed bill, with the same front axle load it could gross
44,000 pounds. This would amount to about two-thirds of a yard of gravel, for
example. and would be very important in connection with the movement of
low value bulk items. On a two-axle six tire farm truck, a pick up of 2,000 pounds
would be possible also raising the amount that could be hauled, with 9,000
pounds on the front axle, from 27.000 pounds to 29,000 pounds.
Thus, a fair estimate of the total number of trucks that could possibly take
advantage of the increased weights permissible under the provisions of S. 2658
would be in the area of 700.000.
Question 2. How do the Western states compare with those in the East relating
to average ton miles hauled under ecvisting pro~vision~s of section 127, Title 23?
Answer. Data on truck tons and ton-miles are not available on an individual
state basis. Figures on tons and ton-miles are available from the Bureau of Public
Roads for all trucks and combinations on main rural roads. by Census Bureau
Divisions. Data are also available on a regional basis for ICC regulated carriers
having annual gross revenues of 8200,000 or more. The BPR data covers the year
1966. while the ICC data covers 1965.
The BPR data, from Highway Statistics. 1966, Table HT-1. page 50. shows
that trucks and combinations carry the lightest average payloads in the Eastern
Divisions and the heaviest payloads in the Western Divisions. The respective
figures for truck combinations beiu~. 12.4 tons in the Eastern Divisions, 14.0
tons in the Central Divisions and 15.1 tons in the Western Divisions. The greater
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average payload in the West is achieved primarily through a higher percentage
of loaded miles to total miles operated. In the Eastern regions combinations
averaged 62.7 percent loaded to total miles, in the Central regions the average
loaded miles were 67.6 percent of total, while in the Western regions the aver-
age loaded miles of total miles was 75.1 percent. In terms of total ton-miles on
main rural roads, the Central Divisions accounted for 158 billion, the Eastern
Divisions for 73 billion and the Western Divisions for 43 billion.
The ICC data for 1965 show that in the Rocky Mountain region, the carriers
averaged 3,527 tons per unit and in the Pacific region, the average was 3,885 tons.
By contrast the carriers in the New England region averaged 2.662 tons an-
nually per unit and 3,241 tons was the average in the Middle Atlantic region.
To a large extent the higher annual tonnage in the Western states is due to the
greater annual mileages for each intercity unit indicated below:
Average annual mileage per `unit
Rocky Mountains States 87, 113
Pacific States 66, 012
New' England States 39, 124
Middle Atlantic States 47, 127
What these data also illustrate is the heavy dependence by the Western States
on truck transportation and this is why the Western part of the country is in the
vanguard in seeking the size and weight relief provided in 5.2658.
Question 3. How many dues-paying members do you have in the American
Trucking Association for whom von speak?
Answer. American Trucking Associations, Inc. (note the plural) is a federa-
tion. Its "members" are 51 affiliated and chartered state associations-one in
each state and the District of Columbia-and affiliated conferences. Individual
trucking companies are members of the state associations and/or the conferences.
They number in the tens of thousands and are of all types and description,
both for-hire and private.
Question 4. How does the American Trucking Association develop its policy
positions and what percentage of the total number of truck owners pa'rticipate
in the development of these policy positions?
Answer. Policy matters are reviewed by the 51 state associations and by 13
national conferences, representing different types of truck operation (automobile
transporters, movers, tank carriers, general freight carriers, etc.). Each of these
64 affiliated but autonomous organizations has a representative (elected by them)
on the ATA Executive Committee. The latter, in turn, makes the policy decisions.
Decisions of the Executive Committeeinay be appealed to the Board of Directors,
whose number is almost as great as the U.S. House of Representatives, and whose
members represent every type owner and every area of the country. If there is a
more democratic trade organization in the United States, it has not come to our
attention.
Question 5.-Is it not true that those who transport livestock have no weight
problem `under the present laws and could benefit only by an increase in length?
Answer. This is not true.
Livestock carriers do have problems under existing size and weight laws, par-
ticularly in those states which have limits of 18,000 pounds on a single axle,
32.000 pounds on a tenclem axle, or 73,280 pounds on gross.
Livestock carriers advise that, if they were permitted to do so, they could
make use of the proposed limits with their present equipment and without any
increase in length.
For example, the "possum belly" or "pot belly" tractor~semitrai1er combination
is in common usage in livestock transportation today. (This is a combination in
which the semitrailer has single compartments at each end and a double drop-
center compartment in the middle.) The empty weight of this type of combina-
tion is approximately 30,000 pounds.
In states which have 18,000/32.000/73,280 pound limits, a 55' possum belly
today can be loaded with approximately 43,000 pounds of fat hogs. This is done by
double-decking the two-end compartments and triple-decking in the center. The
gross weight is right at 73,280 pounds. If the proposed limits were allowed, how-
ever, it would be practical to triple-deck the two cud compartments. This would
allow a potential increase of as much as 9.000 pounds in the gross weight. Under
the proposed gross weight formula, it probably would not be possible for the
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livestock carrier to utilize the full potential increase of 9,000 pounds, but he
certainly could use a good portion of it.
In transporting fat cattle in possum belly units, the livestock carrier today
has a payload of 43,000 pounds or slightly more, depending upon the empty weight
of the combination. The unit, however, even today has space for roughly 5,000
additional pounds of payload which cannot be achieved because of the gross
weight limit of 73,280 pounds.
Proportionate similar gains could be made on existing conventional livestock
tractor-semitrailer combinations, using the standard floor trailer instead of the
possum belly.
In all types of equipment today, the livestock carrier has a constant problem
with axle limits, because of the shifting nature of the cargo as well as the actual
limits themselves. (In a few states, including Iowa, special provision has been
made in the law to accommodate the shifting* nature of livestock cargo. This is
not general, however, and is limited to those several states which had provided
legislative sanction for noncompliance with axle limits by livestock carriers prior
to 1956. The Iowa provision, for instance, was passed in 1949.)
Question 6.-During the hearings that braught the interstate system into being
there was a testimony that if the highway system was built there would bea great
savings to the trucking industry and increase in the efficiency in its operation.
What can you say in response to this? Has it resulted in savings?
Answer. We were among those who supported the legislation providing for
construction of the Interstate and Defense Highway System, including the por-
tion of the legislation calling for the assessment of substantial user charges to
finance the program. We were motivated by a belief that the nation needed such
a system from the standpoint of its economic health and its national defense. In
addition, of course, we hoped that someday the tax burden imposed to make the
program possible would be offset by more efficient and economical operation of
trucks as well as buses and automobiles.
It must be stated-not by way of complaint, but merely as a statement of obvi-
ous fact in answer to the question-that the balancing of benefits with the tax
burden remains only a potential goal which might be achieved sometime in the
future.
Although the program generally is called a pay-as-you-go program, in reality
it has been a pay-before-you-go program. The taxes started before the first shovel
of dirt was dug. The system is still a long way from complete and substantial
sections now in operation are toll roads. In the case of many regulated trucking
companies, the Interstate Commerce Commission still is in the process of de-
termining whether and to what extent they may use the Interstate System in lieu
of older routes specified in their operating certificates.
There naturally have been some savings to some truck operators in some parts
of the country where meaningful mileages of the Interstate System are being
used. The true extent of this is difficult to measure. Annual reports filed with the
Interstate Commerce Commission by the Class I and II motor carriers mentioned
above show that the per mile costs for interëity units for repairs and servicing,
fuel and tires and tubes have leveled off or reduced slightly in recent years. These
reductions, however, have been due mainly to rigid, new inspection and mainte-
nance programs and new cost control techniques. Operations on the new Inter-
state System have not begun to reflect themselves as many of these carriers are
regular route common carriers who, as mentioned above, are still attempting to
have the Interstate Commerce Commission authorize operations over the Inter-
state System.
Question 7. Cam you give us any ecampies of how the development of this .sys-
teni has helped in the maintenance and operation of machinery-especially the
motors? Has the number of daily revenue miles driven by truckers increased or
decreased in recent years and. if so. Ii ow ;n itch?
Answer. The first part of this question is answered in our reply to question #9
below.
Data on annual average miles for trucks are only available for Class I and II
ICC carriers. These carriers have increased their average mileage over the years.
This is a long term trend and has not accelerated since enactment of the 1956
Highway Act. From 1945 through 1956 annual average miles for all power units
in intercity service rose from 4~.000 to 54.000. By 1965, the latest year for which
data are available, the figure had risen to 59,000. In the period before enactment of
the Federal law the average annual increase in mileage was 820 miles; in the
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latter period, since enactment of the 1956 Act, the annual average increase was
555 miles.
There is a substantial variation in annual miles per power unit by sections of
the country. In New England for example the average annual miles per power
unit was 39,000 in 1965 compared to an average of 87,000 in Rocky Mountain
region. These differences reflect the greater distances that commodities must
move in the West to reach markets.
Question 8. What has been the increase of the gasoline mileage and the con-
sequent savings of the cost of gasoline?
Answer. When comparing fuel consumption on our older roads with consump-
tion for travel on the Interstate System, there are several factors involved
which tend to cancel out potential savings. Primarily, it is a case of higher
rates of fuel consumption associated with increased speeds. As is the case with
an automobile, trucks consume more fuel `at high speeds than they do at lower
speeds. Thus, while the elimination of stop-and-go driving on the older roads,
with the attendant high consumption rates, will improve trucking fuel efficiency,
the higher operating speeds on the Interstate System result in more fuel being
used. On balance, then, these factors tend to cancel each other out.
Question 9. What has been the reduction of cost of maintenance of trucks?
Answer. There have been no significant changes in maintenance costs for the
trucking industry since 1956. Improved vehicles and components have helped
to keep costs down in the face of general increases in wages, parts, etc. Put
another way, better, and more expensive vehicles, have given better service
overall at relatively lower maintenance costs per mile.
The higher sustained speeds achieved on the Interstate System place greater
stresses on engines, drive trains, cooling systems and bearings than .is the case
with operation on older roads at lower speeds. On the other hand, the reduction
in the number of gear changes and brake applications, and the better roadway
surfaces on the Interstate, result in less wear on transmissions, clutches, and
suspensions. On balance, it appears that the savings through Interstate opera-
tion are balanced by the increased wear on some vehicle components.
It must be remembered, however, that the vehicles the trucking industry is
using today are not engineered and designed for the type of operations truly
possible on modern highways such as the Interstate System. We cannot achieve
the fullest efficiency in vehicle operation until the size and weight ban is lifted
and the vehicle can be matched to the road.
Question 10. What has been your enperience on the longevity of tires?
Question 11. Can you give us the average life in number of miles of truck
tires for 1930, 1940, 1950 and 1960, as well as recent figures? How much of a
saving has this item been to the trucking industry?
Answer. A single answer is possible for these questions as they deal with tire
wear and expense. There would be much variance between the actual mileage
figure for truck tires in general. rflle type of operation, plus the brand, type,
and grade of tire used all affect tire wear so that it is impossible to give a tire
mileage figure which would be generally accurate industiy wide. To avoid getting
into meaningless numbers, it is best to say that in the past 30 years tire mileages
for any operation have increased at least five times. It is well to note that not
only have tire mileages increased but the loads and speeds which a tire will
safely handle have also been increased.
The reason that the rate of tire wear has decreased and the speed and loads
which a tire will safely handle have increased over the 30 year span is that
roads and restrictions on trucking have changed, enabling the trucking indus-
try to update its operations and giving tire manufacturers reason to develop
different and better tires.
Changes in highways have resulted in better tire economy. Changing the
road from a crowned, curvey, hilly section to the relatively flat, straight type
of construction used for modern highways has changed the causes of tire wear
and created the need for different types of tires. The older roads where crowns
and curbs at the side of the road were common, caused tire wear through crown
induced load transfer and direct, harsh abrasion caused by the curbs. Those
problems don't exist on the Interstate System but the speeds which can be
maintained on the Interstate System cause different types of tire wear problems.
The trucking industry today is using the best tires the manufacturers have
ever been able to offer. As with any piece of fine equipment, however, the bene-
fits of those tires can only be realized through their use. Utilization is the key
to deriving maximum benefits from tires, then, and it is in the area of `optimum
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utilization where operations on Interstate Highways offer the greatest potential.
Operating under restrictions now imposed on the industry has limited utilization
of tires available and restricted the development of better tires. Operations un-
der changes possible through S. 2658 will permit safer and more efficient utiliza-
tion of present equipment. The changes in S. 2658 will also give truck operators
good reason to ask tire manufacturers to further develop their tires to handle
new operations the bill would permit.
Question 12. What will be time anticipated savings if the increases propesed in
2. 2658 are granted?
Answer. It is not possible for us or anyone else to provide a definitive answer
to this question. Some of the reasons are covered in our answer to question
No. 6. In addition, there are many uncertainities. It will depend, for example,
upon the extent to which individual states are willing to make adjustments; upon
the nature and location of individual truck operations, and upon the ability of
automotive engineers to design equipment to take advantage of whatever the
states might allow. We can only say that enactment of the pending legislation
would at least provide a necessary first step toward achieving savings which we
cannot translate into specifics but which, we are confident, are potentially
substantial.
Question 13. Is it true as charged that if the width is established at 102"
time overall width would be closer to 108"?
Answer. The width limit of 102 inches is exclusive of safety devices, such as
mirrors. However, this also applies to the width limit of 96 inches. Thus, if we
are talking about an over-all width of 108 inches. with, supposedly. 6 inches for
the mirror and not 102 inches, then the 108: inches must be compared with 96
inches plus 6 inches or 102 inches. Thus, it is a case of comparing 96 with 102
inches or 102 with 108 inches.
Question 14. In areas where State Legislatures have approved increases in. size
and/or weight, has there been any reduction of shipping rates?
Answer. The vast majority of the trucking industry's rates are determined on
a regional basis and not by state.
There are some rates that are purely intrastate and controlled by state author-
ities, but we have no knowledge of any direct relationship betw-een rate adjust-
ment and vehicle gross weight changes.
We do know, however, that increased payload aids immeasurably in cost
control and is a paramount factor in preventing the strong pressure of rising costs
from resulting in increased rates.
Question. 15. Have there been. any savings in the operation. passed on dowim
to the consumer? If so, what is time percentage of savings and the total savings?
Answer. The transportation business is highly competitive, and truck opera-
tors constantly search for ways to reduce cost in order to stay in business. Such
savings are passed on to consumers. In cases where rates have been reduced
this is obvious. However, like most other American businessmen, truck opera-
tors have found that their best efforts to achieve greater efficiency and savings
have not been able to keep up with increases in cost and inflation, the economiz-
ing accomplished by the industry benefits consumers primarily by forestalling the
need for a rate increase, or by reducing the magnitude of such increases. Enact-
ment of the pending weight bill would provide the potential for savings in a
most critical area-payload-an area which now is foreclosed almost completely.
Qnestion 16. Time proposed bill on increasing single and tandem axle weights
pertaining to the interstate system AASHO conducted extensive road tests on
pavement and bridges in Illinois to determine time effect of increased weights on
pavements ansi structwres. Do you know time results of the findings on the AASHO
road test in. relation to pavement damage caused by 20,000 lb. single axle as
compared to 18,000 lb. single axle?
Question 17. In the same AASHO test a comparison was made between the
damage caused by 32,000 lb. tandem axle and a. 36.000 lb. tandem. axle. Do you
know the additional percentage of damage caused by the 36,000 lb. tandem over
the 32,000 lb. tandem.?
Answer. The answers to questions 16 and 17 are the same, so this discussion is
directed to both.
As a matter of record, it should be pointed out that there were no test axle
loads at the AASHO Road Test of a 20000 pound single axle weight or of a
36,000 pound tandem axle weight. Statements applying to these particular axle
loads are thus interpolations from the road test, not a part of it.
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More broadly, however, is the basic fallacy in the idea that any pavement, no
matter how strong, is damaged by an 18,000 pound axle load, and that con-
sequently, some heavier axle load causes more "damage." It is also incorrectly
implied that the AASHO Road Test provided a basis for the valid estimation
of pavement life, and for a change in pavement life if axle loads are changed.
We know that the AASHO Road Test equations do not provide a valid esti-
mate of pavement life, and hence do not provide a valid basis for an estimate of
changes in pavement life. This is documented by the more than 1 million dollars
spent in 1968 in attempts to "adapt" the road test to become a satisfactory de-
sign method for conditions in the various states. If the Road Test equations
satisfactorily predicted pavement life, then there would be no need for further
research on the subject. There is much additional documentation of this fact,
including a research project in Alabama which concluded that the Road Test
equatnions could not be used directly or indirectly in Alabama without gross error
possibility for both underdesign and overdesign.
Thus, it must be concluded that the question of relative pavement damage,
as outlined in the questions, is meaningless. The only question is the question of
pavement life, and it is well established that the AASHO Road Test equations
do not provide a valid estimate of this.
Of course, in any circumstance, any actual increase in axle load to the 20,000
pound single or 34,000 pound tandem rests with the states, who have the knowl-
edge about their highways. It should be remembered that at the AASHO Road
Test, however, that concrete pavements 91/2 inches thick carried over 1,114,000
axle loads of both 22,400 pounds single and 40,000 pounds tandem with no signifi-
cant wear.
Since concrete pavements of 9" and 10" are common on the highway systems,
it is clear that the axle loads in 5. 2658 are completely reasonable and are well
within the capability of modern highway systems.
Question 18. Do you feel the proposed 20,000 lb. single acole and the 34,000 lb.
tandem awle mawimum weight for the Interstate System would automatically
have to be applied to other highway and street systems?
Answer. The new Federal limits of 20,000 lbs. on a single axle and 34,000 lbs. on
a tandem axle, as provided in S. 2658, apply only to operations on the Interstate
System, which is the case with the present limits of 18,000 lbs. on a single axle
and 32,000 lbs. on a tandem.
The states retain complete size and weight control on roads other than the
Interstate System. A state that decides to increase its axle weights to the levels
permitted by S. 2658 would do so at its own discretion and by the same procedure
would decide whether or not the increases should be allowed on its other roads.
There is nothing automatic in the provisions of S. 2658. It is purely permissive
and would merely give the states the freedom to make the modest adjustments
possible if they wished to make them.
It should be kept in mind that even at the levels of 20,000 lbs. on a single axle
and 34,000 lbs. on a tandem there still would be 15 states with higher single axle
loads than 20,000 lbs. and 16 states with tandem axle loads higher than 34,000
lbs.
Question 19. Testimony has bøen given by AASHO that the proposed 36,000 lb.
tandem acole on the revised formula provided by the bill will not have the detri~
mental effects on those bridges designed for H 5 20-44 loadings, but cannot be
tolerated on bridges designed for lesser standards. Do you know what percentage
of bridges on the interstate system and the ABC system are not designed to the
high H 520-44 loading?
Answer. The first part of the question refers to testimony by AASHO that the
proposed 36,000 pound tandem axle load and the formula provided by the bill
could not be tolerated on bridges of lesser standards than these of H S 20-44
loadings.
It should be pointed out that this testimony referred to the original tandem
axle limits in S. 2658 as introduced, i.e., 36,000 pounds, in combination with a
gross weight formula which did not specify further axle spacing restrictions to
control weight concentration.
Whatever the merits of this concern may be, S. 2658, as passed by the Senate
and endorsed by the trucking industry before the House Roads Subcommittee,
was modified to a maximum tandem axle load of 34,000 pounds and a much
more restrictive gross weight formula which incorported the application of the
formula to the interior axles so that all weight concentrations were controlled by
the formula.
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Thus, the AASHO comment is not pertinent to S. 2658, as presented to the
House Roads Subcommittee.
In testimony before the Roads Subcommittee, AASHO has "accepted" the
revised form of S. 2658, including the 34,000 pound tandem and the appropriate
bridge formula. The conclusion is that the limitations are consistent with both
HS 20-44 and 11-15 bridges.
As to what percentage of bridges on the Interstate System and the ABC
system are not designed to the HS 20-44 loading, the following is offered.
The testimony of Ross G. Stapp, Chairman of the AASHO Committee on
Transport. before the House Roads Subcom~ittee on May 28, 1968, contained the
following table:
PERCENTAGE OF AREA OF BRIDGE DECKS DESIGNED FOR LOADING
Syztem
H-15 or less
H-il to 1-1-20
HS-20 or
greater
Interstate
6.7
4.4
88.9
ABC
53.3
24.0
22.7
it is noted, also, that the entire Interstate System must have bridges of a
minimum of HS 20-44 design when completed. Thus, the question is academic
as far as the IS is concerned.
With respect to the ABC system, both AASHO and the Department of Trans-
portation have supported the revised limits in S. 2658, for both Interstate Bridges
and H-15 bridges, although there have been some vehicle type restrictions
suggested for the older bridges. The point is, that as a practical matter, rec-
ognizing traffic, age, and design, the propOsals are within the capabilities of the
bridges on the non-interstate systems. Of course, in any instance where required,
the State Highway Departments can and do restrict the traffic over any of the
bridges under their controL
Question 20. Consklering all road systems in the United states, how many
bridges now in use would you estimate were constructed prior to 1936?
Answer. This type of information is not available to the American Trucking
Association in a form which would answer the question. We note, however,
that on Tuesday, March 19, 1968, AASHO submitted data to the U.S. Senate
Subcommittee on Roads of the committee on Pu,blic Works, which related
to structures which were 30 years old or older and were maintained by the
State Highway Departments. This information is tabulated on pages 84 and 85
of "Hearings before the Subcommittee on Roads of the Committee on Public
Works, United States Senate, Ninetieth Congress, Second Session on Status of
the Inspection, Maintenance, and Design of Bridges in the United States. March
18, 19, and 20, 1968." The tabulations also indicate the type of the bridge and
its width. Unfortunately, there are no totals in the tabulation.
We should comment, however, that age does not necessarily indicate strength,
and that the majority of these bridges are obviously on low class roads which
do not receive a significant amount of truck traffic. For instance, those which are
timber bridges, or those which have lanes less than 10 feet wide or even one lane
bridges.
Question 21. Tue Iowa 1967 loadometer studies indicate that 763 axles out of
73,933 axles would be carrying loads involving single axle weight of more than
76,000 lbs. if this is true tile percentage in Iowa would be 5~% of tile truckers
taking advantage of this. Is this anywhere near the national uverage?
Answer. We do not know. Data on axle load frequences complied by the U.S.
Bureau of Public Roads are by regions only and show frequencies in the axle
load ranges of 18,000 lbs., or morei 20,000 lbs. or more, and 22,000 lbs. or more.
The Bureau releases no data on loads in the range of 16,000 lbs. or more.
The Bureau's data that are available show a natural relationship between
heavier axle loads and the prevailing state laws.
Qai~st'ion 22. Do you share the feeling that most of tile motoring public feels
that the extra cost involved in increasing the load capacity of existing and
future pavements and structures should be borne by the beneficiary of the
expenditure?
Question 23. If future tests sit ow that the life of the highway system is short-
ened as a result of truck traffic and especially because of increase of weights,
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will the American Trucking Association support a proposition to levy some
type of tax or assessment to pay for. the cost of replacement or rebuilding?
Answer. Underlying these two questions are assumptions which are both
hypothetical and debatable. Therefore, to give an affirmative answer could be
misinterpreted as acceptance of premises which we do not necessarily accept.
We can say, without equivocation, that the trucking industry has a long-
standing and oft-stated policy expressing its willingness to pay its fair share
of the cost of building and maintaining the highways. Determination of what
constitutes a fair share is a very large, complex, technical and controversial
su~ject which goes far beyond any isolated hypothesis.
Question 24. What is your reaction to a proposal suggested by the Department
of Transportation that Federal legislation establish a ceiling for truck size and
weight for trucks operating over any Federal aid highway? Under the proposal
the industry could establish limits up to the ceiling bat could not exceed the
ceiling on any Federal aid highway.
Answer. If we properly interpret this question it deals with a recommendation
by the Department of Transportation, submitted during the Senate hearings,
to make the Federal weight limits applicable to all Federal-aid roads as well
as the Interstate System. Although our governing body has not adopted a firm
policy on this question, we do not think the industry would have strong
attitudes about it one way or the other. On one hand, there probably would
be some reluctance to advocate even deeper Federal. intervention in an area that
can best be handled by the states. On the other hand, as a practical matter, it
probably would not make much difference.
SUPPLEmENTAL STATEMENT OF HON. FRED SCHwENGEL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF IOwA
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: As an addendum I should like to point out first of all that
the record shows that I have been very friendly to transportation interests and,
especially, the trucking community of our country. I am interested because they
are involved more effectively with what I call the "Fifth Great Freedom.", "The
Freedom of Movement of Men and Goods." A freedom that is so necessary for a
prosperous society. Because of this freedom in America along with our other
great freedoms, we have also a more prosperous and productive society than any
other nation. From these freedoms, we have developed a distribution system
that is unmatched by any other nation . . . we call it "Free Enterprise."
Because free enterprise is competitive in America; because it has good manage-
ment; because it has financial and fiscal structure that is sound, flexible and
adaptable; because we have freedom of speech and with it the American ingenious
advertising system, we have realized great prosperity for all our people. The
trucking industry has taken advantage of, benefited more from and served the
public better with greater volume than any other aspect of our transportation
system. Competition has forced the research and experiments necessary to
increase their efficiency. This, along with the help of the public who built the
roads, have made its services unmatched by any other country in the world.
It is interesting to note and consider the impact of the tonnage movement
by the class 1 and 2 carriers in the interstate areas by both the common and
contract truck associations.
The ton mile traveled in 1967 was 381 billion tons of intercity freight. This
I believe, surpasses the volume carried by truck in any other combination of four
or five nations in the world and could conceivably equal the volume in the rest of
the world.
This all was made possible because of a very happy understanding and effec-
tive relationship between the private sector and the public . . . the private
sector furnishing the trucks, the drivers and the movement, the public offering
unusual cooperation with private enterprise to aid in building and maintaining
the roads and highways.
This record of volume does not include, the "piggy-back" truck movement on
the railroads nor does it include the freight carried by the railroads, the water-
ways and air ways within the United States. This is a part of the competitive
system and is another most impressive story. ` , ` .
Mr. Chairman, I repeat it is unfortunate that we could not have more hear-
ings so we could have developed a better understanding of the problems and
96-030-G8----51
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understanding in the colloquy that should have been provided for in the Com-
mittee. In response to that need, let me comment briefly to some of the answers
to the questions that I had presented to the American Trucking Associations,
Inc. and their answers.
A further answer to the figures quoted in response to question 2 should reveal
that the West is already hauling more tonnage than the East and so the ques-
tion is raised, "Why do they feel, if they actually do, a disadvantage?"
Also, it should be noted that Table HT-206 on page 48 of the Highway Statis-
tics Summary it shows that since 1941 trucks operating in the Mountain and
Pacific division have consistently carried heavier loads than any other census
division. It should be noted that we don't mean ton miles, but average loads.
A further observation on question 5 in addition to the answer given by the
truckers there should be given special note that in 1966 about 1% of trucks
were livestock carriers including the drop-frame type mentioned (1,236 units
out of a total 113,542 was the figure noted on page 17 in the 1967 edition of
Motor Truck Facts). If this 1% is representative of 1966 information data
for 1966 then there are perhaps 14,400 livestock trailers in the United States and
some unknown but smaller number are the "possum belly" type.
In answer to question 9, I would like to make this addendum to the answer
given by the truckers and it is this. Interstate roads are designed for 18,000-32,000
and so are the bridges so the logical question is: How can we match road and
weight if there is constant agitation to change vehicle size and weight? Is not
the logical conclusion that we need federal ceilings?
As further note on question 7, I ask all interested parties to see pages 81, 161
and 162 of House Document 354, 88th Congress, 2nd session, which shows a $72
reduction in truck operating cost for every $1 invested in highway construction.
This is on the 20,000-36,000 weight, and I think it is logical to conclude that
it would be less on 20,000-34,000, but still substantial.
There might be a misunderstanding from the answer given to question 13
so I would like to make this addendum. Section 127 of Title 23 says "96 inches"
period. There are no exclusions in Title 23: as I understand it. It could be that
the states permit them but if so, they are in violation of federal statute.
A question that occurs to me on question 15 is this. In answer to question 14
the respondent had no knowledge of any relationship between rate reduction
and adjustments in gross weights. (How then can increase in payload made
possible by adjustment in gross weights be beld out as potential savings?).
On question 17, I should like to observe that additional tests will always be
needed. AASHO tests only establish the base line. Climate conditions and topo-
graphical and geographical conditions in different areas of the country have to
be used to apply to local conditions. (See page 61 of House Document 354.)
I should like to comment further on paragraph 5 in answer to question 17 by
saying that I would hope that we apparently have not wasted $27 million of
highway trust money since the determination of desirably dimensions and
weights was its major purpose of Section 108(k) of the Federal Aid Highway
Act of 1956 and the AASHO test (not only for interstate, but all federal aid
highways). Further, I would hope that the trucking industry is not assuming
the position of challenging the validity of AASHO road tests which involved
the best engineers and research minds in the country and I would hope that
they would not suggest in offering no substitute data that the weight of a truck
has no relationship to pavement damage or pavement life.
In answer to question 19 I think it should be pointed out that paragraph 5
of the answer may be wrong and should be challenged. (To verify this I asked
that you turn to page 1 of Ward Goodman's statement before House Roads Sub-
committee dated May 28, 1968. See also page14).
A further comment on answer to question 24. This is one of the most important
questions and I am happy to note that the industry would not have strong atti-
tudes about this one way or another. If we should decide that the 20,000-34,000
limitations are right and reasonable for the best of our highways, the interstate
system, they ought not be exceeded on any federal highway system.
On safety I am willing to accept the American Trucking Associations, Inc.
statement on the safety record rather than that presented by other testimony
and I think it fair to add that the record as claimed by the industry is not a
good one and I think it is fair to conclude also by the increasing of width, length
and weight as proposed will not add to the prospect for improvement of the
safety record.
PAGENO="0805"
793
If I understood the testimony of those who testified for the buses, I under-P
stood them to say they had no desire for length more than 40' and would be glad
to establish that as a maximum. I also understood them to say there was no
desire or prospect for increasing the length of buses and yet, I have evidence
in the December 8, 1967, issue, page 3, of Passenger Transport and from other
sources that there are actual experiments in testing of combination buses that
are similar to a small train extending up to 60 feet. This should be established
beyond question before we give serious consideration to the length problem of
buses.
(Whereupon, at 12:18 p.m., the hearing was conc~uded.)
PAGENO="0806"
PAGENO="0807"
APPENDIX
On May 15, 1968, Mr. Kluczynski transmitted the following tele-
gram to State highway departments;
MAY 15, 1968.
Subcommittee on Roads will begin hearings May 23 on administration's pro-
posed 1968 Federal-aid highway legislation as well as other related proposals
including relocation policy, officially or unofficially, before the committee. Would
appreciate your informing me at earliest possible date minimum estimate your
needs additional interstate mileage and approximate locations. Would also ap-
preciate your advising me or Mrs. Warren, subcommittee staff, whether you
wish to testify during these hearings.
Sincerely,
JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI.
The replies received follow:
ALABAMA
MONTGOMERY, ALA., May 17, 1968.
Alabama Highway Department recommends that only very limited mileage
be added to presently approved Interstate System. We believe the presently ap-
proved system with limited additions should be completed and then funds going
into highway trust funds be allocated to States for improving ABC system to
required standards determined by States `and Bureau of Public Roads on 75
Mobile
INTERSTATE SYSTEM
INCOMPLETE WITHOUT
THIS CONNECTION
prepared for
ALABAMA HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
by
PALMER AND BAKER ENGINEERS,lNt.
Consulting Engineers
MOBILE WASHINGTON NEW ORLEANS
FEBRUARY, 195$
(795)
PAGENO="0808"
796
percent Federal, 25 percent State matching basis. A small percentage of highway
trust fund not exceeding 10 percent should be allotted for upgrading Interstate
System. On this very limited basis of extension we request approval of only a 6-
mile connection in urban area of Mobile on Water Street extending from Inter-
state Route [-10 to 1-65. This connection was inadvertently omitted from orgi-
nally approved Interstate System and should have been approved from reserve
mileage as requested by State and is badly needed for the presently approved
system to function properly. The State and Bureau of Public Roads have
both agreed that this is the No. 1 priority in the State of Alabama. We
strongly recommend approval of this short connection as a part of the Inter-
state System at earliest possible date. If Congress should decide on a more
liberal extension of the Interstate System mileage then Alabama has a number
of routes which should be considered; namely, Birmingham to Mississippi State
line along U.S. Route 78 toward Memphis, Tean., 91.3 miles; U.S. No 80 from a
point east of Tuskegee at 1-85 to Columbus, Ga., 36.8 miles and loop connection
from 1-65 through Huntsville (Rocket City), 40 miles.
H. L. NELsON,
Alabama Highway Director.
ARIZONA
MAY 16, 1968.
Regarding your telegram May 15, Arizona has immediate need for 5 addi-
tionni miles of interstate highway in Phoenix which we believe could be allocated
out of the existing 41,000-mile designation. Arizona goes along with the AASHO
recommendation that additionni milthge not be added to the present 41,000
miles, but that on completion of the present Interstate System the moneys in the
trust fund be allocated to the States for improvements to the ABC system. If,
however, it is the desire of Congress to add considerably more mileage to the
present Interstate System nt this time, Arizoita has extensive needs on our pres-
ent ABC system which could logically be added to the Interstate System. We
will be unable to appear at the hearing.
Ju5TIN HERMAN,
Arizona State Highway Director.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 16,1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYN5KI,
Member of Congress, Washington, D.C.:
Regarding telegram May 15. Should Congress elect to expand the Interstate
System, Arkansas would request consideration of following as a minimum, not
necessarily in order of importance:
For a route from KanSas City to New Orleans via Arkansas U.S. 71.
Miles in Arkansas, 297.
For a route from Kansas City to New Orleans via Arkansas U.S. 6.5.
Miles in Arkansas, 281.
For a route from Little Rock to St. Louis via Arkansas U.S. 67. Miles in
Arkansas, 169.
More depending on the amount additional authorized.
Arkansas does not choose to testify at the hearing. Our statement will be by
AASHO.
WARD GOODMAN,
Director of Highways, Arkansas State Highway Department.
CALIFORNIA
STATE OF 1.IFORNIA-TAANSPORTATION AGENCY,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
DIvIsIoN OF HIGHwAYs,
Sacramento, May 20, 1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads of Committee on Public Works, House of
Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. KLuczmsKI: This is in reply to your telegram of May 15, 1968, re-
questing an estimate of minimum needs for additional Interstate System mileage.
PAGENO="0809"
797
Our batic position has been and remnins that there should be no additions to
the presently authorized 41,000-mile Interstate System except as may already be
provided for by existing law. ll~wever, we recognize that there mhy be certain
freeways which are essential to proper functioning of the presently detligntated
System and would therefore be extremely desirable additions to th~ System.
Using this criteria, the following additions to the Interstate System in Call-
fornia are deemed to be necessary and supportable:
i~. E~ttension of InterState 605 from present terminus at Interstate 10
northerly to Interstate 210 in the Los Angeles metropolitan area-5.5 miles.
2. Connection between InterState 580 and Interstate 680 in Alameda
County to close gap in inner loop around San Ftaneis~cu Bay-14.8 miles.
If there is to be a further expansion of the Interstate System we Would, of
course, have to make a complete reassessment of our needs which might include
such vitally important routes as U.S. 50, U.S. 101, and U.S. 395, as well as routes
in several other rural and *uthan ti~affic corridors. In this respect, we strongly
urge that before any changes are made in the presently designated Interstate
System, or any firm commitments made in regard to any elements of a ~ontinu-
ing Federal-aid highway program ("After `75"), a uniformly administered
functional classification Study and needs study be made. We believe that the
classification and needs study should include all highways, roads and streets,
not just the present Federal-aid Systems. It is our opinion that only after
such studies can a proper assessment be made of the relative responsibilities
of Federal, State, and local jurisdictions.
We respectfully request to be permitted to teStify before your committee. One
of our major concerns is that the apportionment factors used for the Interstate
System in the draft legislation prepared by the Department of Transportation
for the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1968, do not include the cost of the Century
Freeway which has been added to the Interstate System in California as a re-
placement for the routes deleted from the InterState System in San Francisco
in 1965. Attached is a copy of a letter from Mr. Samuel B. Nelson, Director of
Public Works, to Chairman Foflon, which discusses this subject in detail.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on these important matters, and
to appear before your committee.
`Sincerely,
J. A. LEGARRA,
Btate Highway Engineer.
By SAM HELMER,
Deputy $tate Highway Engineer.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
Chairman, House Public Works Committee, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. FALLON: There is a matter of grave concern to us here in California
which I want to bring to your attention at this time since very shortly your
committee will be considering legislation which will result in the Federal-aid
Highway Act of 1908.
We have recently received a copy of a draft of a proposed bill cited `as the
"Federal-aid Highway Act of 1968" which was transmitted to the House of
Representatives by Secretary of Transportation Alan S. Boyd under date of
April 20, 1968. Section 3 of the proposed bill authorizes the Secretary of Trans-
portation to make apportionments for the Interstate System for the fiscal years
ending June 30, 1970, and 1971, using the apportionment factors contained in
Table 5 of House Document No. 199, 90th Congress. The apportionment factors
contained in Table 5 are based on the estimated Federal share of funds required
to complete the Interstate System as developed in the 1968 Interstate System
Cost Estimate.
As you know, in August, 1965, certain routes were deleted from the Interstate
System in San Francisco. This was done by agreement between the State and
the Federal Government since we were unable to reach agreement with local
officials as to the location of these Interstate routes. Based on the 1965 Inter-
state System Cost Estimate, these deleted routes were estimated to cost some
$332 million. At the time agreement was reached to delete the Interstate routes
in San Francisco, we requested that the Century Freeway in the Los Angeles area
be added to the Interstate System. There was agreement at that time by Federal
officials that the Century Freeway meets the criteria for an Interstate route.
However, no action was taken on our request at that time.
Public Law 90-238 which was approved on January 2, 1968, provides a com-
pletely new legal process and legislative direction for adjustments in the Inter-
PAGENO="0810"
798
state System. In those instances where a portion of the System cannot be
constructed. this Statute authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to with-
draw mileage from the Interstate System and substitute other mileage therefor.
As a result of this legislation, the Century Freeway was added to the Inter-
state System in California effective March 20, 1968. The estimated cost to con-
struct the Century Freeway as approved is $277 million as reported by us to the
Department of Transportation on February 5, 1968.
California's 1968 Interstate System Cost Estimate included neither the Inter-
state routes in San Francisco, which had been deleted, nor the Century Free-
way in Los Angeles, which bad not yet been approved as an addition to the
Interstate System. As a consequence, our apportionment factor has been reduced
from the previous 9.787% as determined by the 1965 estimate to 7.752% based
on the 1968 estimate and included in Table S of House Document No. 199 re-
ferred to above. Obviously, this is a very substantial reduction and will seriously
impair our ability to complete the Interstate System on a timely basis in view
of the recent addition of the Century Freeway to the Interstate System. We
know of no other instance in the Nation where adjustments in the Interstate
System were made under the provisions of Public Law 90-238 with no adjust-
ment being made for the substitute mileage as has happened in California. We
have had discussions concerning this matter with Mr. Lowell K. Bridwell,
Federal Highway Administrator, and have assumed that appropriate adjust-
ments in the estimate of cost would be made.
We have learned that no action in this regard has been taken yet. For this
reason I am calling the matter to your attention so that proper consideration can
be given to this serious problem and appropriate action taken while the proposed
legislation relating to the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1968 is still under
consideration.
I would be most happy to furnish any additional information or documentation
which you might require.
Respectfully,
SAMUEL B. NELSON,
Director of Public Works.
JAMES A. Mon,
Chief Deputy Director.
MAY 16, 1968.
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut supports position that there should be no increase in mileage of
interstate system until original 41.000 miles is completed. If congress decides
additional mileage should be authorized at this time Connecticut requests addi-
tion of the following:
(A) Conn 291-extension of 1-291 to complete Hartford circumferential 5
miles.
(B) Hartford, Conn. to Rhode Island State line on route to Providence,
Rhode Island 40 miles.
(C) New Haven circumferential 12 miles.
Connecticut does not propose to testify at hearing at this time but will be
represented by AASHO.
RALPH L. HAGER,
Dep itty Highway Commissioner-
COLORADO
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS,
STATE OF COLORADO,
May 16, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCzYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
Dnsn REPRESENTATIVE JOHN: This is in reply to your telegram of May 15, rela-
tive to the proposed hearings on the 1968 Federal-aid highway legislation.
As far as the relocation policy is concerned, and in view of the wide vari-
ance among the various states and Government agencies on this matter, I think
PAGENO="0811"
799
it would be well for the Congress to spell out, insofar as possible, a uniform
policy On this subject.
It has never been a major problem in our State, but there have been times
when a conflict in policy between Federal agencies has caused considerable
comment among our people engaged in right of way acquisition.
Insofar as extensions to the Interstate system are concerned, Colorado has one
particularly vital extension which we feel is eligible under the present Interstate
law, but which we have been unable to obtain designation for because of the lim-
ited undesignated mileage remaining of the presently designated 41,000 miles.
You will recall, I am sure, that in the original 40,000 mile limitation of the
Interstate system, as passed by the Congress in 1956, Interstate Route 70
terminated at its junction with Interstate Route 25 in the city of Denver,
and Colorado had no Interstate désighation west from Denver.
In 1957 when the circumferential routes of the major Metropolitan area
were designated as a j*rt of the Interstate system, we received designation
for the southeasterly and northeasterly circumferential routes around the city
of Denver. However, inasmuch as we had no Interstate designation West from
Denver, there was no designation made of the southwesterly and northwesterly
circumferential routes.
In 1958 when the Interstate system was expanded to 41,000 miles by the Con-
gress, Colorado did receive, together with Utah, a d~signation of Interstate
Route 70 from Denver westerly to a connection with Interstate Route 15 in Utah.
Since that time almost yearly we have made application for the northwest and
southwest circumferential routes which are in accordance with the original
Interstate plan.
However, we have been advised from time to time by the Bureau of Public
Roads that there was insufficient mileage to grant these circumferential connec-
tions in the southwest and northwest quandrants of the Denver Metropolitan
area.
This mileage is 46+ miles and we feel it is most essential if we are to fully
complete the Interstate system. in the Denver Metropolitan area.
If it is the intention of the Congress to make substantial additions to the
Interstate System, Colorado has one segment which we feel is not only im-
portant to the states of Colorado and Kansas, but also can readily qualify as a
part of the National system.
This would be the designation of an Interstate route following generally along
the route of present U.S. 50 from Wichita, Kansas to the Colorado state line
near Holly, Colorado and then extending westerly along the general route of
present designated U.S. 50 to a junction. with Interstate Route 70 in Grand
Junction, Colorado near the western edge of our state. The total length of this
route in Colorado will be approximately 438 miles.
I am almost certain that the state of Kansas will also be making a similar
request for that portion lying within the state of Kansas, if substantial additional
mileage is added to the Interstate system.
As I am sure you are aware, AASHO is not recommending any increase in
the presen't Interstate system until the existing mileage is completed, and I feel
that this probably is a pretty sound position, but I also realize the problem
which the Congress is confronted within relation to this subject.
It has not been my intention to appear before your Committee to testify dur-
ing the hearings. However, you may rest assured that I will be most willing
to provide your committee with ~ny information you may request.
With very best personal wishes, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
CHA5. E. SHUMATE, Chief Engineer.
DELAWARE
STATE OF DELAWARE,
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Dover, Del., Maqj 17,1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. KLUCZYNSKI: This is in reply to your telegram of 15 June 1968
requesting information on Delaware's need for additional Interstate mileage
and approximate locations.
PAGENO="0812"
800
As an Officer of the AASHO and after having participated in the vote formu-
lating AASHO policy for a continuing highway program, I feel duty bound to
concur with that policy. As you know it recommends no additional mileage to the
presently authorized Interstate System although it recommends that 5% of the
highway funds be made available for upgrading the presently authorized
41,000 miles.
If, however, the Congress determines to increase interstate mileage the fol-
lowing would be Delaware's minimum mileage and locations.
Miles
U.S. 202-Route 141-Wilmington area 17. 5
U.S. 13-Md-Dl. Line to Wilmington area 85. 8
Total 103. 3
Our Department does not desire to testify at the hearings.
Yours very truly
ERNEST A. DAVIDSON, Director.
FLORIDA
MAY 16, 1968.
Re telegram minimum needs for additional interstate mileage in Florida are:
from Tampa to Fort Myers to Miami, 268 miles; from Miami to Homstead, 28
miles; and Florida's portion of a route from Montgomery, Ala., to 1-10 in vicinity
of Marianna, 16 miles. Request for these 312 miles of additions were made in 1956
and are still on file with the Bureau of Public Roads. I do not wish to testify
during the hearings.
JAY W. BROWN,
Commissioner, Florida State Road Department.
GEORGIA
MAY 17, 1968.
Reference to your wire of May 15, 1968, requesting information on proposed
Federal-aid highway legislation, Georgia has definite present and future need for
over 10,000 miles of multilane freeways in addition to our 1,100 miles of the
Interstate System. These additional facilities are documented in Georgia's compre-
hensive highways needs study. We are strongly in favor of legislation enabling
us to construct such highways following completion of the present Interstate
System as additions to that system where appropriate and as primary free-
ways similar in design. If more immediate legislation is to be considered, then
Georgia will be ready to initiate justification and be able to document its support
of the following high-priority segments of freeways as additions to the current
Interstate System. Our suggested priorities are in order as numbered.
1. Alabama line at Columbus to 1-16 southeast of Macon 85 miles.
2. Projected Federal-aid primary, Route F-056 through Atlanta from 1-75
southeast of Atlanta near Stockbridge to junction with 1-285 north of Atlanta,
exclusive of 4 miles common with Iaritl-20 miles.
3. From 1-75 at Tifton northeast via vicinity of McRae, Dublin, Swainsboro,
Louisville and to a junction with 1-20 at Augusta-168 miles.
4. From the Florida line, north of Tallahasee, via Thomasville and Moultrie
to a junction with 1-75 at Tifton-64 miles.
5. From Columbus at a junction with No. I above, via Dawson and Albany,
to 1-75 at Tifton-125 miles.
These proposals total approximately 462 miles within Georgia. As we now see
the situation there is no desire on our part to testify at the scheduled hearings.
JIM L. GILLIs, Sr.,
Director, State Highway Department of Georgia.
IDAHO
Hon. JoHN. C. KLUCzYN5KI,
Congressman from Illinois, Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads, U.S. House of
Representatives, Washington, D.C.:
Minimum estimate Idaho needs for additional interstate mileage is 658 miles.
Locations are as follows:
PAGENO="0813"
801
1. Idaho-Wyoming state line to McCammon, Idaho, presently designated U.S.
30-N-98 miles.
2. Idaho-Oregon state line to Idaho Canadian international boundary, presently
designated U.S. 95 and connecting with the Alcan highway in Canada-560 miles.
Total 658 miles Idaho does wish to file written testimony on this matter in con-
junction with hearings on proposed 1068 Federal-aid highway legislation begin-
ning May 23. This will be done through Idaho's Congressional delegation.
E. L. MATHE5,
State Highway Engineer, Idaho Department of Highways.
INDIANA
Re your telegram requesting minimum needs interstate mileage and approxi-
mate locations extend 1-69 from its present termination at 1-465 in northeast
Marion County southwesterly to an intersection with 1-64 northeast of Evans-
ville approximate distance 170 miles.
Approval of additional route would integrate industrial metropolitan area
of Michigan and Ohio with national recreation area near Paducah, Ky. If state
of Kentucky either completes Pennyrile Parkway south of Evansville or requests
extension of 1-69 from Evansville area to its junction with I-24 near Paducah
and Kentucky Lakes National Recreation Area. However, in addition to an Inter-
state System slightly larger than that now approved there are many miles
of principal highways of regional importance which must ultimately be con-
structed to the same high standards of interstate routes. Indiana's recently com-
pleted highway needs study indicates this to be true and supports the sections
of 5. 3381 pertaining to this type program. Will furish more details. Justification
upon request. Indiana does not desire to testify.
MARTIN L. HAYES,
Evecutive Director, Indiana State Highway Commission.
IOWA
IowA STATE HIGHWAY CoMMIasIoN,
Ames, Iowa, May 16, 1968.
Hon. JOHN 0. KLUOzYN5KI,
Member of Congress,
U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mx. KLuOZYN5KI: This is in reply to your telegram of May 25, 1968 con-
cerning the hearings beginning May 23 on 1908 proposed Federal Aid Highway
Legislation.
Attached please find various documents expressing the position of the Iowa
State Highway Commission on various legislative matters with brief explanations
as follows:
(1) Position Paper on Weight and Dimension Limitations for Commer-
cial Vehicles:
This paper was prepared in response to the proposed legislation con-
`tamed in the Magnuson Bill which has passed the Senate with the tan-
dem. axle weight being reduced from 36,000 pounds to 34,000 pounds.
The basic position of the Iowa State Highway Commission is that no
change be adopted at the Federal or state level unless such changes are
accompanied by appropriate legislation that would increase the financial
contribution to the highway systems made by commercial vehicles.
(2) Position paper on the' Continuing Federal Aid Program After Com-
pletion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways:'
This paper is self-explanatory with the position of `the Commission
expressed in relation to proposed A.A.S.H.O. recommendations as can
be noted on Page 3 under HI. A.1.
The Highway Commission supports the position of A.A.S.H.O. and
reèommends that no mileage' be `added under the present formula and
concept. ` ` ` `
This paper also covers apportionment among states and systems.
PAGENO="0814"
802
(3) The attached map shows the proposed network of freeways and
expressways adopted by the Iowa State Highway Commission to supplement
the Interstate System in the state. Although the Commission had previously
adopted a Freeway-Expressway System, a more thorough analysis was made
to develop this proposed system in relation to regional service, traffic assign-
ments and cost estimates. This latest network of freeways and expressways
was adopted on February 7, 1968 and basic information is contained in the
press release also attached.
If new major mileage is to be added nationwide to the Interstate System,
the proposed freeways shown in blue on the map would qualify for additional
mileage. A proposed Freeway System of 759 miles in length is to be built to
full freeway standards like the Interstate System and, in general, serve the
same type of traffic as the Interstate System in Iowa.
(4) A presentation was made before the Democratic Platform Committee
on May 15, 1968 concerning very basic positions on Federal legislation and
state legislation:
Item 3 on Page 2 expresses our concern on deferrals of the release
of Federal money to the states from the Highway Trust Fund.
Item 4 on Page 3 recommends that consideration be given to Federal
legislation authorizing and appropriating funds for commencing devel-
opment of the Mississippi River Parkway as part of the overall Federal
Parkway System.
The two position papers above as well as information pertaining to the Missis-
sippi River Parkway Commission and proposed Freeway and Expressway Net-
work have been submitted to Iowa's Congressional Delegation.
J. R. COUPAL, Jr.,
The Highway Commission will be pleased to have representation at the hear-
ings which are commencing May 23. We would appreciate your advising us of
the date on which you desire a specific statement of our position.
Very truly yours,
J. R. COUPAL, Jr.,
Director of Highwa'ys.
KANSAS
Re telegram May 15, regret we cannot attend hearings and testify May 23. The
American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) will testify for the
States May 28.
Kansas is in accord with the position which will be presented by AASHO. In
the event additional interstate mileage is made available to the States, our urgent
needs approximate 175 miles generally following the route of US 69 from the
Oklahoma line northward to Kansas City and extended northwesterly and
northerly toward the Kansas City-International Airport in Missouri.
JOHN D. MONTGOMERY,
Director of Highways, state Highway Commission of Kansas.
KENTUCKY
COMMONwEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS,
Franlefort, Ky., May 21, 1968.
Representative JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear REPRESENTATIVE KLuczYN5KI: In reply to your wire dated May 15, 1968,
the Kentucky Department of Highways would like to offer the following
comments.
While the Department has not been able to study in detail all the facets of the
Administration's proposed 1968 Federal Aid Highway Legislation, there are
certain areas which we feel we should comment on at this time.
As for the proposal relative to the relocation policy, the Department is in
favor of raising the three thousand dollar limit for moving businesses but is not
PAGENO="0815"
803
in favor of paying compensation for the loss of business during the relocation.
We feel that the two hundred dollar limit for residences is adequate.
Kentucky's needs for additional Interstate mileage is primarily to better serve
its metropolitan areas. Preliminary studies have indicated additional Interstate
needs as follows:
1. Spur from I 64 to Ashland-Approximate length 6.6 miles with esti-
mated cost of 13.5 million dollars.
2. Crosstown Freeway in Lexington-Approximate length 9.0 miles with
estimated cost of 32 million dollars.
3. In the Louisville area .there is critical need to upgrade the Watterson
Expressway (I 264) for a distance of 12.7 miles with an estimated cost of
62 million dollars. Also in Louisville to construct two new radial connectors
a total distance of approximately 26.5 miles with an estimated cost of 64
million dollars.
Reference is made to telegram by Indiana Highway Commission relative to
the extension of I 69 to Evansville. Kentucky now has under construction toll
road facilities which will serve the I 69 route from Evansville across the Ohio to
Henderson onto a connection with 124 near Paducah.
I certainly appreciate your asking whether I would like to testify before the
Subcommittee at the hearings to begin on May 23, but believe that I will decline
at this time because I feel that Kentucky's position is very much like that stated
by various State Highway Department officials and Highway Agencies who have
already submitted testimonies before the Subcommittee on Roads.
Very truly yours,
W. B. HAZELRIGG,
Commissioner of Highways.
LOUISIANA
Hon. JoHN C. KLuczYNsKI,
Chairman, House Roads Subcommittee,
Hoitse of Rejwesentatives, Washington, D.C.:
Regarding your wire of May 15. Minimum additions to Interstate: Dixie Free-
way, 47 miles belt loop in New Orleans; north-south interstate from New Orleans
to Shreveport 250 miles. Desirable: South belt, Shreveport; extension 1-310,
Riverfront in New Orleans.
OREN B~&Icnn,
Chief Engineer, Louisiana Department of Highways.
MASSACHUS1~TTS
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
Boston, May 20, 1968.
Hon. Jonx C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: This will acknowledge receipt of your tele-
gram concerning the Subcommittee on Roads hearings which will start on May 23.
Regarding additional Interstate mileage, the State of Massachusetts is opposed
to any substantial increase in Interstate mileage. However, should Congress
elect to increase the presently authorized mileage, I am submitting plans show-
ing tentative locations of three projects all of which concern the States of
Rhode Island and Massachusetts. There is agreement between the two States
on these projects and the approximate location at which each would cross the
State line. We have previously submitted requests for additional mileage which
have not been acknowledged and we hope that these requests will be given
consideration in any future allocations.
Regarding relocation assistance, this State is most heartily in favor of any
legislation that would make the relocation assistance for highway relocation
compatible with that of other government agencies. Additional information on
relocation assistance is attached.
PAGENO="0816"
TH*E COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 20 milts
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
ROUTE NUMBERING SYSTEM
July 1959
N~W KAM~ ~
I
0
I
c ONN~
0
0
N TU~1T
PAGENO="0817"
805
Regarding the Department's desire to testify, the State of Massachusetts is
desirous of participating to whatever extent you or other members of the Sub-
committee feel would be beneficial in this cause, and I trust I may hear from
you regarding your wishes in this matter.
Very truly yours,
EDWARD J. Rim~s, Commissioner.
MAINE
Hon. JOHN C. KLIJCZYNSKI:
The reply `to your telegram of May 15, 1968, is as follows:
1. The Maine State Highway Commission believes that present Interstate
System of 41,000 miles, countrywide, `should be constructed before additional
mileage is authorized for this system.
2. We believe emphasis should be pl'ac~ed on construction of primary roads
which under the ABC program have been neglected to some extent in favor of
construction on the Interstate System, this emphasis to take place on completion
of the present Interstate `System. S
3. In the event that additional mileage is to be authorized by Congress at this
time the `following routes and niileage `should he con'sid~red in the State of
Maine.
(a) Houl'ton to Fort Kent, via Van Bu.ren-122 miles.
(b) Brunswick to `Calais-244 miles. (Note section from Brunswick to Bath,
8 miles, now constructed to interstate standards through use of primary and
urban funds.)
(c) Calais to Bangor-97 miles; and Pittsfield to Fryeburg-103 miles
(Maine-New Hampshire border) this is part of proposed Maine-to-New York
Highway.
(d) Portland to Fryeburg-40 miles.
4. I do not plan to appear before your committee hut will rely on presentation
by AASHO which I `understand is to be made on May28.
Thank you for advising us of the hearings and for the invitation to attend.
DAVID H. STEVENS,
Chairman, Maine state Highway Commission.
MICHIGAN
SPATE OF MICHIGAN,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE HIGHWAYS,
Lansing, Mich., May 20, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
House of' Representatives,
A8ubcommittee on Roads,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: In response to your telegram dated May 15,
1968, we are pleased to have this opportunity to `express Michigan's opposition
to any expansion of the Interstate System.
There is no question that constructing the existing Interstate System has
been one of the great public works programs of all time, and the results have
been spectacular. To accomplish this tremendous `task, it has been necessary to
utilize most of our financial resources. It has not been accomplished without
a detrimentai effect on the `remainder of the highway system. Federal-aid
Primary, Urban and Secondary programs have not kept `pace with `the increasing
needs of our motorists. We are concerned that an expanded Interstate System
would again put emphasis on a mhilmum amount of mileage to the detriment of
the remainder of `the highway system.
We are loud in our praise of the Interstate System, however, `it is our belief
that `by 1975, we should be turning most of our attention to the Primary, Urban
and Secondary Systems of our total highway network. Also, the need for addi-
tional financial assistance on the arterial highways in our major metropolitan
areas is of great concern. We propose that the Highway Trust Fund be extended
and these funds `be used to finance a `balanced highway program including all
of the Federal-aid Highway Systems. The need for additional freeways is
evident, `but these freeways, as well as' the upgrading of the existing. Interstate
System, can and should bC financed through expanded primary and urban
PAGENO="0818"
806
programs. We believe that the matching ratio on all Federal-aid projects should
be identical. Our studies indicate that the most feasible and effective ratio for
future programing would be 75 percent by the federal government and 25
percent by state and local sources.
Elimination of both preferred funding and a preferred matching ratio will
provide the states with more flexibility in their use of federal funds and in
meeting their highway needs on a priority basis.
If it is the decision of the Congress to expand the Interstate System, Michigan
would expect to receive additional mileage and could easily justify doubling its
existing system of 1081 miles. However, inasmuch as you asked for a minimum
estimate, we are submitting only a 750-mile expansion at this time. Actually,
there are many more miles in our state that could be justified on the basis of
existing criteria. The attached map and listing indicate those routes which
would make up our minimum expansion requirements.
Sincerely,
HENRIK E. STAFSETH,
State Highway Director.
PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO THE INTERSTATE SYSTEM, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE HIGHWAYS
IDollar amounts in thousands)
Estimated
Description miles
Estimated cost
Construction
Right-of-way Total
1. Detroit Inner Loop (Davison-T5cNichols-Connors-
Vernor axis) 15 $109,000 $46,000 $155,000
2. Extension of 1-275 north to 1-75 21 59,160 17,748 76,908
3. Mound Rd.IM-53 axis from McNichols north to pro-
posed 1-69 43 88,284 24,186 112,470
4. Extension of -69 northeast to Port Huron 156 126,487 25,913 152,400
5. Kalamazoo Spur 6 23,400 6,300 29,700
6. Grand Rapidssouth bypass 17 20,000 5,222 25,222
7. U.S.-31, from 1-196 north to Straits of Mackisac 253 229,768 47, 264 277, 032
8. U.S. 41, Menominee to Marquette 129 182, 754 31,964 214, 718
9. US. 2, U.S. 41, east to 1-75 110 80,088 12, 465 92, 553
Total 750 918,941217,062 1,136,003
MINNESOTA
Hon. JOHN C.. KLCTCZYNSKI:
Relative to your wire of May 15, AASHO will present a statement on proposed
1908 Federal-aid highway legislation, Minnesota endorses the AASHO state-
ment and does not wish to testify separately. Minnesota does not favor additions
to total authorized interstate mileage at this time. Favor completing system
within present total mileage limitation as quickly as funds will permit.
N. P. WALDOR,
Commissioner Minnesota Highway Department, St. Paul.
MISSISSIPPI
Missrss~~i STA~ HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Jackson, May 16, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUcZYNSKI,
Chairman, Rubcomnzittee on Roads,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SIR: With reference to your telegram dated May 15, 1908, your advising
us of subcommittee hearings on the Administration's proposed 1968 Federal-aid
highway legislation, as well as related proposals, including relocation policy,
and giving us the opportunity to appear before your subcommittee are deeply
appreciated.
Attached hereto is a copy of a reply to a questionnaire regarding the Adminis-
tration's proposals which state this department's position relative to the various
sections.
It is our feeling that the addition of interstate mileage to the presently
authorized 41,000 miles would not be in the best public interest, as construction
PAGENO="0819"
807
of an Interstate System would continue indefinitely, and in all likelihood at the
expense of accelerating improvements on the ABC system. An enlarged ABC
program would permit States to build appropriate portions of highways to the
same standards as the Interstate System; and if authorized by Congress, sections
of highways built to these standards, which would constitute an appropriate
addition to the presently authorized Interstate System, could be so marked.
In the event it is the decision of your subcommittee, the Public Works Com-
mittee, and `Congress to add mileage to the presently authorized Interstate
System, U.S. 78, for a length of 122 miles in Mississippi, which would form
part of a route between Birmingham, Alabama `and Memphis, Tennes'see, should
be added.
it is believed that the relocation poli'cy `should make some provisi'on for pay-
ments to persons and businesses displaced by acquisition of highway rights-of-
way to permit their `relocation in `comparable quarters and comparable
environments.
Due to the present `needs on the ABC System, it is our opinion that highway
funds should not `at `this time be used to finance the construction of parking areas
or garages. It would seem preferable for a fund to be made available from which
local jurisdictions could finance the construction of such facilities and repay the
loan with revenue obtained from operation of the parking lot or garage.
The invitation to appear before your Subcommittee is sincerely appreciated,
but this Department floes not pl'an t'o have anyone te'stify on May 23, 1968.
Yours very truly,
T. C. ROBBINS, Director.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALS, 341 NATIONAL PRESS
BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004
RESPONSE SHEET ON:
THE DOT DRAFT LEGISLATION
"FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1968"
(TO AUTHORIZE APPORTIONMENTS FOR 1970 AND 1971)
(TRANSMITTED TO AASIIO MEMBER DEPARTMENTS ON APRIL 25, 1968)
Section 2 of the Bill: (Freezes authorization at $4 `Billion starting with 1970)
Comments: `The apportionments to the Interstate System should be the maxi-
mum that the `Trust Fund can `bear (after increased taxes, `if any) less the ABC
apportionment's.
Section 4 of the Bill: (The dates specified do no,t `appear to be the final completion
dates.)
Comments: There should be a completion date established and financing pro-
vided for fulfillment.
Section 5 of `the Bill:
(1) Comments: Satisfactory.
(2) Comments: (For TOPICS Program) There is no end to conflicting juris-
dictions. `Oppose in principle and oppose the Trust Fund diversion.
(3) & (4) (`Note to come from Trust Fund),
Comments: Oppose any raid on the Fund. Imperative the Interstate system
be completed as rapidly as possible.
Section 6 of the Bill:
Comments: None.
Section 7 of the Bill:
Comments: None,
Section 8 of the Bill:
Comments : `Proper method of handling financing.
Secti:on 9 of `the Bill: (All Subsections)
`Comments: This w'ould advance States' share. Oppose as all this will do will
save the States interest on it's share, but will decrease interest revenue to Trust
Fund.
Section 10 of the Bill:
Comments: Satisfactory.
Section 11 of the Bill
Comments: Satisfactory.
Section 12 of the Bill:
`Comments: Oppose for same reason as given under Section 5(2).
Section 13 of the Bill:
Comments: Oppose..
Section 14. Oppose.
(5) T. C. ROBBINS, Director.
96-030-68------52
PAGENO="0820"
808
Important: This form is to be completed, signed by the Chief Administrative
Official of the Department and returned to the AASHO Office no later than
May 10, 1968.
MISSOURI
MAY 20, 1968.
Hon. JoHN C. KLUczYN5KI:
Reference your wire May 15 AASHO has recommended that no additional
mileage be added to the Interstate System to be financed 90-10 from the trust
funds. To this we agree. We believe that the trust fund should be continued by
revenues at least equal to the present and that matching ratio for all systems
be changed to 75-25. Thus States can then build to Interstate standards and
mark with Interstate markers those highways within each State that justify
such action. If Congress chooses to take another course and authorize additional
mileage to be financed 90-10 from the trust fund Missouri would need a total
of 1,847 additional miles of highway built to Interstate standards. The location
of these highways is shown in the after 1975 report submitted to your committee
by AASHO. We realize the mileage will have~ to be adjusted in accordance with
the national total allowed by Congress if any. I do not intend to testify during
the hearings.
1~I. J. SNIDER, Chief Engineer.
MONTANA
MONTANA HIGHWAY CoMMIssIoN,
Helena, Mont., May 15, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLuCzYN5KI,
House Roads Subeomni~ittee,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: In reply to your telegram of May 15, 1968,
we wish to notify you that we support the position of the American Association
of State Highway Officials that the Interstate System be kept at the present
41,000 mile size. We are of the opinion that any additional freeway mileage can
be handled adequately under the regular ABC program.
In the event, however, that the size of the system is to be increased, we
recommend that U.S. 87 from Billings to Great Falls (220 miles) and U.S. 2
across the state (667 miles) be included in the system.
We favor relocation assistance payments since our present state law permits
us to pay $6,000 for business relocation or $400 for private residence relocation.
We do not believe, however, that the situation in Montana is so critical that it
requires that the Highway Department find suitable residences for dislocated
persons.
Very truly yours,
LEWIS M. CHITTmi, P.E.,
state Highway Engineer.
NEBRASKA
STATE OF NEBRASKA,
I4neoln, May 21,1968.
Mr. JOHN C. KLUczYN5KI,
Chairman, Bubcainnvlttee on Roads, House Committee on Pubtie Works, House
Office Building, Wa8hin.gton, D.C.
DEAR Mit. KLUCZYNSKI: Reference is made to your telegram of May 15, 1968,
relative to the fact that you will soon begin hearings on the administration's
proposed 1968 Federal-aid Highway Legislation. Our views on that legislation
have been submitted to Aif Johnson, the Executive Director of the American
Association of State Highway Officials. The President of AASHO and Mr. John-
son will appear before your committee with the views of the State Highway
Departments on this important legislation.
Insofar as additional Interstate mileage is concerned, we support the official
AASHO position on this matter, as we feel that after the present 41,000 system
is completed, that the highway revenues can better be applied to modernizing
our Federal-aid Primary, Secondary, and Urban highways as in other states.
PAGENO="0821"
809
We in Nebraska do have great needs on our highway systems. Many of these
segments will ultimately require four-lane divided type improvements similar
to those used on the Interstate. We do feel, however, that we can get more for
our highway dollar if Federal funds are allocated among the several existing
Federal-aid systems rather than spending most of those funds on extensive
Interstate additions. Under such a plan each segment would be built to the
appropriate standards for the traffic which it will serve. Thus, we could con-
centrate the Interstate type improvements on those segments which are vital
to the highway service of our State, where volumes are such that freeway type
improvements would markedly reduce the accident toll, rather than having it
spent on routes criss-crossing the State and nation, portions of which would
carry lighter traffic volumes.
Since 156 and until about 1975 the "lions share" of our Federal funds have
been allocated to the completion of the Interstate system. Since an integrated
cross-country network to our major cities and defense installations was essen-
tial this was proper. This has meant, however, that the normal highway systems
of our country were neglected as we concentrated our funds upon this "super
highway" system. In our opinion, when the 41,000 miles are complete, we should
then concentrate our efforts on a modernization of our regular Federal-aid
highway systems.
For the reasons above noted, we feel that the revenues going to the Highway
Trust Fund should definitely be continued, but that they should be allocated
for work on the existing systems with perhaps some added emphasis in urban
areas, and with standards selected appropriate for the anticipated traffic volumes.
In our state at least, this would give us considerably more highway service for
the dollars involved. Naturally if extra Interstate mileage were to be added by
Congress, we would have several routes to suggest for inclusion in that extended
system. However, we doubt that system extension is in the nation's best interest.
We do appreciate your invitation to testify at the bearing, but feel that the
AASHO representatives will adequately present our views on the matter. Should
you have need for additional information, feel free to call upon us.
Very truly yours,
JOHN W. HossAcK,
$tate Engineer.
NEVADA
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCzYN5KI:
Re your wire of May 15, 19138, State of Nevada has supported AASHO stand
on any extension of Interstate System until present system completed. In the
event that extension will be made the State of Nevada, with States of Utah and
California, have and will support extension of Interstate 70 from Cove Fort,
Utah along U.S. 50 in Nevada and California to Sacramento. This has gained
considerable support from U.S. 50 association and communities located along the
route. The length of this proposed route in Nevada is some 410 miles. We also
feel that a connection from Interstate 80 in Reno along U.S. 395 to Carson City,
the capitol of our State is significant. This would be some 30 miles in length. We
would also support along with Oregon and Idaho the addition of U.S. 95 from
Winnemucca and Interstate 80 northerly to the Nevada-Oregon State line. The
routing would then extend along U.S. 95 through Oregon and a junction with the
existing Interstate System in Idaho. The length of this route will be some 74
miles in Nevada.
JOHN E. BAWDEN,
State Highway Engineer.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
STATE OF Nnw HAMPSHIRE,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS,
Concord, May 17, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, House Subcommittee on Roads,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: I am grateful for your telegram of Ma31 15
relative to New Hampshire's needs for additional Interstate mileage and will
respond to the questions it poses in the following paragraphs:
PAGENO="0822"
.~. 8pm to boOt Ic
.~. Uo& Ccmstruciion
~ 968-69-10 Pro~rom
~ tterc~oo~e Number
810
- ADDITIONAL NTERSTATE REQUIREMENTS
While I suppose that the other 49 States will indicate that they also were
short-changed in the initial dispensation of Interstate mileage, I have known
since the beginning of the program, that ~ew Hampshire was short-changed. In
support of my position, I invite your attention to the fact that New Hampshire's
PAGENO="0823"
811
neighbor to the west, Vermont, which has a considerably smaller population and
correspondingly smaller economy was awarded 321 miles as compared to New
Hampshire's 214.5 miles. By the same token, Maine on the east was accorded 312
miles and Massachusetts on the south was granted 453 miles.
Congressman Cleveland of your Committee can ably attest to this disparity and
to New Hampshire's needs.
Back in 1956 and 1957 when an additional 1000 miles of Interstate mileage was
available for distribution to the Federal Highway Administration, my Depart-
ment made a strong plea for a cross-state route and for a connection leading
through the northern part of the State to the Quebec `border. Since that time, as
the result of the accelerated industrial, commercial and recreational develop-
ment of New Hampshire, the need has become more acute and more obvious for
cross-state expressway routes. Whereas in 1956 I could foresee the need for only
one of these cross-state facilities, there is now no question in my mind for the need
of at least two. There is still an urgent need for a north-south connection to the
Quebec border in the northern tip of New Hampshire which provides the shortest
and best route between New England and Quebec City. Last, but by no means
least, there is a need for a north-south expressway facility along the eastern side
of New Hampshire. As a matter of fact, New Hampshire with its own funds has
already completed the beginning of such a facility as far north as the City of
Rochester.
Attached hereto for convenient reference is a small map showing the general
locations of the routes previously described. The total mileage involved is ap-
proximately 350 miles.. Based on Ne\v Hampshire's experience with Interstate
construction to date in its particularly rugged terrain, I would place a dollar
value on this additional mileage of 1 million dollars per mile or a total of
$350,000,000.
* If the Congress, in its wisdom, sees fit to extend the mileage of the Interstate
and Defense Highway System, I believe that the above mileage `represents the
minimum to which New Hampshire is entitled. Thus, it is possible to at least
partially correct an initial inequity as well as make provisions to serve New
Hampshire's rapidly expanding economy.
While I have indicated the above needs as an expansion of the Interstate sys-
tem, they represent basic expressway needs regardless of whether they are in-
cluded as Interstate extensions or whether they are treated on a uniform matching
basis.
While I do not plan to testify before your Committee in my capacity as a State
Highway Commissioner, I shall appreciate the opportunity to appear on this
subject as President of AASHO.
Thanking you for your continued earnest `interest and support of the Highway
Program, and with kindest personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
JOHN 0. MORToN, Commissioner.
NEW JERSEY
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYN5KI,
house of Representatives, Was\hington, D.C.
In reply to your telegram of May 16 minimum additional Interstate require-
nients total 482.9 miles at estimated cost of $1.65 `billion details following in
letter which sets forth department's position.
DAVID J. GOLDBERG,
New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation.
NEW MEXICO
NEw MExIco STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION,
Santa Fe, N. Mccc., May 16, 1968.
HON. JOHN C. KLUOZYNSKI,
Chairman, Roads Subcommittee, Public Works Committee,
U.S. House of Representatives,
House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. KLUczYNsKI: This is to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of
May 15, offering an opportunity to comment regarding the continuing Federal-
aid highway program.
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812
New Mexico has had on file with the Bureau of Public Roads since 1955 a
request for addition to the Interstate System of loops through the Albuquerque
area on both Interstate Route 25 and Interstate Route 40, totaling approximately
42 miles. In 1956, a further request was made for the addition of U.S. Highway
70 from Las Cruces, New Mexico via Alamogordo, Roswell, Portales and Clovis
to the Texas line, being approximately 303 miles in length. We were advised by
the Texas Highway Department that Texas concurred in the extension of the
latter route via U.S. Highways 60 and 87 to connect with Interstate 40 at Ama-
rillo. A map showing the present routing is attached hereto.
It would be earnestly hoped that funds for any enlargement of the Inter-
state System would be provided in addition to those needed for the urgent
and critical needs of the Federal-aid Primary and Secondary Systems.
PAGENO="0825"
813
With regard to the relocation of persons and businesses displaced by urban
highway construction, we would hope that an arrangement could be devised
whereby monies which are available for urban re-development from other sources
than the Highway Trust Fund could be provided and coordinated with the use
of Trust Fund monies for that portion of the cost which may be determined
to be patently a road-user responsibility.
I must advise that my commitments would not permit me to testify at the
upcoming hearings, but I wish to express my sincere appreciation of this op-
portunity to reply concerning the matters mentioned in your telegram.
Very truly yours,
L. G. BOLES..
State Highway Engineer.
NEW YORK
May 20, 1968.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
House of Representatives:
If Congress sees fit to increase interstate highway mileage limitation, New
York State's request for interstate designations and their mileage in New York
State would include North Country Expressway from Interstate 81 north of
Watertown to Interstate 87 north of Plattsburgh and thence to Interstate 89 in
Vermont, 150 miles; Southern Tier Expressway from Interstate 90 at Erie, Pa.,
to Suffern (Interstate 287) N425 miles; Route 219 from Buffalo to connect
with Pittsburgh area or to Interstate 76 south of Johnstown-Altoona. As Penn-
sylvania may desire 70 miles, adjustments to the system in the New York City
area of approximately 20 miles, Binghamton to Interstate 878 in Albany-Sche-
nectady-Troy area, 150 miles; and, if the other States involved concur, thence
to Portland, Maine, via Vermont and New Hampshire, 35 miles. Prior commit-
ments preclude my appearance at May 23 hearings.
J. BURCH MCMORRAN, Comim4ssioner.
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION,
Raleigh, N.C., June 5, 1968.
HON. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, House Subcommittee on Roads,
House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUOYNSKI: I am writing in reference to your telegram
of May 15, 1968, `to the North Carolina State Highway Commission which ad-
vised the House Subcommittee on Roads will hold hearings on the Administra-
tion's Proposed 1968 Federal-aid Highway Legislation and related matters and
which requested a "minimum" estimate of North Carolina's need for additional
Interstate mileage and approximate locations.
Unfortunately, there is not a clear-cut answer to this inquiry. There is a
great need in North Carolina for more highway facilities of the type and char-
acter of the Interstate System. The presently established Interstate System of
Highways does not adequately tie together and meet the demands generated
by the many regions of our State and of the surrounding States. North Carolina
received only 770 miles of the presently designated Interstate System which is
substantially less than the mileage allocated to other States with similar charac-
teristics. (For example: Tennessee-1,051 miles; Virginia-1,061 miles; Georgia-
1,106 miles; Florida-1,154 miles; etc.) Our costal recreational areas, our State
ports, our larger urban centers, our industrial piedmont, our State Capitol, and
the military installations of national importance located in North Carolina
are not adequately served by the existing Interstate System. More than 1,200
miles of additional Interstate System mileage are required to meet our existing
minimum need. Also, many miles of the existing Interstate System was designed
for 1975 traffic volumes; and, it will be necessary to upgrade or supplement
these facilities within `the foreseeable future.
PAGENO="0826"
814
We feel that in order to develop a rational determination of the need for addi-
tional Interstate mileage, it is necessary that we take a look at our overall high-
way needs and a look at the available financial programs to meet these needs.
There is no question but that the concentrated effort that has been placed on the
existing Interstate System of Highways has resulted in a deterioration of our
other urban and rural primary highway systems. The present Federal-aid Pro-
gram does not provide for sufficient funds to meet the needs on these systems, and
a further enlargement of the Interstate System would continue to "drain off"
funds for the betterment of one system of highways while allowing the other
systems to continue `to deteriorate.
It is my firm belief that Congress should make a detailed study of the matter
of distribution of Federal-aid Highway Funds before increasing the size of the
Interstate System inasmuch as the presently designated system will not be com-
pleted until the late 1970's. There are a great many inequities in the present Fed-
eral-aid Highway Program in that many States are penalized by the apportion-
ment of Federal Funds with these inequities directly related to the fixed nature
of the Interstate System. To emphasize this situation, I have tabulated below
the Federal-aid Funds apportioned to North Carolina from the Trust Fund for
an average five-year period along with the estimated revenues paid from North
Carolina to the Trust Fund.
Federal-aid funds apportioned to 2%Tortlt Carolina from ltigl~way trwst fund
Amount
(v~illions
Fiscal year: of dollars.)
1968 54. 3
1967 50. 4
1966 46. 3
1965 44. 3
1964 43. 1
Estimated Federal emcise revenues paid. into highway trust fund by worth
Carolina
Amount
(millions
Fiscal year: of dollars)
1966 106. 9
1965 103. 3
1964 98. 9
1963 93. 6
1962 86. 4
It is to be noted that North Carolina has been receiving less than a 50% return
on the funds paid into the Trust Fund. This does not appear to be an equitable
approach: and, according to recent statistics, North Carolina receives the lowest
percentage return from the Highway Trust Fund of any State in the country.
During the life of the Interstate Program, North Carolina will have paid into the
Trust Fund in excess of a bifflon dollars more than it will receive in return. This
has placed a very heavy financial burden on North Carolina and made it ex-
tremely difficult to keep abreast with the need for the improvement of the Pri-
mary, Secondary, and Urban Systems. In 1965, a $300,000,000 bond issue was
passed by the people of North Carolina in order to attempt to keep up with in-
creasing highway demands. Even with this additional funding, North Carolina
continues to fall behind because so much of the revenue sent to the Trust Fund
is distributed to other States. All of which has taken place because the Interstate
System in North Carolina is far less than in similar States and particularly be-
cause North Carolina does not have the many needed Interstate circumferential
and spur routes into and around our metropolitan areas. It has been estimated
that North Carolina, with more than 21/2% of the population in the country, is
receiving about 1% of the total Interstate funding.
It would, therefore, be my judgment that any new long-range highway program
that may be considered by the Congress should be established in a manner that
no Stat.e would be severely penalized in terms of the funds collected as revenues
and the funds made available for Federal-aid construction. North Carolina would
not be in a position to support Federal-aid Highway Legislation that does not
provide for such an equitable return.
PAGENO="0827"
815
I would hope that the Congress will come up with a program that will provide
equity to all States and believe that the States should be given more latitude in
determining where new facilities are needed. This type of an approach would
allow our State to upgrade its total Primary, Urban, Secondary, and Interstate
type routes most effectively. I recognize the difficult task which your subcom-
mittee has and its great responsibilities in developing a Federal-aid Highway
Program. I want to assure you of North Carolina's interest in this program and its
willingness to work with the subcommittee in anyway possible.
Sincerely,
J. M. HUNT, Jr., Chairman.
NORTH DAKOTA
MAY 17, 1068.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSK1,
Subcommittee on Roads,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.:
Regarding North Dakota highway needs, 20-year needs for State highway sys-
tem is $406 million plus $147 million to complete present Interstate System; 20-
year needs for State local roads is $529 million. Additional interstate mileage
needed is from Portal N. Dak. to S. Dak. via Minot and Bismark and from
Williston to Grand Forks via Minot and Devils Lake-approximately 650 miles
at an additional cost of $125 million. Will not be available to testify during these
hearings.
WALTER R. HELLE,
Highway Commission, North Dakota Highway Department.
OHIO
STATE OF OHIO,
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS,
Columbus, Ohio, May 17, 1968.
Re proposed Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1908.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUOZYNSKI,
House Public Works Committee,
House of Representatives,
TVashingt on, D.C.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE KLUCZYNSKI: In response to your telegram of May 15,
1968, we are forwarding the following:
1. Copy of a booklet entitled "Ohio Highway Needs for Tomorrow's Growth,
1975-1985". Ohio's needs are summarized on the third from last page in the
booklet. We contemplate no additional interstate mileage. The needs shown are
to upgrade the present Interstate System and to expand this system by building
freeways to supplement the interstate, however, as part of the primary system.
2. Copy of a letter the Governor of Ohio recently forwarded to Representative
William C. Cramer in response to his request for comments on subjects which
may be considered for inclusion in highway legislation this year. We consider
return of administrative control to the Bureau of Public Roads of prime im-
portance in future legislation.
3. Copy of a letter recently forwarded to Representative George H. Fallon
regarding the proposed Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968. A copy of the same
letter was sent to Senator Jennings Randolph.
I appreciate your interest in obtaining statements of the State's needs and
views on highways and have taken this opportunity to provide you with a sum-
mary of Ohio's comments to other Members of Congress on these matters.
We support the position of AASHO which has been developed from a survey
of the determinations of the various states. We specifically support the AASHO
testimony on proposed weights and sizes legislation.
Because of this agreement with the AASHO proposed testimony, I do not
believe that specific testimony from Ohio at this time would be necessary.
However, if we can be of help, please let us know.
Very truly yours,
P. E. MASHETER,
Director.
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816
MAY 8, 1968.
Re proposed Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1908.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
Chairman, House Public Works Committee,
House of Representatives,
Washingtom, D.C.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE FALLON: The Department of Transportation's proposed
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968 has been made available to the states through
AASHO for preliminary review and comment. We note that the proposed bill
goes into considerable detail and are taking this opportunity to pass our com-
ments along to you for your consideration as Chairman of the House Public
Works Committee.
Relative to revision of appropriations for the Interstate System-we don't
think that completion of the Interstate System by 1973 should be abandoned at
this time. There is a need to evaluate the time of completion in conjunction with
major decisions still to be made on a Continuing Federal-Aid Highway Program.
Relative to Sections 5(2), 12 and 13-we question the need for defining and
funding a separate program such as Topics. This should not be a matter of
legislation. Some municipalities have been progressive in the application of traffic
engineering principles, and may have more urgent needs.
Relative to Section 5(3) and (4)-we are opposed to financing forest and
public lands highway out of the Highway Trust Fund.
Relative to Section 7-the proposed allocations are too high. Would prefer
that more funds be allocated to Highw-ay Safety Programs under Section 6.
Relative to Section 8-Ohio has recognized landscaping, erosion control, rest
areas, or work that is normally a part of highway construction, as a necessary
and proper use of highway user taxes and supports this concept. We question
the need for other beautification programs. If special programs are considered
necessary, they should be financed from other than Trust Funds.
Relative to Sections 14 and 15-we are opposed to a special program for
Fringe Parking.
The above are specific comments of objection. In general, we would recommend
that new concepts and proposals be limited until such time as a Continuing
Federal-Aid Highway Program has been thoroughly studied and some guidelines
established.
We would appreciate your consideration of the above comments.
Very truly yours,
P. E. MASHETER,
Director.
APRIL 29, 1968.
Re: Federal-aid highway legislation and a continuing Federal-aid highway
program.
Hon. WILLIAM C. CRAMER,
Mernbei of Congress. House of Representatives, Rayburn House Ofilce Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE CRAMER: In response to your letter of April 10, 1968,
relative to developing desirable and needed Federal-aid highway legislation, I
have reviewed with the Dapartment of Highways the listing of subjects which
you indicate may be considered for inclusion in highway legislation this year.
Director Masheter has informed me that all the subject matter contained in your
questionnaire is being considered by the several State Highway Departments and
that the American Association of State Highway Officials will assemble this
information and present it to Congress with recommendation at a later date.
However, in order that you may have current information of our thinking in
Ohio, we are presenting the following comments for your consideration:
A. Right-of-Way Acquisition
1. The concerns listed are real and are in keeping with our desire to
adequately compensate affected property owners; however, once you start
to enumerate individual items there is no end of it. It is our thought that
numerous individual items would become difficult to control and administer.
The fair market concept of negotiation and settlement, now used in Ohio,
evaluates the various contingent items without undue administrative details.
2. Relocation of persons and businesses displaced by highway construction:
PAGENO="0829"
817
Ohio concurs that a uniform policy on all Federal and federally assisted
programs should be obtained, and that better coordination of housing pro-
grams with highway construction is desirable. However, we do not believe
the policy should be oriented to the highway program for coordination
responsibility. It could become a serious delaying factor.
We are in full accord with the principle of relocation payments. Again,
for administrative purposes, it is desirable that lump sum or flat payments
with ceilings be retained.
B. Metropolitan Areas
1. Multiple use of rights-of-way.
Ohio favors maximum use of airspace and has work of this type
underway.
In the area of niulitple use of highways provision should be made for the
sharing of right-of-way costs by all using agencies according to the value
of the rights required by each. Almost every presentation of the joint use
concept proposes that the highway program pay "residue damages" to the
additional land acquired, thus making joint use very attractive to other
users who thereby obtain land rights at bargain prices, but at the expense
of the Highway Trust Fund. The highway program should not be required
in this way to subsidize these other uses.
We are opposed to utilization of highway rights-of-way for rapid rail
transit.
Separate traffic lanes for exclusive use of buses should be considered on
the basis of project by project justification.
2. Use of design concept teams made up of engineers, architects, etc.
We do not consider this a matter that should be directed by legislation. It
is recognized that organized planning is desirable, and the 1962 Highway
Act on Urban Transportation Planning accomplishes this goal. Highway
engineers have primary responsibility for highway locations and must provide
leadership and decisions. Through consultant use or by establishing staff
positions to supplement Urban Transportation Comprehensive Planning, the
same goals can be accomplished.
U. Federal-aid Financing of Highway Construction
Ohio favors the continuation of the Highway Trust Fund but not necessarily
restricted to its present revenues. For instance, the 7% automobile excise tax
should be directed into the Trust Fund as a revenue resource, and this additional
income could provide funds for a federally financed advance right-of-way
acquisition program.
We are against any diversion of monies from the Highway Trust Fund for
non-federal highway purposes, including other modes of transportation.
The present three-year period for obligation of Federal funds is reasonable
and we endorse it.
Highway safety features and corrective work to reduce hazards is a proper
use of Trust Funds and a highway user payment responsibility as much as other
highway improvements. We subscribe to the use of regular Trust Funds for this
work at the regular participation rate as for other highway improvements.
We strongly favor enactment of law to prohibit the executive branch from
withholding apportioned Federal-aid highway funds from obligations. Since
allocations must match revenues on a pay-as-you-go program, we feel that
Congress should accept the responsibility of providing the revenue-obligation
balance.
D. Highway beantification
Ohio has recognized landscaping, erosion control, rest areas, or work that is
normally a part of highway construction, as a necessary and proper use of
highway user taxes and supports this concept. We are opposed to use of Highway
Trust Funds for beautification purposes that are not within this concept.
We would recommend extensive revision of the billboard and junkyard sec-
tions of the Beautification Act to cut down the cost of the program and to allow
the States more leeway to control these items as they see fit. For example, the
States should have the option to control by police power or to pay compensation,
and the States should not be forced to control these items inside of municipali-
ties. The 10% penalty for non-compliance should be repealed as this is strictly
arm-twisting and repugnant to the whole concept of Federal-State partnership.
PAGENO="0830"
818
E. Administration
Legislation should be passed which will restructure the Department of Trans-
portation and eliminate the administrative level between the Secretary of Trans-
portation and the Director of Public Roads. The Bureau of Public Roads should
be given the clear responsibility to develop policies for highway activities and
be empowered to act as tecimical and engineering partners with the States in
the accomplishment of the highway program.
A reduction of "red tape" and delays in approval could be accomplished
through use of a Federal-aid Plan for all Federal-aid highway systems such as
the current Secondary Road Plan. Such a procedure sets forth guidelines of
procedure that are acceptable to all agencies involved and effectively reduces
multiple review and approval time. Secondary Road Plan procedures have been
tested and have proved effective in application.
F. "After 1975" Federal-aid Highway Program
Ohio has followed closely the development of the AASHO recommendations
for a continuing Federal-aid Highway Program and subscribe to them. We feel
that a workable program will be presented ~to Congress that will be equitable
and administratively feasible. We are not in favor of Federal-aid highway
maintenance. If states reach the point that they must rely on Federal-aid for
non-capital improvements, it is time to look at the highway user tax structure
relationship between federal, state and local governments.
Wnith the tremendous need for revenues to meet our present highway programs,
we see no reason at this time to take on the extra burden of paying off toll roads
and paying states for free highways incorporated into the Interstate System.
We strongly urge that Congress take steps toward establishing a continuing
Federal-aid Highway Program at an early date. Guidelines for such a program
should be established this year. We endorse the AASHO recommendations.
We are particularly conceriied that continued delay will be to the detriment
of the Highway Trust Fund. More and more, we are noting public statements
by the Department of Transportation which indicate that the Trust Fund con-
cept of financing should be abolished when the Interstate Highway System is
completed. Firm guidelines would assist in controlling the numerous attempts
to threct highway user funds to other programs.
We are opposed to the trend toward defining and enacting separate highway
programs within the broad scope of a total highway program. It is believed
that all essential coordination in respect to objectives, standards, priorities, and
funds can be effectively attained without the detailed individual programs, trans-
action by transaction, decision by decision, supervision and audit by ever-
increasing numbers of employees whose primary contribution to the program is
delay, procrastination, red tape-all supported by an endless stream of ever-
expanding regulations and procedures directed to the control of the most
elemental, routine activities of competent State highway organizations.
We appreciate your interest in highway legislation and your giving us the
opportunity to comment on the items that may be given consideration for
legislative action.
Very truly yours,
JAMES A. RHODES,
Goveruor.
OKLAHOMA
STATE OF OKLAHOMA,
D~ARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS,
Oklal?oma City, Okia., May 17, 1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, House 1?oa4s Committee,
TJ.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAn CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: Regarding your telegram of May 15, 19~8
requesting information concerning future Interstate needs in Oklahoma; we are
submitting a map and cost information, however, there are a number of factors
bearing on this matter that should be considered during the formulation of any
future highway program.
While we certainly agree that need does exist for some revision in the existing
designated Interstate System, we would hesitate to support any action resulting
in immediate addition to the Interstate System of significant amounts of addi-
tional mileage. When it is considered that the Interstate Program as now con-
PAGENO="0831"
819
stituted will require an additional three or more years past the original 1972
target date to fund to completion, it does not seem economically sound to add
to the problem at this time. We would much rather, now, see some practical
means developed to fund the existing program to insure its completion with a
reasonable time period.
If a significant amount of additional mileage is added to the Interstate System
now, this will, in effect, create a continuing Interstate Program which could
have further effect by reducing the amount of funds available for the ABC
Systems. This is assuming the Interstate Program would continue to utilize the
major portion of the Trust Fund and the continued proliferation of efforts to
divert trust funds to other purposes. This would contribute to continuing
increase in obsolescence of existing non-Interstate facilities.
In order to properly define needed additions to the Interstate System, a
functional classification study must be cooperatively conducted by the individual
states and must be coordinated at state line crossings The development of
additional Interstate mileage by the states without coordinating efforts to
develop the major traffic corridors between major traffic generators in adjacent
states cannot reasonably be justified.
Oklahoma has done considerable work on functional classification and the
development of major arterial traffic corridors. On the basis of these previous
studies, we have prepared the answer to your request. We are furnishing you
a map on which we have indicated the existing Interstate System and those
existing additional Interstate needs that can be justified from both an economic
and traffic service standpoint. We also have indicated future Interstate needs
as estimated for the period 175 through 1985. Since there is considerable mileage
of toll roads in Oklahoma and since they affect traffic service to principle traffic
corridors, we are also showing toll roads.
The immediate Interstate needs in Oklahoma consist of additional mileage in
the Urban Areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa which fill voids in existing Inter-
state routes and are critically needed to adequately complete the Interstate
System in these Urban Areas. The total mileage of these Urban Interstate routes
is 11.2 miles. The estimated cost to construct to Interstate standards is $22,108,-
000. We have shown on large-scale maps the locations of these proposed Urban
extensions and their relationship to existing Interstate routes in the areas. In
both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, comprehensive transportation studies have been
made and the locations proposed as additions to the Interstate System were
developed by study data and are high in priority in terms of immediate need.
The other immediate Interstate addition which we would recommend is
existing US 69 beginning at the junction of Interstate 44 in northeastern Okla-
homa and extending southwesterly to a connection with Interstate 35 in the
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas vicinity. The total length in Oklahoma is 202.4 miles.
The estimated cost to improve this route to Interstate standards is $96,502,000.
The US 69 route was included in Oklahoma's original submission requesting
Interstate mileage, as were the two urban loops. The proposed US 69 Interstate
route will provide a critically needed connection between the lead and zinc
mine areas in the tn-state areas of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri and the
coal mining areas in east-central Oklahoma. US 69 at this time carries the
largest percentage of heavy commercial vehicles of any highway in Oklahoma.
Its crossing of the Verdigris River is of utmost importance, since the River
will be navigable as part of the Arkansas River Navigation System. Coal and
ores will be transferred at this point to river transportation for shipment to
points along the Arkansas River and on to the Mississippi River. The US 69
route traverses the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Area and will pro-
vide vital high-type access through the area.
SUMMARY OF INTERSTATE NEEDS (OKLAHOMA)
Miles
Amount
Immediate additional interstate needs:
Rural
Urban
Total
1975-85 interstate needs:
Rural
Urban
202.4
11.2
$96,502,000
22,108,000
213.6
118,610,000
694.0
224. 0
453,600,000
299, 500, 000
753, 100,000.
Total
918. 0
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We have estimated Interstate needs for the period 1975 to 1985 at 694 miles
of Rural Interstate and 224 miles in Urban areas, for a total of 918 miles of
additional Interstate-type needs by 1985. The Urban portion of these future
needs are based on findings of comprehensive transportation studies. The Rural
portion has been developed from state-wide traffic and functional classification
studies. The estimated improvement cost for the 1985 needs is 453.6 million
dollars Rural, and 299.5 million dollars Urban.
The following tabulation summarizes Oklahoma's immediate and future Inter-
state needs.
We trust the information furnished you will be of value to your committee.
Please accept our appreciation for being given this opportunity to express our
thoughts on this matter. Should you desire additional information, please do
not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
W. M. D~cE, P.E.,
Director.
Hon. JOHN 0. KI.ucz~sKI,
Member of Congress,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mx. KLUCZYNSKI: Thank you for your May 15 wire concerning hearings
on the Department of Transportation's proposed 1968 Federal Highway Bill.
OREGON
STATE OF OREGON,
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Salem~ Oreg., May 17,1968.
PAGENO="0833"
821
Oregon is not seeking significant additional Interstate mileage, only some
adjustments and minor additions to make the existing system more workable.
We do feel some improvement can and should be made in connection with the
relocation of displaced persons. For example, we favor a realistic reimbursement
for moving expenses. We favor some type of relief to the individual who has a
favorable mortgage interest rate and through relocation is forced into a higher
cost financing.
Also, there is the occasional problem of the senior citizens with modest in-
comes who are occupying adequate housing and are unable to find suitable
:~` replacements for the market value of their premises.
We feel that the above items have probably contributed to a major degree in
the dissatisfaction expressed over highway and freeway construction. We feel
that people who are forced to move because of highway building should be made
whole.
Oregon is generally in accord with the proposals which will be made by
AASHO; therefore, in the interest of conserving the valuable time of the
Committee, we do not feel it is necessary that we make an appearance.
We appreciate the opportunity you have afforded us to present our views.
Very truly yours,
FORREST COOPER,
State Highway Engineer.
PENNSYLVANIA
MAY 23, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Honse 01 Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
In reply to your wire of May 15, 1968, we firmly believe that no major exten-
sions to the 41,000-mile Interstate System be considered at this time,. However,
it is apparent that certain additions to the system in Pennsylvania are vital to
adequately serve the needs of the motoring public. In this regard, therefore,
the following extensions are recommended: (1) T.R. 219 from New York State
line to 1-76 approximately 150 miles; (2) Pittsburgh-Oakland-Crosstown Ex-
pressway from 1-76 to 1-79, approximately 9 miles; (3) Pittsburgh-from 1-279
to 1-76, approximately 4 miles; (4) Harrisburg-I-83 connector to 1-81-West
Shore Expressway, approximately 8 miles; (5) Philadelphia-from 1-476 to
I-695-Landsdowne Expressway approximately 6 miles; (6) Philadelphia-
1-76 to I-95-Crosstown Expressway, approximately 3 miles; Philadelphia-
from 1-695 to 1-76-7 #2nd Street Expressway Connector, approximately 5
miles.
I regret my inability to attend your hearing May 23.
ROBERT G. BARTLETT,
secretary of Highways, Pennsylvania.
RHODE ISLAND
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
Providence, R.I., May 16, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads,
U.S. Congress,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: Reference is made to your telegram of
May 15, 1968, relative to the proposed 1968 Federal-Aid Highway Legislation.
Rhode Island has for some time studied the desirability of extending its
present Interstate. In this endeavor, we have co-ordinated with the neighboring
States of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
We have determined that the following additions would favorably compliment
the existing Interstate System and would prove advantageous to the related
urban areas:
(1) An east-west route enbodying the State's expressway Route 37 and ex-
tending from a junction with Interstate Route 295 eastward across the Provi-
PAGENO="0834"
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dence River to the State line enroute to a junction with Massachusetts Interstate
Route 195 in North Swansea. This extension would represent an addition of
13 miles in Rhode Island. It is envisioned that Massachusetts would continue
the route northerly from the junction in North Swansea to Interstate Route 95
in Attleboro thereby completing the encirclement of the Providence Metropolitan
Area by Interstate Route 295. In effect it would achieve a sort of belt route
to integrate important radials emanating from this urban complex which has
a population of 750,000.
(2) Our second suggestion is a route extending from existingInterstate Route
95 in downtown Providence westward generally on the alignment of U.S. 6 ~
enroute to Hartford, Connecticut. This would require an addition of 21 miles
arid would directly connect the second and third largest metropolitan centers
in New England with their combined population of over 1,500,000.
(3) The third candidate for Interstate System additions would be a route
following the alignment of Rhode Island State Route 146 from a downtown
Providence junction with existing Interstate Route. 95 proceeding north-westerly
enroute to Worcester, Massachusetts. Worcester also ranks high as arnetropoli-
tan area, having a population of over 600,000 and is fifth largest in New England.
This would add 16 miles in Rhode Island.
(4) A final suggested addition would be a spur from Interstate Route 495
(a circumferential route in Massachusetts) south-westerly into and through
Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to make a connection with present State Route 146
in North Smithfield. This would involve only a 5 mile addition in Rhode Island,
but it would be useful in making 1-495 more accessible from Woonsocket and
environs (population 50,000).
Thus for your purposes, Rhode Island considers that four additions aggregat-
ing 55 miles would be well worthwhile.
Thank you for your telegram and we appreciate the opportunity to convey
to you our wishes with respect to Interstate System extensions.
Very truly yours,
ANGELO A. MARCELLO,
Director.
SOUTH CAROLINA
S0IJTH CAROLINA,
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Columbia, S.C., May 17, 1968.
HON. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Cangress,
Lou gworth House O~lce Building,
Washingto~i, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUczYNSKI: This is in reference to your telegram con-
cerning proposed 1968 Federal-Aid Highway Legislation and our needs for
additional Interstate mileage.
I am a member of AASHO "After 75 Committee," and it is my understanding
that this committee's proposals will be submitted to your committee. I am
strongly in favor of the proposals to be submitted by AASHO "After 75 Com-
mittee". Also, it is my understanding that, in this proposal, AASHO is recom-
mending that five (5) percent of the Federal-Aid funds be allocated for up-
grading the existing 41,000 Interstate mileage and that no additional Inter-
state mileage be added. Additional controlled access highways would be con-
structed from Federal-Aid Primary or Urban funds apportioned to the states
on an equitable formula. Provisions are being proposed that any such highways
constructed which would comply as logical extensions of the Interstate System
could be added after construction and officially approved for addition to the
Interstate System. I am of the opinion that is the fairest means of allocating
the Federal funds to the states and would provide for logical additions to the
Interstate mileage. The states would be in much better position for planning
their future highway program if the formula apportionment basis is used for
all Federal-Aid distribution of funds except for the five (5) percent established
for upgrading the existing Interstate mileage.
We do have need for additional highways constructed to Interstate standards
in our State, but it is believed that the proposal being submitted by AASHO is
the most desirable plan for the total highway program. This plan as indicated
PAGENO="0835"
823
above will enable additional mileage to be added to the Interstate system and
the states will have the choice of using their funds for the greatest need. There
is a great need for extensive highway improvements in our larger urban areas
and the formula apportionment basis of funds to the states will permit the use
of the funds where the need is greatest Also I would like to recommend that
the financing ratio for all Federal Aid Highway System programs be the same
except the five (5) percent funds for upgrading the present Interstate mileage
It would be helpful to the states if Congress would indicate as soon as feasible
should they concur in the AASHO recommendations that most of the Federal
Aid funds, after completion of the present `Interstate System, would be on a
formula apportionment basis rather than the present basis for financing the
Interstate System. This would enable the states to proceed with future planning
of highway improvements and not have to wait to determine what highway needs
may be satisfied by additional Interstate mileage.
I wish to express my appreciation for your interest and assistance in the
National Highway Program and for the opportunity to furnish my views with
regard to the future highway program.
Yours very truly,
S. N. Pearman,
Chief Highway Commissioner.
SOUTH DAKOTA
THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA,
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS, PIERRE, May 16, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
House Office Building,
TVashington, D.C.
Dear Congressman KLUCZYNSKI: South Dakota's estimated need for addi-
tional Interstate mileage included:
1. 10+ miles within Sioux Falls metropolitan area
2. 6+ miles within Rapid City area
3. 240+ miles generally following U.S. 83 north to south across the state
The Sioux Falls area is now bounded by I 90 to the north, I 29 to the west
and I 229 along the south and east sides. The required mileage would provide
SOUTH DAKOTA INTERSTATE ROUTES
AS APPROVED JANUARY I, 1967
-*~ SOUT~DKOTA
9O~ ~
RAPID Cur 90
*AL8ERT LEA
I, go _9iXX._~.-
SIOUX FALLS -
flNE8RASKA~~ ~
o STATE LINE CONTROL AREP~
E~NAMED CONTROL AREA
96-030-68-53
PAGENO="0836"
824
for an east-west facility serving the CBD. The Rapid City addition would serve
the CBD area.
The north and south route would be South Dakota's section of an Interstate
route beginning on the Canadian border north of Minot, North Dakota, that
would connect Bismarck, North Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota (both State cap-
itals) with points in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This is the
route included in the Portland Cement Association's recent publication entitled
"Major Highway Corridors of North America," and we feel it would have definite
defense benefits in addition to providing an avenue for north and south com-
merce long needed. However, this route could be initiallyplanned without limited
access.
~77g
RAPID CITY
The attached map shows the approved Interstate in South Dakota and the
recommended additions.
All of the above recommendations have been furnished to AASHO in Studies
for After `75. In line with this fact, we wish to emphasize again that we feel our
present Interstate mileage should be completed prior to construction on these
proposals.
Sincerely,
JOHN EMMETT OLSON,
Director.
TENNESSEE
MAY 21, 1968.
JOHN C. KLUCEYNsKI,
Member of Congress,
Washington, D.C.
AASHO will present statement relative to proposed act of 1968 Tennessee sup-
ports AASHO statement. Additional interstate mileage proposals are:
1. U.S. 78 (PA 4) Memphis to Mississippi state line (connect Memphis-
Birmingham).
2. U.S. 51 (PA 3) Memphis to Fulton, Ky. at Purchase Parkway (connect
Memphis-Louisville).
3. U.S. 23 (PA 36) North Carolina line via Johnson City and Kingsport to
Virginia state line (connect Asheville, N.C. to Columbus, Ohio.
4. U.S. 64 (PA 40) 1-75 at Cleveland to North Carolina line (connect Chatta-
nooga-Asheville, N.C.).
5. U.S. 72 (PA 27) Alabama state line to 1-24 near Jasper (connect Chatta-
nooga and Huntsville to Memphis-Birmingham route).
C. W. SPEIGHT,
Commissioner, State Highway Department,
iVashviUe, Ten,n.
NASHVILLE, TENN., May 23, 1968.
JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
Washington, D.C.
Further reference to your telegram of May 15 and to my reply of May 21,
revise additional interstate mileage proposals to provide following:
!9 I
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825
1. U.S. 78 (F.A* 4) Memphis to Mississippi State line (connect Memphis-
Birmingham).
2. Continuation of 1-155 from Dyersburg to 1-40 at Jackson.
3. U.S. 23 (F.A. 36) North Carolina line via Johnson City and Kingsport to
Virginia State line (connect Asheville, N.C. to Columbus, Ohio).
4. From 1-155 at Dyersburg to 1-24 near Clarksville.
5. U.S. 72 (F.A. 27) Alabama State line to 1-24 near Jasper (connect Chat-
tanooga and Huntsville to Memphis-Birmingham route).
C. W. SPEIGHT,
Commissioner, State Highway Department,
Nashville, Tenu.
TEXAS
TEXAS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
Austin, Tear., May 16, 1965.
Hon. JOHN C. KLTJOZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: Thank you for your telegram of May 15th
advising of the Roads Committee Hearings scheduled to begin May 23rd covering
the Administration's Federal-aid Highway legislation and inviting comments
from the Texas Highway Commission as to its position on increased mileage to
the existing Interstate System.
Since receiving your telegram, I have polled my Commission on this matter,
and it is our collective judgment that the minimum additional nee~1 to the Inter-
state System in Texas is approximatey 1,500 miles at this time, even though the
commission has heard in public hearing justifiable requests from delegations over
the State for substantially more mileage than this amount.
For the Committee's information, Texas still had two cities and excess of
100,000 population which are not on the present Interstate System. These two
cities are Lubbock and Witchita Falls.
In an effort to complement the Interstate System with improved routes to
Lubbock and Wichita Falls, as well a some other areas of the state, Texas has
already expended millions of dollars of its Primary and State Fund in the build-
ing of primary routes to slightly lower standards than Interstate requirements.
If it appears that additional Interstate mileage is not in the picture, Texas
could live with a proposition which will probably be submitted by the American
Association of State Highway Officials to the effect.
"That if a State or States elects to improve a section of the Primary System
to Interstate standards and that it would make a logical addition to that System,
that it be marked with an Interstate marker."
If additional Interstate mileage is approved or financed in some manner as
"expessways" on the primary system, substantially as indicated in the "quote"
above, it is our considered opinion that some of the severe "control of access"
provisions as now required on Interstate construction should be relaxed in order
to save expending millions of dollars in revising and upgrading primary routes
already constructed to slightly less imposing standards than Interstate stand-
ards.
We have been advised that AASHO will testify before your Committee on
May 28th. Should the Texas Highway Department wish to appear before your
Committee, we will submit such request to you or the Committee Secretary by
telegram at a later date.
Sincerely yours,
J. C. DINGWALL,
State Highway Engineer.
UTAH
MAY 20, 1968.
JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Re: hearings on Federal-aid highway legislation, further extensions of inter-
state system mileage would be detrimental to highway program needs in Utah.
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826
Need for improvement on primary, secondary and urban systems in Utah
is becoming critical. Increase in authorization for these systems would provide
opportunity. to improve road system where need is greatest. Will be unable to
testify during these hearings but would like our convictions entered in the corn-
mittee record.
HENRY C. HELLAND,
Director of highways,
Utah State Department of Highways.
VERMONT
MAY 17, 1968.
Ron. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Re your telegram of May 16, 1908. No additional interstate mileage requested
at this time. Prefer monies be expended on ABC program.
I will be unable to testify.
`L. S. LARSEN,
Commissioner of Highways.
VIRGINIA
MAY 16, 1968.
JOHN C. KLuczYNsKI,
House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
If interstate program were extended Virginia would request substantial addi-
tional mileage principally in urban areas of State. We feel however that total
road system would best be served by completing presently authorized mileage
before considering extensions and then only within the framework of theAASHO
after-interstate recommendations.
DOUGLAS B. FUGATE,
Commissioner, Virginia Departm,ent of Highways.
WASHINGTON
MAY 23, 1968.
Representative JOHN C. KLUcZYNsKI,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C~
Reurtel May 15, Washington Department of Highways requires approximate-
ly 28 miles of additional interstate to accommodate recommended location of
Interstate 82 in southeastern Washington, however, understand Federal High-
way Administrator may be able to accommodate within presently authorized
mileage. in general, Washington concurs in position of AASHO regarding auth-
orization of additional interstate mileage. We believe States should complete
presently authorized 41,000 miles before authorizing new highway program. Con-
sidering urgent need for upgrading ABC system, believe Federal funds after
completion of Interstate should be allocated per AASHO recommendations.
State of Washington has justification for' additional interstate mileage if Con-
gress decides additional mileage should be' added to present 41,000 miles. If this
occurs, recommend States be required to submit their requests within uniform
and equitable criteria. Consider AASHO statement to Public Works Committees
will represent my views. Under these conditions, do not consider it necessary
for me to testify at forthcoming hearings.
C. G. PRAHL,
Director of Highways.
WEST VIRGINIA
MAY 17,1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, House Roads subcommittee,
U.S. Congress, Hovse Office Building, Washington, D.C.
Reurtel May 15th. Approximately 135 miles now designated Appalachian de-
velopment Highway Corridor H, from connection with Interstate 79 eastward to
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827
West Virginia-Virginia State line, where it would then proceed to a connection
with Interstate 81 in Virginia, should be incorporated into new interstate mile-
age in view of Defense Department's recognition of this route as important
to Defense Highway System, and in view of Federal Highway Administrator's
resultant designation of this route for 16' vertical clearance.
M. R. HAMMILL,
Commissioner, West Virginia state Road Commission.
WISCONSIN
STATE OF WIscONsIN,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
Madison, Wis., May 20, 1968.
Subcommittee on Roads, interstate mileage proposal.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member of Congress, House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: In reply to your telegram of May 15, re~
questing minimum Interstate mileage additions, we submit the following
information:
1. It is the recommendation of Wisconsin that no additions be made to the
presently authorized Interstate System and, in lieu of such additions that the
trust fund monies be apportioned to the states on the present formula basis and
used on a matching ratio of two-third Federal-one-third State, as recommended
by AASHO for all highway systems.
2. Should it develop that additions are to be made to the Interstate System,.
we submit the following:
(a) The presently approved State Highway Plan for 1990 indicates an an-
ticipated long-range highway need for freeway-type facilities of 1,630 miles by
1990, excluding the presently designated Interstate System.
(b) The immediate and minimum needed portions of the long-range plan for
freeways for which studies are being conducted in most cases, but completion
is not scheduled for a number of years due to lack of financing include the
following:
Route: MufF
From I.H. 94 at Milwaukee to I.H. 535 at Superior via Green Bay,
Wausau, and Hurley (see enclosed February 1963 report) 411
From I.H. 94 at Eau Claire to I.H. 535 at Superior (partially under
construction) 154
From I.H. 90-94 at Wisconsin Dells to Illinois State line near Lake
Geneva via West of Madison, Fort Atkinson, and Whitewater 124
From 1.11. 894 at Milwaukee to 1.11. 90 at Beloit1 60
Belt Freeway-Milwaukee (From 1-794 to IJ.S.H. 41) 1 36
Bay Freeway-Milwaukee (From 1-794 to Belt Freeway) 1 15
Lake Freeway-Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha (extension south from
1-794 to Illinois State line) 1 43
Green Bay Freeway Loop 30
Madison Freeway Loop (see enclosed February 1963 report) 13
La Crosse Freeway (see enclosed February 1963 report) 5
Total 891
1 Approved routes of Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission's land use-
transportation plan.
In the event the Congress determines that a maximum expansion of the
I-System is desirable and essential at this time, then Wisconsin feels the entire
mileage of freeways indicated on the 1990 plan would be eligible for considera-
tion. These are the major long haul traffic routes which will be essential to serve
the projected economy of the state.
We have made our position eminently clear to the Bureau of Public Roads and
the American Association of State Highway Officials on the matter of relocation
hearings. We are convinced that the hearings are a state responsibility, that
they must be conducted in accordance with state laws and regulations, and should
not be strictly controlled by Federal regulations.
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828
We believe we have conducted our hearings in a very fair and open manner.
The final determinations of the Commission have always given consideration
to the sworn testimony presented at the hearing. Numerous times alignment
changes have been made upon consideration of the hearing testimony.
We appreciate the opportunity to make this presentation to your Committee.
We do not anticipate making a personal appearance.
We are enclosing copies of our map of the State Highway Plan for 1990 on
which is shown the Freeway System which we have described herein. We are
also enclosing copies of previous submissions by the Commission for Interstate
route additions, dated February 1, 1903, and May 21, 1063.
Sincerely
W. R. REDMOND,
Highway Commission Ch~tirman.
WYOMING
MAY 16, 1988.
Hon. JoHN C. KLU0ZYNSKI,
UJS. Congressman,
Wasliingtoa, D.C.
1. U.S. 30N Granger Junction-Idaho State line 100 miles.
2. U.S. 20 Nebraska State line to Shoshoni thence to U.S. 26 to Moran Junc-
tion thence new road to Idaho State line east of Aston, Idaho, 350 miles.
3. Rawlins to Casper via Muddy Gap, 120 miles.
4. Belt routes connecting 1-80 and 1-25 Cheyenne urban area, 30 miles.
~. Belt route for 1-25 Casper urban area, 20 miles.
Do not plan to attend hearing.
R. G. STAPP, ~8uperintendent, Wyoming Highway Department.
STATEMENT OF HON. THOMAS G. DUNN, MAYOR OF ELIZABETH, N.J.,
Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, my name is Thomas G.
Dunn. I am the mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and I appreciate the opportunity
to testify before your Subcommittee in opposition to proposed legislation to in-
crease the size and weight limitations on trucks using the Interstate Highway
System.
Mr. Chairman, Elizabeth is a city of 117,000 people located in the northeastern
section of New Jersey. The city has an area of approximately 12 square miles.
Elizabeth is highly urbanized and industrialized with the world's largest contain-
ship port in operation on our waterfront. The city's roads are of constant concern
to me and it is because of this concern for the safety of our citizens and the high
cost of road and highway construction that I appear before you today.
As mayor of Elizabeth. I feel that this legislation will cause serious difficulties
in the exercise of local street and highway responsibilities. Under present law,
the mayor and city council of Elizabeth are empowered, with certain limitations,
to set weight limitations on trucks using certain streets and bridges within the
City of Elizabeth. If these sizes and weights are increased, cities, such as Eliza-
beth, which attempt to regulate roads stand a chance of being bypassed as major
traffic terminals, as localities with more liberal limits will be in a better com-
petitive position to attract industry. I would like to add here that limitations
are made for the sake of safety and as a means to smooth, rather than restrict,
travel.
Mr. Chairman, liberalization of size and weight limits, as a practical matter,
cannot be limited to the Interstate System: The current size and weight limita-
tions for Interstate highways have provided a standard for highway construction
on almost all roads. Local roads, such as those in Elizabeth. are designed with
current cr lower limitations in mind. Liberalization will substantially increase
wear and tear and raise maintenance costs on these roads, I feel that deteriora-
tion will be substantially greater on older roads and bridges. Serious safety prob-
lems will arise, particularly on bridges designed for much less size and weight
than those anticipated by this bill.
In order to maintain safety and viability of local road systems, particularly
in the cities, a great financial burden will be shifted to the already under-financed
city and county governments. Without a massive re-direction of Federal assist-
ance for building local roads, I feel that cities such as Elizabeth, will be unable to
PAGENO="0841"
829
assume such expenditures. Very few miles of urban arterials are currently eligible
for Federal aid, and the city share of State user fees supports only a minimal
share of local street and highway costs.
Mr. Chairman, the impact of this legislation on highways and streets off the
Interstate System will, I think, create problems adverse to the broad national
interest. I would hope that, taking this into consideration, this Subcommittee will
not act favorably on this bill.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to mention one further aspect of Federal High-
way Policy today. The Interstate System, as authorized in 1956, provides for a
network of 41,000 limited access highway miles. I understand that 1975 is the
target date for completion of this system. From the local level, I know that there
remain pressing needs for Interstate-type highways in New Jersey. The tight
Interstate Market, if I may call it that, has resulted in transportation planning
and allocation of priorities that do not reflect a consideration of the realities of
the future.
For a case in point, the State of New Jersey recommended some time ago con-
struction of a road within the Interstate System, 1-278, to connect the Goethals
Bridge with Interstate 78 in New Jersey. This vital link was planned in order
to meet the critical masses of commuters who are expected to flow between New
Jersey and New York over the Goethals Bridge. To ignore this vital connector
means that this traffic burden will literally be dumped into the already over-
crowded streets of Elizabeth and neighboring Linden, New Jersey. Because of
local opposition from some of the smaller towns along the proposed route of
1-278, the State has dropped plans to complete 1-278, nine miles of which are
already completed, and the Department of Transportation is attempting to
work some kind of a switch in order to construct a Central Jersey Expressway.
Both of these roads are badly needed for the future prosperity of New Jersey,
but because of the unavailability of Interstate mileage, the State has been pres-
sured into abandoning 1-278. This does not indicate to me a sound approach to
planning. I urge you to act immediately to expand significantly the Interstate
System so that we may begin to plan to avoid the congestion that threatens
our future.
Thank you.
PAN AMERICAN HIGHWAY AssoCIATIoN, INC.,
Belleville, Kans., June 8, 1968.
Congressman ROnERT V. DENNEY,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN DENNEY: I regret not being able to come to Washington
recently for the House Subcommittee Reports, but having visited with George
Moyer, Jr., of Madison, Neb., I am advised that you still could add to this mate-
rial, and we certainly want The Pan American Highway Association included
in the report.
I would like to report to you that the state of Kansas is planning the exten-
sion of 1-35W due north to Belleville, Kan., and the Nebraska state line (at
Chester) as a four-lane freeway project, and is acquiring land right-of-way for
this extension along the route of US81 which is due north from Sauna. Acquired
land and the routing is already established to within 30-miles of the Nebraska
line.
May I remind you of the bill you and a number of other Congressmen and
Senators submitted last year for the extension of 1-35W along US 81 highway as
the "Pan American Highway." As you know this route already stretches com-
pletely across the North American continent through North and South America
through some 12 countries and in all these countries (except the United States
and Canada) this routing is officially known as the Pan American Highway. Road
signs along the route in Costa Rica, and the various countries indicate the high-
way as such-and there being no highway designation other than this name it
is the oniy way the North and South highway is known.
Already the Pan American Highway is a paved highway more than 10,000
miles long-yet needs to be completed across the United States from Sauna on
due north to Winnipeg, Canada. Any study of present maps will already show the
US 81 route is carrying more north and south traffic than any other highway-
and the country needs a good North and South Freeway-a direct one and one
not built just to serve a few cities along the way.
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830
Congressman Denney, the Pan American Highway Association, made up of
members in six states asks your support on the extension of this much-needed
north and south freeway. It can mean a lot to the midwest-but it must be built
for the traveler, not just a business builder for the cities. The business will fol-
low, but the routing is of first importance.
There is no doubt that in the Nebraska area of US 81 most are showing their
preference that the new 4-lane freeway would not be an Interstate, but a limited
access freeway which would attract more industry. The Pan American Highway
Association can understand this and the importance of developing industry.
I would like to point out to you that the US 81 route splits 1-80 at York-just
between Grand Island and Hastings and Lincoln and Omaha. This makes Ne-
braska have an "ideal" crossroads and distribution point of this interstate traffic.
Any other routing to the west or the east would be catering to an indirect route.
If this North and South Route is to be effective it must stretch across the
continent into all countries-Canada, the U.S.A., Central, South America and
Mexico.
If you will be kind enough to look over some of the enclosed material you will
see we feel that the Pan American Highway Project is a very important highway
need and your support continued will be appreciated.
Yours very truly,
MERLE M. MILLER, President.
[Reprinted from the March 9, 1967, issue of the Belleville Teiesc~pe]
HIGHwAY FUTURE?
We have become thoroughly convinced that the need for a North and South
Highway across the United States is probably one of the country's greatest
highway needs.
We feel that after two years of serious study of the question of inter-
continental highways that this is a carefully measured statement, and that the
need is real and should receive the full support of the federal government and the
five states-Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South and North Dakota
through which the Pan American Highway-this north and south route should go.
Anyone examining a map of the United States interstate highway system will
find that everyone of the states named above has at least one east to west inter-
state crossing its boundaries. On the other hand one will find that there are
virtually no direct (straight) north and south interstate routes across the
United States.
The closest one can come in the midwest to finding such a north and south
route is 135W from Laredo through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City
to Sauna, Kansas. At this point 35W returns to the federal designation 11581-
the identification most of this highway held before becoming part of the Inter-
state System.
We firmly believe that this highway needs to be completed on directly north
through Concordia and Belleville, Kan., York and Columbus, Neb., to Yankton
and then to Watertown, S.D., connecting with the already built 129 which it
would follow into Canada and Winnipeg.
In the past few years a number of diagonal interstate, free-way or toll road
routes have been proposed. We think that some of these would be beneficial
but the direct routes, both north and south and east and west should receive
the priority and first attention.
CENTER, Tax., May 22, 1968.
Hon. JoHN KLUCZYNSKI,
TVasltingtou, D.C.:
Toledo Bend Lake in the Sabine National Forest covering 186,000 surface
acres is now full. Lack of roads greatly hampering access to this fine lake.
Speaking for the members of this club, we ask your support in providing more
funds for forest road development.
K. KEMPER LATHAM.
Prerident, ~S'1zeThy County Sportman Club.
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831
RIvERsIDE, CALIF., June 1, 1968.
AUDREY WARREN,
House Public Works Committee,
Washington, D.C.:
The. Water Shed Fire Council of Southern California passed resolutions
June 1966 urging passage of National forest development roads bill due to
hazardous fire conditions. We again urge your committees support of H.R.
16994 national forest development roads for $170 million.
ROBERT RADFORD,
Chairman, Water Shed Fire Council
of Southern California.
CENTER, TEX., May 22,1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Washington, D.C.:
Funds for forest development roads in Sabine National Forest in east Texas
along Toledo Bend Reservoir are vitally needed if this lake is to help the
economic growth of this area. Greatest need at this time is access roads. Re-
spectfully request your support.
W. W. LANE,
Mayor, and City Council.
CENTER, TEX., May 22, 1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUGZYNSKI,
Washington, D.C.:
Re Federal Aid Highway Act of 1908. Request your support to prevent reduc-
tion in funds for forest development roads and trails. A large part of the shore-
line of Toledo Bend Reservoir in Texas is a part of Sabine National Forest. This
largest manmade lake in the south with 1,200 miles of shoreline must have access
roads for full economic and recreational development. Shelby County with one-
half the Texas shoreline pledges its full support and cooperation in developing
more roads but must have the help of the Sabine National Forest. Request this
be made part of record.
Judge V. V. PATE,
County Judge and the
Comm'issioners Court of Shelby County.
CENTER, TEX., May 22, 1968.
Hon. JOHN KLUCZYNSKI,
Washington, D.C.:
Urgently request no reduction in funds for forest development roads and trails,
Federal act of 1908. Approximately one-half of shoreline of giant Toledo Bend
Reservoir in Texas is a part of the Sabine National Forest. This is largest man-
made lake in the South and access roads are a vital necessity for development.
Urge your support. Request this be made part of record.
JACK MOTLEY,
President, Ces~ter Development Foundation Center.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D.C., May 1~, 1968.
Hon. GEORGE H. FALLON,
Cli airman, Public Works Committee,
Rayburn House Office Building.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: It is my understanding that hearings will be held next
week on the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968.
I am forwarding the comments of Henry C. Helland, Director of the Utah
State Department of Highways, for the consideration of the committee.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Very respectfully,
LAURENCE J. BURTON,
Member of Congress.
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832
UTAH STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS.
Salt Lake City, May 9, 1968.
Hon. LAURENCE J. BURTON,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. BURTON: Enclosed is a copy of our comments on the Department
of Transportation's proposed 1968 Highway Act. The comments were prepared
for AASHO but should be of interest to you.
AASHO has organized an "After 1975 Committee" to prepare recommendations
for a continuing program to be implemented upon completion or shortly prior to
completion of the presently authorized Interstate Highway Program. A great
effort is being made by the Community and it has the support of the Utah High-
way Department.
Recommendations to Congress by the Committee and action by the present
Congress on the AASHO Program would be premature. There are, however, sev-
eral items of importance to the highway program in Utah of which you should
be aware.
It would be detrimental to the Utah Program were any extensiOns of the In-
terstate System mileage to be authorized. Such an action would defer the time
when funds now going to the Interstate Program could be channeled into pro-
grams on the Primary and Secondary Systems. The need for improvement on
Primary and Secondary Highways in Utah is becoming critical. Particularly is
this true with regard to federal-aid Secondary Highways. The present alloca-
tion of Secondary projects in Utah is $3,000.000 per year. Under federal regula-
tions one-half of this amount is made available to Counties for improvements
to the County Secondary System. The balance, with State matching funds, totals
$2,000,000 per year. A large proportion of these funds has been used to con-
struct approaches to the Interstate System and consequently little has been or
can be done on other State Secondary roads. Public demand for improvements
is high but funds are not available. A similar, though less critical situation,
exists on the Primary System, particularly in Urban areas. Relief cannot wait
upon completion of the Interstate System. An increase in the authorization for
Primary, Secondary and Urban roads from $1,000,000,000 to $1,500,000,000 is
needed now.
The DOT bill does not provide such an increase. It does propose an allocation
of $250,000,000 for the TOPICS program. The funds could be better used in the
regular federal-aid program with a reduced amount of $50 to $100 million being
made available for the TOPICS program.
Your assistance in supporting any effort to increase ABC apportionments and
to resist any attempts to expand the Interstate System would be appreciated.
We would be happy to funish any other information which you may desire
concerning proposed federal legislation pertaining to the highway program.
Very truly yours,
R. W. GRIFFIN,
(For Henry C. Hellan, Director of Highways.)
RESPONSE SHEET BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALs
ON THE DOT DRAFT LEGIsLATION, "FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1968"
Sectioa 4 of the WiT1
Comments: With the extension of time needed to complete the system the next
cost estimate need not be required before January 1971. The present estimate
could be used for apportionments through fiscal year 1972 or later.
Section 5 of the bill
(1) Comments: The current back-log of needs on the Primary and Secondary
Systems need immediate relief. ABC authorization should be increased by 50%
to $1,500.000,000.
(2) Comments: (For TOPICS Program) The TOPICS Program needs to be
financed but $250,000,000 is too much. In some States this would exceed the alloca-
tion for Primary construction. An amount between $50 and $100 million would be
more appropriate.
(3) and (4) (Note to come from Trust Fund.) Comments: Public Land and
Forest Highway Programs should be financed from the General Fund, not the
Trust Fund. Increases in these funds should be considered.
1 The dates specified do not appear ~o be the final completion dates.
PAGENO="0845"
833
Section 9 of the bill (all subsections)
Comments: The period for advance acquisition should be extended to at least
ten years.
Section 12 of the bill
Comments: Refer to Section ~(2).
Section 13 of the bill
Comments: Financing of parking areas should be accomplished outside the
Highway Trust Fund.
STATEMENT OF C. W. "RED" BECK, STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 23D DISTRICT,
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Mr. C. W. Beck
of Port Orchard, Washington. I am a State Representative from the 23rd District
of our State and have been a member of our Legislature since 1961. I sincerely
appreciate this opportunity of presenting testimony to your Committee, outlining
my ideas of a federal-aid highway program following completion of the Inter-
state system.
In submitting this testimony to you, I feel that I might be considered a
"typical" state legislator from a typical state. Washington is a state of about
medium population, with a full range of population densities from heavily-
urbanized to sparsely-populated areas. My county contains about 96,000 people
and has one medium-sized urban area, the City of Bremerton, which has a
population of approximately 38,000. Therefore, my district is concerned with
not only rural highways but the problems of urban transportation as well.
I am particularly concerned with plans of the Congress for the authorization
of a federal-aid highway program to follow completion of the Interstate system.~
Although the date for completion of the Interstate appears to be somewhat in-
definite at this time, I realize that the planning for any new program requires
several years, and 1 hope that my comments here today will be of some value to
you in considering future legislation for a federal-aid program to follow the
Interstate.
First, I should explain the vital interest of the Legislature of the State of
Washington in our highway system and the importance of highways to the
economy of our state. In the State of Washington, we have an interim Joint
Committee on Highways, which concerns itself with highway matters between
the biennial sessions of the Legislature. The Committee is composed of 24 Sen-
ators and Representatives from both parties. It has a number of subcommittees
which work continuously throughout the biennium on various problems and
studies for the betterment of our highway program. I have the honor and
privilege of being a member and Secretary of the present Joint Committee on
Highways and am finding its work most rewarding. The Committee works
closely with our Department of Highways in solving many highway problems and
making studies which facilitate the work of the Legislature at its regular ses-
sions every two years.
Although the Interstate highway program has not directly benefited my par-
ticular part of the state or my legislative district, I fully recognize its great
value to our state and all of the states of the Nation. The Congress is to be
congratulated on its foresight in authorizing and financing this monumental
program. It is evident it will prove invaluable to the transportation system of
our Nation.
At the same time, all of us recognize that improvement of other highways in
our states has lagged as a result of needs for financing the Interstate system.
These other highways are not being improved nearly as rapidly as needed. It
is urgent that some new program be authorized as soon as practical which will
permit the states to meet the demands of their rapidly-increasing automobile
traffic. I hope the suggestions I make here today will be of benefit to your Com-
mittee in evaluating a course of action in considering a new federal-aid highway
program to follow the completion of the Interstate system.
As a student of highway affairs, I have taken the opportunity to follow closely
the urgent highway problems which are prevalent around the country today. I
know you have received a great deal of testimony from the large urban areas and
the problems they are experiencing in trying to overcome traffic congestion in
PAGENO="0846"
834
these large city areas. I am most sympathetic to their problems and believe
greater efforts must be made in these large cities to solve the traffic problems.
On the other hand, there are literally thousands of urban areas similar to the
medium-sized one in my particular district where there are also highway trans-
portation problems which must be met. Highways are vital to our transporta-
tion needs and the present program is not adequate to solve these needs.
In making these comments, I am in no way critical of either the present fed-
eral highway program or the highway program of my State of Washington. The
present federal-aid highway program, including the Interstate, is well-conceived,
and I congratulate the Congress on the wisdom it has shown over the years in
assisting the states in solving their transportation problems. Our State Highway
Department in Washington is doing its very best within its available funds, but
needs are rapidly outstripping the funds available to build more highways. This
is my real purpose in being here today.
Before outlining my views on what I feel a future highway program should
encompass, I should tell you what we are doing in the State of Washington to
help ourselves in solving the highway transportation problems. As in the case
of all of the other states, we are heavily dependent upon federal-aid funds to
build our highways, but at the same time we have not sat waiting for the federal
government to solve all of our problems.
In 1063, the Washington State Legislature enacted a Priority Programming
Act which provides for the development of our state highways in Washington on
a priority basis. All of our highways are classified according to their importance
and the major amount of available state highway funds are used to improve
the highways of greatest importance to the state. We believe this Priority Pro-
gramming Act is one of the best-conceived systems in the country for putting
highway dollars where they are needed most.
Despite the fact that the State of Washington was tied with two or three
other states for the highest state gasoline tax in the Nation prior to 1967, our
1967 Legislature chose to increase the state gasoline tax by 1~ cents, up to 9
cents per gallon. Without a doubt. we now have the highest gasoline tax of any
state in the Nation. This substantial increase in our gasoline tax was not easy
to come by, but was recognized as an absolute necessity in order to partially
relieve traffic congestion in the urban areas of our state. In fact. the funds de-
rived from the 11A cent increase in our gasoline tax are specifically earmarked
to improve state highways, county roads and city arterials in the urban areas
of our state having populations of 5,000 or more people. In order to complete
the program as soon as practical, the revenues from the 11/2 cent gasoline tax
increase will be utilized to back up two $200 million bond issues to improve the
highways, roads and streets in the urban areas with the idea that the whole
program will be completed in six to ten years. Again, I believe the State of
Washington has faced up to the problem of traffic congestion and is doing its
part to overcome the problem. We sincerely hope that the Congress will assist
us further. Although our state program will help a great deal toward solving
our problem, much remains to be done.
Over the past several years, the economy and population of the State of
Washington has been increasing at an extremely rapid rate, and our need for
highways has increased by leaps and bounds. We are anxiously awaiting com-
pletion of the Interstate system with the hope that the very large amount of
highway dollars going into the Interstate can be diverted for the improvement
of our primary and secondary highway system.
As somewhat of a layman legislator, it would be presumptuous for me to
attempt to come before this Committee with a specific and detailed proposal
for a federal-aid highway program after completion of the Interstate program.
For instance, my community would be delighted to have an Interstate highway
built in our area to help solve our problems. I am sure a great many more areas
similar to my own would like to have the same thing. But at the same time, I
realize that a major increase in the Interstate system would tie up revenues
of the Federal Trust Fund for many years to come and would intensify the need
for improvement of the primary and secondary systems.
With this as a backdrop, and speaking in terms of what I believe the average
legislator around our country feels. I pronose that the Congress authorize a fed-
eral-aid hirhway program following the completion of the Interstate along the
following lines:
1. Following completion of the Interstate system, continue the present Federal
Highway Trust Fund and revenues going into it for Improvement of the primary
and secondary federal-aid highways of the various states.
PAGENO="0847"
835
2. The objectives of the Federal Interstate program has not been fully realized.
There is a vital need for a small limited addition of mileage to this system. The
00/10 ratio should apply to this additional mileage. In my state we have two
significant metropolitan areas and one of the most vital military and naval in-
stallations on the Pacific O~ast that have no access to the Interstate system.
3. Continue to recognize the urgent needs for highway, road and street im-
provements in the urban areas which are off the state highway systems and
allocate a part of the Federal Trust Fund monies to improve these urban high-
ways. I suggest that the extent of this program be determined after asking the
states to submit estimates of needs and that the funds for improving the urban
highways, arterials and streets be allocated to the states on an equitable basis.
4. Presently the motorists are paying a federal excise tax on all new cars into
the general fund. In my state, the motorist pays for off highway use a 2% excise
tax on the value of the car each year for schools and a $4.60 fee for State Patrol,
also a 4.5% sales and use tax everytime the vehicle ownership changes hands.
With this diversion of funds, I would urgently request that no further diversions
from the motorist be included in any new legislation. I specifically point out
highway beautification off highway rights of way and urban transit systems, and
parking lots. These functions are legitimate costs that should be absorbed by
some fund other than the motorists. The motorist is paying his fair share of the
cost of government by paying for the cost of highways.
5. The major part of the Federal Trust Fund monies should be allocated to a
new federal-aid program to upgrade primary and secondary highway systems,
the funds to be allocated to the states on the basis of relative needs. We believe
our priority system in the State of Washington is a model for other states but rec-
ognize that conditions differ around the country. Therefore, I would suggest that
the composition of the new federal-aid system and the allocation of funds to
the various states be determined after a comprehensive classification and needs
study.
I have no magic formulas to suggest, either as to the method of classifying
state highways or the determination of needs. I believe the Directors of High-
ways of the various state highway departments and federal officials concerned
with these matters are fully competent to provide you with this information.
The major point I desire to make is that all of us fervently desire that the Federal
Trust Fund monies be continued and utilized to improve our primary and sec-
ondary highway systems.
Gentlemen, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of appearing before you
and giving you my views on highway improvements in the State of Washington.
I feel our highway problems in the State of Washington are very much similar
to those which exist in the other states, and I hope my views are representative
of a great many state legislators around the country. I hope also I have made
it clear that I don't pretend to represent the large metropolitan areas of my
own state or others. Nor do I feel that I am from a completely rural area. I sin-
cerely believe I represent a completely "average" legislative district in one of
the states of the Nation where adequate highway transportation is the life blood
of our economy and our well-being. In considering a federal highway program
after completion of the Interstate system, I sincerely hope you will not overlook
the interests of the many thousands of legislative districts similar to my own.
It has been an honor and a privilege to appear before you today and to be
able to submit to you my views on the needs for highway improvements in my
state.
Thank you.
STATEMENT OF FREDERICK B. DRAKE
Mr. Chairman and honorable members of this distinguished Committee, I am
Frederick B. Drake, Director of Purchasing & Real Estate for Air Products and.
Chemicals, Inc.
Air Products, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is active interna-
tionally in the design, construction and operation of industrial gas, chemical
and fertilizer plants. The photographs of the Michoud Facility presented by Mr.
Ferguson, show the relative scale and degree of sophistication involved within
a typical Air Products plant complex.
May I first take this opportunity to compliment the Corps of Engineers for
their excellent report of December 8, 1967. If all forecasts within this report
fare out as well as the statistics predicted for Air Products, I believe you
PAGENO="0848"
836
gentlemen can respOnd confidently and positively to the conclusions and recom-
mendations presented therein.
In comparing actual exports of Anhydrous Ammonia .to those projected within
Figure 5, Page AiG of the Corps' report, it can be seen that total 1966 through
1968 exports should approximate those forecasted. This will occur despite the
effects of Hurricane Betsy, which caused an approximate 50% reduction in 1966
exports.
In 1967 we were just about on target, exporting 46,300 tons and this year
~we should make up the 1966 deficit by exporting 71,500 tons.
In considering further expansion into foreign markets, Air Products must
Teact in proportion to her relative competitiveness. Of course, the lower our
export costs, the more competitive we can become and the greater our incen-
tive for capital investment.
This modification and improvement project will help Air Products reduce the
export costs through direct access to deep water transportation. With lower
anticipated export costs we become motivated towards considerations of capital
expenditures which would otherwise be economically unjustifiable.
Increased capital expansion could allow production cost reductions through
the efficiencies associated with expanded volume. Prices could then be lowered
within our export markets and help enhance our world position.
Expanded production facilities would also benefit the American farmer by
inducing lower domestic prices. With lower cost production capacity, Air Prod-
ucts would expand domestic efforts. This increased supply would stimulate
national competition into reducing prices and provide the catalyst for technical
improvements of their products.
Deep water transportation ability would also tend to motivate Air Products
towards diversification into other commodity exports and to allow the domestic
manufacture of certain goods instead of through foreign subsidiaries. These
factors, of course, would contribute towards improving this country's balance
of trade.
In addition to these economic benefits and to those outlined in the report by
the Corps of Engineers are the employment opportunities created for unskilled
and semi-skilled workers. We could conceivably aid in the training of "hard-
core" unemployed.
Therefore, gentlemen, Air Products strongly solicits your support for this modi-
fication and improvement project, and requests your favorable support of the
Corps of Engineer's conclusions and recommendations.
Thank you again, gentlemen. I have submitted a copy of my comments for the
record.
STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF CoMMIssIoNERs OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
The following statement is submitted in behalf of the Board of Commissioners
of the Port of New Orleans, an agency of the State of Louisiana, in support of
the proposed project for enlargement of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway east of
the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet and the Michoud Canal to provide ship chan-
nels in these waterways.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans created by the Con-
stitution and statutory laws of the State of Louisiana is empowered and charged
with the responsibility of constructing and maintaining wharves and other port
facilities, of regulating the commerce and traffic of the port and harbor of New
Orleans and of administering the affairs thereof in such a manner as may, in
the Board's judgment, be best for the maintenance and development of the port.
The Board is composed of five members prominently identified with the commerce
and business interests of the port. The members of the Board are appointed by
the Governor of the State of Louisiana, each to serve a term of five years.
The jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans
embraces the Parishes (Counties) of Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard in
Louisiana. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from Lake Borgne to the Inner
Harbor-Navigation Canal and the Micioud Canal, as well as the Mississippi
River-Gulf Outlet, are within the limits of the Port of New Orleans.
In addition to its other duties, the Board was designated by the then Governor
Earl K. Long on December 10, 1956, as the assuring agency for the State of
Louisiana, to obtain and convey to the LTnited States of America the rights-of-
way and spoil disposal areas and to satisfy other provisions of local cooperation
required of the State in connection with the construction, operation and main-
PAGENO="0849"
837
tenance of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, in accordance with Public Law
455,84th Congress, approved March 29, 1956.
The Chief of Engineers of the Department of the Army has recommended the
modification of the existing project for the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet to
provide a deep-draft navigation channel in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
and Michoud Canal by enlargement to a depth of 36 feet over a bottom width
of 250 feet from the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet channel to and including a
turning basin 800 feet square at the north end of the Michoud Canal. The
report of the Chief of Engineers reflects a benefit-cost ratio of 7.1 to 1.
The recommendations of the Chief of Engineers concerning this project In-
clude the requirements that prior to construction local interests shall agree to:
a. Provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and
rights-of-way required for construction and subsequent maintenance of the
project and for aids to navigation upon the request of the Chief of Engineers,
including suitable areas determined by the Chief of Engineers, to be re-
quired in the general public interest for initial and subsequent disposal of
spoil, and also retaining dikes for disposal of spail from maintenance dredg-
ing, if required;
b. Accomplish without cost to the United States such utility or other re-
locations or alterations as necessary for project purposes;
c. Hold and save the United States free from damages due to the con-
struction and subsequent maintenance of the project, including any erosion
beyond the rights-of-way furnished; and
d. Provide, maintain and operate without cost to the United States ade-
quate public wharf facilities on the Michoud Canal open to all on equal
terms.
NOTE: The italic portions of subparagraph "a" above ifid not appear
in the requirements of local cooperation as contained in the report
of the District Engineer on this project, and were added to the requirements
on the recommendation of the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans at a regular meeting
held on October 13, 1967, adopted a resolution indicating that the Board was
willing and able to provide the assurances of local cooperation, as proposed in
the reports of the Division and District Engineers, should the project be au-
thorized by the Congress of the United States; and further, authorized the
Director of the Port to sign, execute and deliver to the Corps of Engineers a state-
ment in such form and containing such provisions as in the sole discretion of
said Director of the Port shall seem proper, evidencing the willingness and
ability of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to provide the
required assurances of local cooperation. The assurances of the Board in this
regard have been furnished to the District Engineer, New Orleans District, Corps
of Engineers, by letter, dated October 19, 1967, and a copy of such letter and
resolution of the Board are contained in the District Engineer's project report
dated December 18, 1967. The additional requirements of local cooperation as
recommended by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors do not appear
to be unduly burdensome and such requirements will be satisfied by the Board.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has concluded
negotiations with the owners of the property adjoining the proposed navigation
improvements to the point that the availability of rights-of-way for initial
construction and for the deposit of spoil therefrom is assured. Furthermore, the
Board has concluded negotiotions and possesses an option to purchase a site for
the construction of public port facilities on the Michoud Canal. Also, within the
Board's Capital Facilities Program for the period 1968-4972, is included a project
for the construction of public terminal facilities on the Michoud Canal schedul-
ing the amount of $4,400,000 for this project. It may be observed, therefore, that
the requirements for local cooperation not only have been assured but are in
such a status as to permit the immediate initiation and completion of the pro-
posed project.
The plan of development as contained in the report of the Chief of Engineers
has been approved by the Board's engineers and such plans are considered to
be entirely suitable and completely consistent with the master plan for develop-
ment and expansion of the Port of New Orleans.
The proposed project not only will serve importantly the trade and commerce
of the Port of New Orleans but also will serve and encourage the industrial
development of the private lands abutting the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and
PAGENO="0850"
838
Michoud Canal to the economic benefit of the City of New Orleans, the State of
Louisiana and the entire nation.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans strongly endorses
the proposed project for the deepening and widening of the Gulf Intrâcoastal
Waterway east of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet and the deepening and
widening of the Michoud Canal as proposed in the report by the Chief of Engi-
neers. The early approval of this project by the Congress of the United States is
respectfully requested.
STATEMENT OF Jos~n V. FERGUSON II, ATTORNEY, NEW ORLEANS, LA., ON BEHALF
OF Am PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS. INC., NEW ORLEANS EAST, INC., INTERNATIONAL
AUTO SALES .& SERVICE, INC., OKLAHOMA CEMENT Co., DUNDEE CEMENT Co.,
LOUISIANA MATERIALS, INC., GERTLER-HEBERT Co., PRATT FARNSWORTH, INC.,
DIXIE MILL SUPPLY
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee on Public Works of the United
States House of Representatives.
I am Joseph Ferguson, an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. I appear be-
fore this Committee to speak on behalf of the local interests sponsoring the
proposal to modify the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from its junction with the
Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet to the Michoud Canal, and the Michoud Canal,
to provide, in addition to the water transportation now available by virtue of
the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the MissiSsippi River-Gulf Outlet, deep
Water transportation to a rapidly developing industrial area situated in the
eastern part of the City of New Orleans. This project has the whole-hearted
support and approval of all of the property owners in the area.
I wish to express my thanks and the thanks of the other parties who will
speak to you on behalf of this project for the opportunity to appear before this
Committee and to present our views.
A report with respect to this proposed modification has been prepared b~'
the U.S. Army Engineering District, New Orleans, Corps of Engineers, New
Orleans, Louisiana dated December 18, 1967, which report has been approved
by the Division Engineer, the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors and
the Chief of Engineers. A hearing was held by the Committee on Public Works
of the United States Senate on May 23, 1908. This proposed modification is
presently before this Committee for consideration.
The District Engineer has estimated that the improvements and modifica-
tion to the existing waterways can be constructed at a cost of $1,300,000, cx-
elusive of $20,000 for aids to navigation. He has estimated that the annual
average benefits will be in the sum of $495,000 resulting in a benefit cost ratio
of 7 to 1.
To permit you to quickly familiarize and orient yourself with the area in-
volved and its present industrial development, we have caused a current
aerial photograph of the area involved to be made and will also submit addi-
tional photographs and charts reflecting progress in the area which has taken
place subsequent to the report prepared by the District Engineer.
Exhibit 1 reflects existing waterways and the area of the proposed modifica-
tion. The modification is for a depth of 36 feet and a bottom width of 250 feet.
You will observe that we are dealing with a very limited area where modifica-
tion and improvements are proposed. The area involved is from the juncture of
the Mississippi River outlet in the Michoud Canal which is shown on this photo-
graph at this point. It proceeds easterly along the Intracoastal Waterway for a
distance of approximately one and one-half miles to the junction of the Michoud
Canal which runs in a northerly direction for a distance of approximately one
and one-half miles. The proposed modification includes the construction of a
turning basin at the northern end of the Michoud Canal.
I direct your attention to the photograph which we identified as Exhibit 1A.
Please note on this photograph that the plant of Air Reduction Company which
appears in the 1965 photograph appended to the District Engineer's report has
now been completed and is in operation.
A plant has been constructed by the Dundee Cement Company at this point,
subsequent to the study by the District Engineer.
The property owned by Louisiana Materials Company, a subsidiary of the
American Marine Company, is presently being used as a storage area; how-
ever, the long range plans of this corporation include the construction of a yard
for the building of barges, ships and other vessels.
PAGENO="0851"
839
Pratt Farnsworth has moved its construction yard from another location in
the City of New Orleans to its Michoud site here.
I now submit for your consideration Exhibit 2 which is a colored aerial
photograph of the Air Products and Chemicals Plant looking in a westerly direc-
tion. This photograph shows a portion of the Michoud Canal and lying directly
opposite the Air Products Plant on the opposite canal is the NASA Michoud
facility.
I submit Exhibit 3, a colored aerial photograph of the Air Products and
Chemicals Plant looking in a northeasterly direction. This photograph discloses
the facilities originally constructed by Air Products and Chemicals to service
barge and other forms of water transportation from its Michoud Plant. These
facilities are being continuously improved.
In the extreme upper right hand corner you may observe a portion of the spoil
area with respect to which Air Products has granted a spoil disposal right-of-
way or easement. In the upper left hand corner it discloses a portion of the prop-
erty with respect to which Air Products has granted a right-of-way or easement
for the construction of the turning basin.
Exhibit 4 is a colored photograph of the Air Products and Chemicals Plant
during its operation at night and is submitted as evidence of the continuous oper-
ation of this plant.
The concept of modifying the Intracoastal Waterway and the Michoud Canal
to provide deep water transportation to that area was originated by several of
the industries which had located or planned to locate facilities on the Michoud
Canal. One of the originators of this project, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.,
of Allentown, Pennsylvania, produces at its plants gaseous nitrogen which it de-
livers to NASA at Michoud and liquid hydrogen and oxygen which it delivers to
NASA at its Mississippi test site and other points of use. Although several loca-
tions were available and were considered by management for the location of this
plant, the Michoud site was finally chosen because it offered the prospect of deep
water transportation at some time in the future which would permit Air Prod-
ucts to expand its plant so that it could manufacture fertilizers, principally Anhy-
drous ammonia, uria, phosphates, potash and nitrogeneous fertilizers which it
could ship directly to domestic and foreign markets. If deep water transportation
is available to Air Products at its Michoud plant, Air Products will be able to
offer for sale fertilizers produced at this plant at materially reduced prices to
consumers because of substantial transportation savings. At the present time, in
many instances, these products must be handled twice, first into a barge or truck
and then into a ship and transportation costs are substantial.
While its Michoud chemical complex was under construction Air Products and
Chemicals discussed its views with Mr. Harold Cook, Executive Vice President
of New Orleans East, Inc., which corporation is the owner of large tracts of land
in the area and is engaged in the development thereof.
The proposal was also discussed with Mr. Willard Robertson of International
Auto Sales and Service, Inc., the owner of another large tract abutting the
Michoud Canal. The suggestion was reviewed and considered by these companies
for some time taking into consideration the possible requirements which might
be established by the District Engineer and their ability to satisfy them if the
modification was considered worthy. Thereafter, meetings were held with other
companies or local interests in the Michoud area, that is, the Oklahoma Cement
Company, Pratt Farnsworth, Inc., Gertler-Hebert Company, Dundee Cement and
Louisiana Materials, Inc., Dixie Mill Supply Company and the Sewerage & Water
Board of the City of New Orleans. All of these property owners agreed that the
proposed modification was meritorious and to lend it their support.
Meetings were then held with the District Engineer, New Orleans Engineer
District, and members of his staff concerning the proposed modification. Prelimi-
nary discussions with them indicated that the proposal was feasible and war-
ranted action.
The local interests next contacted Senator Allen J. Ellender, Senator Russell
Long and Congressman F. Edw. Hébert of Louisiana's First Congressional Dis-
trict where the area in question is located, for their assistance to obtain the funds
necessary for a study of the proposed modification to be made by the District
Engineer. Through their efforts the funds for the study were provided.
A public hearing was held in New Orleans on December 18, 1964, by the District
Engineer and was attended by all of the local interests or their representatives
as well as many other persons interested in or who could be affected by the
96-030-68-----54
PAGENO="0852"
840
proposed modification. No objection to the modification was expressed by anyone
at that time or any other time.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port :of New Orleans and the Department
of Public Works of the State of Louisiana both indicated at the hearing on
December 18, 1964, their approval of the proposed modification.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans was requested to act
as public sponsor; however, at the time the public hearing was held the require-
ments of local cooperation were not known and the Board decided to wait until
such requirements were established before reaching a determination as to
whether or not it could act as the public sponsor.
When the study was completed by the District Engineer, but prior to the
preparation of his report of December 18, 1967, the Board of Commissioners of
the Port of New Orleans and the local interests were informed of the proposed
requirements of local cooperation in order that they might determine if the
proposed requirements could be met and satisfied.
These requirements are set forth in his report and in the interest of brevity
will be only summarized here. They consisted of: (a) To furnish the United
States without cost land, easements and rights-of-way for the construction and
maintenance of the modification including suitable areas for the deposit of
spoil, (b) Relocation without cost to the United States of public utilities in the
area, (c) A release in favor of the United States for damages due to construc-
tion, maintenance of the modification and possible erosion, and (d) Provide and
maintain public wharf facilities on Michoud Canal.
Many conferences were held with Board of Commissioners of the Port of
New Orleans and the various property owners whose property would be involved
in satisfying the requirements of local cooperation with respect to the form
and nature of the required agreements. All of these agreements have now been
prepared and executed by Air Products and Chemicals, New Orleans East, Inc.,
Higgins, Inc.. predecessor in title to International Auto Sales and Service,
Sewerage and Water Board of the City of New Orleans, Oklahoma Cement Com-
pany, Dundee Cement Company, Dixie Mill Supply Company, Louisiana Mate-
rials, Inc., Gertler-Hebert Company and Pratt Farnsworth and Company and
delivered to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans.
I now submit Exhibit 5 which is a drawing of the Michoud Canal, the turn-
ing basin and the spoil disposal areas.
The area colored blue represents the right-of-way in the Michoud Canal and
the access to the area reserved for a public wharf granted by its owner, New
Orleans East, Inc.
The area colored in yellow represents the right-of-way in the Michoud Canal
and the access to the area reserved for a public wharf granted by its owner,
New Orleans East, Inc.
The area colored in yellow represents the area which Air Products and Chemi-
cals has granted a right-of-way or servitude for the construction of the turning
basin and the area colored in brown is the area for which it has granted a
right-of-way or servitude for spoil disposal.
The orange area represents the right-of-way or spoil disposal area provided
by New Orleans East, Inc., and the red area represents the area affected by
the agreement with the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans
relating to the proposed public wharf facility.
The area colored in green represents the area with respect to which releases
from damage have been granted by the local interests in favor of the Board of
Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and the U.S. Engineers.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, upon delivery of the
above-mentioned agreements, has agreed to be the public sponsor.
Thus it is apparent that the local interests have already satisfied the require-
ments of local cooperation set forth in the report of the District Engineer.
Colonel William Lewis, representing the Board of Commissioners of the Port
of New Orleans, will also appear before this Committee and inform you that
the Board is prepared to satisfy the requirement with respect to a public wharf
facility.
I further direct the Committee's attention to the fact that the United States
will be one of the principal beneficiaries of this proposed modification. The
NASA property extends a distance of approximately a mile and one-half along
the north bank of the Intracoastal Waterway and approximately a mile along
the west bank of the Michoud Canal. Deep water transportation is not presently
available in this area. At some future time, the availability of deep water trans-
PAGENO="0853"
841
portation from this property may serve a very useful function for the United
States or one of its Departments or Agencies as a deep water transportation
point or considerably enhance its value should the site ever be declared surplus
and placed upon the market for sale.
In order to reach the area of the proposed modification, vessels will normally
use the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet in entering and returning from the Port
of New Orleans, and thus materially increase the use of that waterway.
The modification of the existing waterway submitted to this Committee for
consideration, if authorized and funded, will satisfy an immediate and pressing
need for the industries located or which will locate in the area in question. For
example, Air Products and Chemicals is now prepared to use deep water trans-
portation for shipments from its Michoud Plant. International Auto Sales and
Service is prepared to construct a wharf and other facilities on its property
and commence the importation of automobiles which may ultimately serve as
the focal point of the importation of these automobiles in the Gulf Coast area.
Mr. Willard Robertson of International Auto Sales and Service will appear
before you and provide additional details as to the extent of this operation.
The area lying behind the Michoud Canal owned by New Orleans East has
been set aside for industrial development and as these industries move in they
will require deep water transportation in addition to the rail and highway
transportation now available. Mr. Cook of New Orleans East, who will also ap-
pear before you, will provide additional details concerning their plans for
development.
In summary and conclusion I direct the Committee's attention to the fact that
we are considering a modification and improvement to existing waterways. This
is not a new project, but rather an extension of and better use for existing water-
ways in this area, in particular, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet.
Private industry and individuals recognize the immediate need for this modi-
fication, as evidenced by their sustained efforts over a long period of time seeking
its approval, culminated by their appearance here and their furnishing without
cost to the United States and the public sponsor valuable property rights in the
area of the modification, including releases from damages to their properties.
The relatively modest cost of this modification, the benefits which will accrue
to the public resulting from lower transportation costs of industry located in
the area, the employment by industry of additional skilled, semi-skilled and un-
skilled labor are all material and relevant to your consideration of this
modification.
The District Engineer investigated and evaluated the above mentioned public
benefits in his favorable report of December 18, 1907, concerning this modifi-
cation. As heretofore stated, this report has been approved by the Division Engi-
neer, the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors and the Chief of Engineers.
The progress which has been made thus far is an encouraging example of a
United States Department, State Agency and political subdivision, and pirvate
enterprise recognizing a need, then working in close cooperation and harmony
to satisfy such need.
We now find ourselves at the point where approval by this Committee of this
modification is the next step in the road from conception to fulfillment.
We trust that you will assist us in obtaining this necessary modification by
your support and approval.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES,
Washi'ivgtolI, D.C., June 11, 1968.
Hon. JOHN 0. KLTJCZYNSKI,
Civairman, &~bcomm'ittee on Roa~fs, Committee on Pub fle Works, House of
Representatives, Waslvington, DL!.
DEAR Mn. KLTJczYN5KI: The Chamber of Commerce of the United States urges
the House Subcommittee on Roads to delete Section 14 from H.R. 17134, a bill
to authorize appropriations for the fiscal years 1970-1974 for the construction
of certain highways, and for other purposes.
Section 14 of this bill would permit money from the Highway Trust Fund,
derived from user charges on a "pay-as-you-build" basis, to be diverted to finance
publicly-owned fringe parking facilities.
While the chamber believes that adequate urban parking facilities should be
considered within the context of overall urban transportation planning, we
oppose the Section and urge its deletion, for three reasons:
PAGENO="0854"
842
First, we believe Highway Trust Fund money should be used solely for its
intended purpose-meeting highway construction expenses. We do not believe
the money should be diverted from this essential purpose and used for design,
construction or maintenance of public off-street parking facilities or other non-
highway purposes.
Second, we note that Highway Trust Fund money already seems to be in
short supply-inasmuch as Section 2 of the bill authorizes a stretch-out to 1974
of construction of the Interstate System. Further shortening of the money
supply, by using it for parking facifities, would be detrimental to completion of
the Interstate System.
Third, we view this proposal for federally' financing fringe parking facilities
as an example of unwarranted government competition with private enterprise.
We do not believe it appropriate for the Federal Government to encourage the
provision of parking facilities by other levels of government. Where it is de-
sirable to supply free or below cost off-street parking, the businessman and
property owners benefitting therefrom should provide it without government
subsidy, as they have been doing.
For the foregoing reasons, the Chamber requests deletion of Section 14 from
H.R. 17134.
If there is a sufficiently strong interest in a Federal subsidy for providing
publicly-owned fringe parking facilities, we would recommend that the subject
be heard in separate hearings, where it could be judged on its own merits.
I would appreciate you making this letter a part of the record of Committee
hearings.
Cordially,
Dox A. GOODALL,
General Manager, Legislative Action.
STANDARD LIME & REFRACTORmS Co.,
Baltimore, Md., June 6, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Member, Public Works Committee,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUczYNSKI: We urge your support for enactment of
House Bill 14474 as this legislation would liberalize existing limitations and
enable States so desiring to modernize their present motor truck size and weight
standards.
As you know, present maximum truck size and weight limitations which were
established by the Congress in 1956 are based on standards adopted by the
American Association of State Highway Officials in 1946.
Affirmative action is required to allow individual States an opportunity to
adopt modern size and weight standards.
We respectfully request that our views be made a part of the record.
Very truly yours,
LEWIS RUMFORD II, President.
INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAr~TY,
Washington., D.C.. June 7, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYXSKI,
Chairman, ,S'ubcommittee on Roads of the Public Works Committee, House of
Repi-esen.tativeg, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Ma. KLUCZYNSKI: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ear-
nestly seeks the support of your subcommittee for the traffic and highway safety
authorizations contained in H.R. 17134 and H.R. 16994.
If the traffic safety program of the nation is to go forward it is essential that
the states, the local communities, and others concerned with the mounting high-
way carnage be assured of Congressional leadership and willingness to spend tax
dollars for this purpose. A fine start has been made in dealing with this massive
social problem, due in no small part to the leadership exhibited by yourself and
other members of the House Committee on Public Works.
From our close association with the problem it is apparent that the minimum
authorization for state and community highway programs for 1070 and 1971
should be the $50 and $75 million figures respectively cited in the two House
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bills. Likewise, the smns of $30 and $40 million for highway safety research and
development will meet only minimum needs in this important program area.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is actively involved in
traffic safety activities complimentary to those underway in Washington and in
the state capitals, urges favorable action on the safety sections of the two bills
as written.
We respectively request that this letter be made a part of the hearings record.
The IIHS stands ready to assist your subcommittee in any way possible in at-
tacking the social disgrace represented by traffic deaths, injuries, and property
damage.
Sincerely,
NILs A. LOFGREN,
Acting President.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY 50 FEDERATION,
La Junta, Cob.
To: Congressional Delegates, Governors, State Highway Commissions, State
Highway Departments of the States of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado,
Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Mary-
land, The United States Department of Transportation, and the Federal
Highway Administration in Washington, D.C.
From: National Highway 50 Federation, Post Office Box 316, La Junta, Colorado.
Subject: Upgrading and improvement of U.S. Highway 50, and a proposal to
have U.S. Highway 50 included in any subsequent legislation that will out-
line the next major highway improvement program that will follow after the
present National System of Interstate and Defense Highways is completed.
PREFACE
U.S. Highway 50 is a coast to coast highway between the points of Ocean City,
Maryland on the Atlantic Coast and San Francisco, California on the Pacific
Coast. It traverses on an east-west basis the 12 States noted above, plus the
District of Columbia. It is 3,241 miles in length and affords the traveler the most
direct highway route coast to coast and is located midway between the Canadian
and Mexican Borders.
The National Highway 50 Federation is an association of individual business
people and organizations who have joined together in an effort to promote more
travel and highway improvements on this key arterial route. It is governed by a
board of directors consisting of members from each of the 12 States served by
U.S. 50.
In the Federal Aid Highway Acts of 1956 and 1958, Congress set up the Na-
tional System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Very little mileage of U.S.
50 was included in this 41,000 mile network of four lane, limited access highways.
It has come to our attention that within the next several months, Congress will
start considering what type of new highway improvement program will follow
upon completion of the present Interstate System sometime in the mid 1970's.
It has also been indicated that in all probability one of three programs will be
initiated in this regard:
1. The addition of mileage to the present Interstate Highway System.
2. The creation of an entirely new system of upgraded highways.
3. Adoption of a program to upgrade the present primary and secondary
highways throughout the Nation.
Although there are many sections of U.S. Highway 50 that need immediate
improvement, the National Highway 50 Federation respectfully asks that the
entire length of U.S. 50 be considered for inclusion in any future highway up-
grading program, whether passed by Congressional legislation or initiated at
the State level.
In order to better present the Highway 50 needs, we would like to briefly out-
line on a State or regional basis what we feel are the key points for an overall
improvement program.
CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, UTAH
These three States will be considered jointly, as we feel the continuation of
Interstate 70 from its present dead end at Cove Fort, Utah, on west through
Ely, Nevada; Carson City, Nevada; South Lake Tahoe, California; and on
west to join with Interstate 80 at Sacramento, would solve this entire problem.
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A quick glance at a map of the National System of Interstate and Defense High-
ways will show that Interstate 70, which begins in Washington, D.C. and
Baltimore, Maryland, proceeds west through 10 States only to terminate in west-
central Utah. where it joins Interstate 15 that rims in a southwest-northeast
direction. Interstate 70 is the only east-west interstate highway that dead-ends
rather than joining with another interstate highway going in the same direction.
There is only one east-west interstate highway that serves the West Coast of
the United States from Portland on the north to Los Angeles on the south, a
distance of 1,001 miles. Approaching this problem from a defense angle, it would
seem that there should be more than one east-west interstate highway serving
such a large area. In case of an emergency. and the present one interstate
(Interstate 80) is blocked, the entire West Coast area would be isolated from
the inland. This in itself is reason enough for the extention of Interstate 70
west to Sacramento.
In California, the population is centered around two key areas-Los Angeles
in the south and San Francisco-Bay Area in the north. There are actually four
interstate highways crossing the border of Southern California on an east-
west basis, while the San Francisco-Bay Area has only one.
Also in California there is an immediate need for a four lane highway from
Sacramento east through Placerville to South Lake Tahoe. At the present time
many parts of this road are very narrow and the accident rate is quite high.
The present use dictates that this road is going to have to be four laned as soon
as funds become available.
From Cove Fort, Utah, where Interstate 70 presently ends, on west is the
largest land area in the United States that is not being served by an interstate
highway. Interstate 70 serves Denver, Colorado. There is a definite business need
for a direct route on the Interstate System between the San Francisco-Bay Area
and the State of Colorado. There is no interstate highway at the present time
that links these two regions. Interstate 80 is the only interstate highway serv-
ing San Francisco on an east-west basis and it goes to Reno, Salt Lake City,
and Cheyenne, missing the entire State of Colorado.
We feel that the above reasons warrant the extension of Interstate Highway
70 from its dead end at Cove Fort, Utah, on west to Sacramento and San Fran-
cisco, California.
It is also requested that that portion of U.S. 50 between Green River, Utah,
and Spanish Fork, Utah. be improved to an interstate status. The distance be-
tween these two points is 132 miles. From Green River east to Grand Junction,
Colorado, U.S. 50 and Interstate 70 will be a joint route.
COLORADO
Between the Utah-Colorado State Line and Grand Junction, Colorado, U.S. 50
will be a joint highway with Interstate 70. It is requested that U.S. 50 between
Grand Junction and the Colorado-Kansas State Line, a distance of 440 miles, be
included in the next interstate or similar major highway program. This route
serves much of the tourist area of the State and would offer the best route to
serve the south-central part of Colorado as Interstate 70 now serves Denver and
the northern part of the State. Pueblo, an industrial center, and the second
largest city in Colorado, does not have an east-west interstate highway. U.S. 50
should be designated as such a route, as this highway is the key east-west route
serving this metropolitan area. U.S. 50 is also the key artery serving the areas
of construction for the Frying Pan Arkansas Project and the Curecanti Project
of the Upper Colorado River Storage Project. Right now there is an immediate
need to four lane that portion of U.S. 50 between the four inning east of Pueblo
and Manzanola, a distance of 2i miles. There is also a great need for continua-
tion of four laning from Lamar on west to connect with present four Inning
east of La Junta. U.S. 50 is the second largest carrier of traffic between Kansas
and Colorado and therefore U.S. 50 should be the next major east-west highway
in Colorado.
KANSAS
From Kansas City west to Emporia. a distance of 114 miles, U.S. 50 will be
a joint highway with Interstate 35. The Jorgensen Report, which is a survey
accepted by the Kansas State Highway Commission, has recommended that that
portion of U.S. 50 between Emporia and Hutchinson, a distance of 10~ miles. be
added to the freeway system in Kansas. We request that U.S. 50 from Hutchin-
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son on west to the Kansas-Colorado State Line, a distance of 246 miles, be placed
on the next interstate or similar major highway system. By-passes are urgently
needed now at Newton and Hutchinson. It was pointed out above that U.S. 50 in
the second largest carrier of traffic between Kansas and Colorado. This, com-
bined with the fact that U.S. 50 is centrally located to serve the south-central
part of Kansas on a direct east-west basis, would qualify it for the next major
highway in Kansas. Interstate 70 presently serves the northern part of Kansas.
MISSOURI
From St. Louis west in Union, Missouri, a distance of 48 miles, U.S. 50 will
be a joint highway with Interstate 44. It is requested that U.S. 50 from Union
west to Kansas City, a distance of 225 miles, be included in the next interstate
or similar major highway program. U.S. 50 is the key east-west route serving
Jefferson City, which is the Capital of Missouri. At the present time, Jefferson City
is one of the few State Capitols in the Nation not being served by an interstate
highway. The Missouri State Highway Department is making immediate plans to
four lane U.S. 50 between Kansas City and Sedalia, with future plans to con-
tinue this four laning on to the State Capitol at Jefferson City. This in itself indi-
cates the importance of U.S. 50 to the State of Missouri, thereby qualifying it for
the next major east-west highway in the State.
ILLINOIS, INDIANA
U.S. Highway 50 is the most direct route between St. Louis, Missouri, and
Cincinnati, Ohio, a distance of 350 miles. At one time, Interstate 64 was sched-
uled to be on U.S. 50 from St. Louis east to Shoals, Indiana, a distance of 194
miles, but was changed to a more southerly route after the initial interstate
routings had been adopted. As a result, only a very small section of U.S. 50 east
of East St. Louis will be on the Interstate System, as the new location for Inter-
state 64 goes south to Evanville, Indiana, and on into Louisville, Kentucky. Four
laning on U.S. 50 has already been completed in Illinois and Indiana in the
vicinity of Vincennes, Indiana. Interstate 70 serves central Indiana and Illinois
and U.S. 50 would be the next logical route south to serve the southern part
of these two States on an east-west basis. Recreational developments in the
vicinity of Salem, Illinois by the Corps of Engineers will require more adequate
roads to serve the traveling public. A portion of U.S. 50 from Aurora, Indiana, on
west to Versailles, Indiana, has already been four laned and more is scheduled
in the near future.
OHIO, WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA
There is a definite need for a four lane highway between Cincinnati, Ohio
and Washington, D.C., a distance of 500 miles. U.S. 50 is the most direct route
between these two centers of population. Under the Appalachia Program, 127
miles of this distance are being four laned from Athens, Ohio east to a point
just east of Clarksburg, West Virginia. This leaves 154 miles in Ohio, 129 miles
in West Virginia, and 90 in Virginia that need to be four laned. Millions of
dollars are presently scheduled for reconstruction of U.S. 50 just east of Cm-
cinnati. Additional projects are being scheduled for the improvement of U.S. 50
in Ohio. In West Virginia, the Rowlesburg Dam will cause the relocation of
U.S. 50 in the vicinity of Aurora and will increase tremendously the tourist
interest in that area. Interstate 70 is presently serving the central area of
Ohio. It is felt that U.S. 50 should be the next east-west major artery serving
southern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the heavily populated area in
Virginia west of Washington, D.C. and for that reason should be included in
the next interstate or similar major highway system.
MARYLAND
Except for a section of U.S. 50 over the Choptank River and through Cam-
bridge, and a small section near Vienna, U.S. 50 is four laned from Washington,
D.C. to Ocean City. We ask that these two areas be brought to a freeway
status as soon as possible. It is also important that a major cloverleaf inter-
change be built at the junction of U.S. 50 and U.S. 113 west of Ocean City.
U.S. 113 is a major north-south route, while U.S. 50 is a major east-west route.
The four way stop being used is unsafe for the traffic that uses these two
routes and many accidents have occurred at this point. Since U.S. 50 is the key
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artery from the heavily populated area in and around the District of Columbia,
it is requested that U.S. 50 in Maryland be placed on the next interstate or
similar major highway system.
For the above reasons, the National Highway 50 Federation respectfully
solicits your consideration in making U.S. Highway 50 a part of the next
interstate or similar major highway improvement program.
Sincerely,
JOHN GIANOT'rI,
President.
DOYLE L. DAVIDSON,
Ewecutive Vice President.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY 50 FEDERATION,
La Junta, Cob., June 21, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Representative, Rayburn Bvitding,
Washington, D.C.
DEA.R CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: In line with your telegram to me dated
June 21 I am herewith enclosing a written statement to be included in the
record of your hearings in the Subcommittee on Roads.
The attached material will outline fully the project that we propose in
regard to increasing the mileage of the Interstate Highway System. As you can
see our proposal to you is that Interstate Highway 70 be extended from its
dead-end at Cove Fort, Utah on west to Sacramento and San Francisco, along
the general route of present U.S. Highway 50. All of Northern California has
only one east-west Interstate Highway-Interstate 80. Should it be closed for
any reason there would not be an Interstate Highway available to the entire
West Coast from Portland to Los Angeles, a distance of 1,001 miles. The ex-
tension of Interstate 70 would decrease the mileage between San Francisco and
Denver by 143 miles thereby resulting in a tremendous savings to the traveling
public. There is a great industrial interest between California in the .San Fran-
cisco Bay Area and Denver. Southern California has four east-west Interstate
Highways. Northern California has only one and another one is definitely needed.
The continuation of Interstate 70 is the logical route.
In California U.S. 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe is carry-
ing almost as much traffic as Interstate 80 to the north. An Interstate type
highway is vitally needed in this area and this extension would serve this
purpose.
The three states involved, California, Nevada, and Utah have all gone on
record in favor of this extension. A copy of the Nevada resolution is enclosed.
For the reasons attached in the enclosed proposal we sincerely ask that your
committee give favorable reaction to the extension of Interstate 70 from Cove
Fort, Utah to Sacramento, California. Should this entire extension be greater
than can be allowed at this time we ask that consideration especially be given
to that section between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, a distance of
103.5 miles.
We sincerely ask your consideration of the above mentioned proposal.
Sincerely,
DOYLE L. DAVIDSON,
Executive Vice President.
RESOLUTION OF APPROVAL BY BOARD OF HIGHWAY DIRECTORS OF THE NEVADA HIGH-
WAY DEPARTMENT FOE DESIGNATING PORTIONS OF U.S. HIGHWAY No. .50 IN UTAH,
NEVADA, AND CALU'ORNIA AS AN EXTENSION TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY No. 70,
AND FURTHER CONSIDER FUNDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO UPGRADE THIS SEC-
TION OF PRIMARY HIGHWAY TO STANDARDS COMMENSURATE WITH INTERSTATE
Whereas, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways is being
constructed to provide a nationwide transportation system for use during an
emergency as well as to serve the overall general traveling public, and
Whereas, Interstate Highway 70 will be constructed from the East Coast west
to Southwestern Utah and will be the only Interstate Highway crossing the
Rocky Mountains between Albuquerque on the south and Cheyenne, Wyoming,
on the north, and
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Whereas, Interstate Highway 70 is terminated at a point in southwestern Utah
called Cove Fort, and
Whereas, there will be only one Interstate highway in the present system under
construction serving the San Francisco Bay area on any east-west basis and this
will be the only such highway between Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a
distance of 1,001 miles, and
Whereas, there is both a need for a second east-west defense highway from
the San Francisco Bay area and this need is increasing yearly, and
Whereas, the present routing of U.S. Highway 50, especially between Sacra-
mento and Lake Tahoe South Shore is inadequate to properly and safely carry
the present traffic flow now using this road, and
Whereas, there is a definite need for an Interstate highway between Colorado
and the San Francisco Bay area, and
Whereas, there have been expressions of all segments of the public and officials
from Nevada, California, and Utah dating back to 1964 requesting Interstate
70 not be dead-ended in Utah, but to continue into Nevada and California along
the present U. 5. 50 routing, and
Whereas, U. S. 50 is the main route of travel through the central part of Nevada
and necessary to the economic, agricultural and industrial development of the
heart of the State of Nevada, and also is of the most extreme importance as a
defense facility,
Whereas, it appears that within the next few years Congress will be con-
sidering what direction the future highway program will take,
Therefore, be it resolved, that in the best public interest and safety, the
Nevada State Highway Board of Directors urges the Bureau of Public Roads,
the Department of Transportation, and all others in authority to exercise all
means within their power to bring about the continuation of Interstate 70 from
its present terminal point at Cove Fort, Utah, on west through Ely, Nevada,
and thence along U.S. 50 to Carson City, Nevada, South Lake Tahoe, Echo
Summit, Placerville, and on into Sacramento, California.
That further, regardless of what type program may be considered, it must
include critical sections of the Primary System such as U.S. 50 and provide the
additional funds needed to upgrade to Interstate standards at an early date.
Dated this 31st day of May 1968.
NEVADA STATE HIGHWAY BOARD
OF DIRECTORS,
PAuL LAXALT,
Chairman, Governor.
HARVEY DICKERsoN,
Member, Attorney General.
WILSON MCGOWAN,
Member, State Controller.
Presented by:
JOHN E. BAWDEN,
State Highway Engineer.
Attest:
STANLEY D.
Secretary.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY 50 FEDERATION,
La Junta, Cob.
TO: Congressional Delegates, Governors, and State Highway Departments of
The States of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado and the Bureau of
Public Roads.
FROM: National Highway 50 Federation, P0 Box 316, La ~Tunta, Colorado.
SUBJECT: Proposal to Have Interstate 70 Extended From Its Present Ter-
minal Point in Southwestern Utah on West Along the Present General
Route of US Highway 50 to Sacramento and San Francisco, California.
Preface.-At the present time the 41,000 mile National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways is under construction. It crosses the nation coast to
coast and border to border and is scheduled for completion in the mid 1970's.
While the total mileage in this system is only a little more than one percent of
our country's 3,360,000 miles of roads, these Interstate routes will carry more
than 20 percent of all the traffic. In the Federal Aid Highway Acts of 1956 and
1958, Congress provided for a thirteen year program of federal-state coopera-
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tion to complete this heavy duty system to standards of design and construc-
tion adequate to handle the traffic of 1975. When completed, this Interstate
System will be expected to carry the heaviest loads and the highest traffic vol-
umes for many years. With the target completion date only a few years away,
government groups, both state and federal, are beginning to think seriously
about anticipated highway needs after this date. We have been told that the
Bureau of Public Roads is asking the individual states to submit their ideas
to the federal organization by 1987. We are also told that Congress will then
probably act in 1968 on what additional highway programs will be put into
force after 1975. In talking with both federal and state highway leaders, we
find at the present time no one knows whether the present interstate system
will be extended, whether a new interstate system will be authorized, whether
the present primary and secondary roads will be up graded to four lane stand-
ards or whether something altogether new will be planned. It is the thinking of
the National Highway 50 Federation that consideration should be given to ex-
tending Interstate 70 from its present terminal point in Western Utah on west
to San Francisco and that such should be included in whatever new program
is authorized by Congress. We have been told that this extension can not be
included in the present Interstate system as the mileage was set by Congres-
sional action and that all such mileage has been allotted.
Locat~oa of Interstate 70.-I 70 N begins in Baltimore, Maryland, and I 70 S
starts in Washington. D.C. These two join in Fredrick, Maryland, as I 70. It
then continues on north-west where it merges with the Pennsylvania Turnpike
(also I 80) and follows this expressway into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It then
goes south-west to Wheeling, West Virginia, thence west through Columbus,
Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; St. Louis, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Den-
ver, Colorado and to the terminal point of Cove Fort, Utah. At this point it
junctions with I 15 which is a north-south interstate serving Los Angeles, Las
Vegas, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Butte and Helena. In looking at a map of the
Interstate system, one will note that this is the only place where a major east-
west interstate highway dead-ends rather than merge with another interstate
going in the same direction.
Why should Interstate 70 be eaten4ed?-We shall attempt to outline the many
reasons why Interstate Highway TO should be extended on to the West Coast
rather than to end as presently scheduled at Cove Fort, Utah.
1. As mentioned above, it seems to be the only one that serves such a major
portion of the United States that dead-ends without junctioning with a similar
highway going in the same direction. There isn't even a secondary road that
continues on west from this terminal point.
2. There is only one east-west Interstate Highway that serves the West Coast
on an Interstate basis between Portland on the north and Los Angeles on the
South, a distance of 1,001 miles. This one Interstate Highway is I 80 which
goes from San Francisco east through Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha,
and on east to Chicago and New York. Approaching this problem especially
from a defense angle it would seem that there should be more than one east-west
Interstate serving a 1,000 mile length of the West Coast. In case of emergency,
an enemy could block I 80 as it crosses the high Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
west of Reno and should this happen, all east-west transportation of defense
materials would have to go South to Los Angeles or north to Portland in order
to take advantage of an Interstate Highway. This in itself is reason enough
for the construction of a second Interstate Highway in this area. -
3. In California. the population is centered around two key areas, Los Angeles
in the south and the San Francisco-Bay Area in the north. There are actually
four interstate highways crossing the border of Southern California on an east-
west basis while the San Francisco-Bay area has only one-Interstate 80.
4. In California there is a definite need at the present time for a four lane
highway from Sacramento through Placerville to Lake Tahoe South Shore and
on into Carson City, Nevada. At the present time many parts of this road are
very narrow and the accident rate is quite high. The present flow of traffic dic-
tates that this road is going to have to be four laned as soon as funds become
available. Why not put this routing on the Interstate System and thereby pre-
vent duplication of effort?
5. There is a definite business need for a direct route on the Interstate System
between the San Francisco-Bay Area and Colorado. There is not an Interstate
Route at the present time that links these two areas. Interstate 80 goes north
of Colorado through Wyoming and the next Interstate Route south of Colorado
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.~
`~a~
~\4L~:. ~
~1~k
PROPOSED
EXTENSION OP
I 70 WEST PRc~c
COVE: POR~ 1!rA}I ¶L~~
SACRAHEN~rO, CALIFo~fl~
(t~ttr~c1 ij~ rE~preseflts th~
g~mara - I location of the
pr~~~),~ai
I
PAGENO="0863"
849
is Interstate 40 going through Albuquerque, New Mexico. The logical route that
would connect the above two mentioned areas would be the continuation of
Interstate 70 from Cove Fort on into San Francisco as Interstate 70 now goes
through Denver.
6. This new proposed route would provide the shortest driving distance be-
tween the San Francisco Bay Area and Denver, Kansas City, and other points
east thereby affording a tremendous savings to the motoring public.
What is being doite to promote the continuation of Interstate 70 from its
present termination point in western Utah on west to Sacramento and San
Francisco 7-The National Highway 50 Federation at its annual meeting held in
La Junta, Colorado, on October 1, 1964, adopted a resolution asking for this con-
tinuation of Interstate 70. (Copy attached.) At the same time the Federation is
contacting all interested chambers of commerce, cities, counties, business firms,
community service organizations, and individuals asking them to support this
resolution or a similar one of their own choosing. There is much interest for
this proposed route and it is the goal of the National Highway 50 Federation to
carry on a full program of education and information to show a definite need
for this route.
RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY 50 FEDERATION, LA JUNTA, CoLo.
Whereas, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways is being
constructed to provide a Nation-Wide transportation system for use during an
emergency as well as to serve the overall general traveling public, and
Whereas, Interstate Highway 50 will be constructed from the East Coast west
to southwestern Utah and will be the only interstate highway crossing the
Rocky Mountains between Albuquerque on the south and Cheyenne, Wyoming,
on the north, and
Whereas, Interstate Highway 50 is terminated at a point in Southwestern Utah
called Cove Fort, and
Whereas, there will be only one interstate highway in the present system
under construction serving the San Francisco Bay area on an east-west basis and
this will be the only such highway between Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon,
a distance of 1,001 miles, and
Whereas, there is both a need for a second east-west defense highway from
the San Francisco Bay area and this need is Increasing yearly, and
Whereas, the present routing of US Highway 50, especially between Sacra-
mento and Lake Tahoe South Shore is inadequate to properly and safely carry
the present traffic flow now using this road, and
Whereas, there is a definite need for an interstate highway between Colorado
and the San Francisco Bay area -
Therefore be it resolved, that, in the best public interest and safety the Na-
tional Highway 50 Federation urges the Bureau of Public Roads, The State
Highway Departments, Governors, State Legislators, and Congressional Dele-
gates from the States of California, Nevada, and Utah, and all others in au-
thority to do everything within their' power to bring about, the continuation of
Interstate 70 from Its present terminal point at Cove Fort, Utah, on west
through Ely, Nevada, and thence along the present routing of US Highway 50
to Carson City, Nevada, Lake Tahoe South Shore, and on into Sacramento,
California.
It is further requested that these recommendation's be included in reports
presently being prepared for Congressional action on highway needs after
1972.
Dated this 1st clay of October, 1964.
GEORGE KOENIG, President.'
Attest:
DOYLE L. DAVID5OK,
Thvecutive Vice President.
DUKE CITY LUMBER Co., INC.,
Albuquerque, N. Meat., June 1, 1968.
Hon. THOMAS G. MORRIS,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. MORRIS: We have watched with great interest the recent appropri-
ations to the U.S. Forest Service because more and more we recognize the
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850
gigantic task that the Forest Service has in providing stewardship and manage-
ment of our Nation's timber resources. We, in the forest products industry, are
aware of the expanded demands that are being placed upon our National Forests
to provide the additional needs of recreation, wildlife, range, water, etc. It
seems apparent that a new degree of intensity of forest management is required
so that more volume of timber can be grown on a diminishing area of forest
land. In our opinion, the most useful tool that can be provided to enact this
new intensive practice of forestry is a network of well designed and engineered
forest roads.
It has recently come to our attention that the appropriated sum of $91 million
for forest roads and trails as provided for in H.R. 17354 is now being recon-
sidered in H.R. 16994 and S. 3418 wherein the above amount is contemplated to
be cut in half.
Please be assured of our awareness of the need for, and agreement to provide
for, a reduction of $6 billion in federal expenditures for fiscal year 1969. We
are not so presumptuous as to designate or determine where these reductions
should occur, but we do submit that maximum funds available for forest roads
and trails is a matter of extreme importance and urgency.
It is my personal belief that an extensive program of forest road development
and improvement would have a far greater impact upon our economy and solu-
tion of our depressed area problems, than many of our O.E.O. and anti-poverty
programs now carried on in our state. Only one case in point is cited in recent
testimony submitted to the "Special Subcommittee on Economic Development"
of the "Committee on Public Works"; wherein, Nick L. Salazar, President of
the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District, stated, "and
to carry the logic a step further, if that man has a small farm and a paved
road to carry him to a place of employment, wouldn't this in effect be establish-
ment of long-range employment? We believed it would."
We sincerely believe that a maximum program for forest roads and trails
will provide immediate benefit to all segments of our society and economy.
Accordingly, your efforts and support to restore the United States Forest Service
appropriations will be greatly appreciated.
Very sincerely,
YA~i~ WEINsTEIN.
WESTERN FORESTRY & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION,
Portland, Oreg., Ma~ 29, 1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
C1iairnian~ subcommittee on Roads, Committee on Public Works, House of Repre-
sentatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN KLUCZYNSKI: Reference is made to H.R. 16994, the
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968, which provides for. among other things.
Forest Development Roads and Trails, Forest Highways and Public Lands High-
ways authorizations for Fiscal Years 1970 and 1971.
Western Forestry and Conservation Association respectfully urges your con-
sideration of an amendment to this Bill to provide for the authorization of
8170,000,000 for Forest Development Roads and Trails. This amount has been
the authorization for Fiscal Years 1908 and 1969 and is needed to provide the
opportunity to appropriate more nearly sufficient funds for access to the forests
of the western United States.
Western Forestry and Conservation Association has since 1909 been active in
advocating legislation which will result in better forest management and
protection. To this end, a section of the 1908 Policy Statement reads as follows:
"The Association recognizes that basic to any sound program of timber utiliza-
tion, as well as to an effective protection system, is an adequate forest access
road system which will permit orderly harvest and salvage of current mortality.
The Association urges a more aggressive federal mainline access road program
to permit the full development of the multiple-use potential of our Western
public forests. Further, the Association recommends that governmental agencies
determine areas most urgently in need of access roads to permit adequate
forest management and to meet essential community requirements. The As-
sociation urges prompt salvage of dead and dying timber."
Passage of H.R. 16994 without the restoration of the 845.000.000 authorization
cut contcmplutcd i~ the Bill would ~ to lie A t~te~ bá~l~wârd in the récogni-
tion of the need for access to and management of extensive public forested areas
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851
in the West which are badly in need of protection from insec.ts, disease and fire
to which many of the stands are susceptible due to overage and debility
The Association begs your favorable consideration of its request for the con
tinuation of the present authorization for Forest Development Roads and Trails
and asks that this letter be included in the Hearing record on ELR. 16994.
Yours very truly,
ARTHUR M. ROBERTS,
Forest Counsel.
CoNGREss OF THE UNITED STATES,
HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington. DfJ.. May 29,1968.
Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Roads, Committee on Public Works, House of
Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: 1 understand that your Subcommittee on Roads is this
week holding hearings on various highway legislation including the proposed
legislation to prohibit future cutbacks in monies apportioned for the Federal-aid
to Highway Program.
I want to express my strong supportof such legislation, and would behappyto
see it reported favorably out of your Committee as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention to thismatter.
My kindest regards.
Sincerely,
LAWRENCE G. WILLIAMS,
Member of Congress.
NORTH WEST TIMBER ASSOCIATION,
Eugene, Oreg., June 3, 1968.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ROADS,
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Mn. CHAIRMAN: I understand that the bill presented by the Department of
Transportation to Congress for the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1968 provides
authorization of $125,000,000 for Forest Development of Roads and Trails for
fiscal year 1970 and 1971. This is a reduction of the present authorization by
$45,000,000.
I realize that the appropriation last year was only $120,000,000, which is below
this new proposed authorization. I am confident that this proposed authorization
limit did not consider the pressing need to accelerate our road development pro-
gram in order to do an acceptable job of managing the Forest Land.
Forest Service Thinning and Salvage programs are essential to realize our
maximum yield from these lands. I am sure you are aware of the tremendous ac-
tivities and pressures of industry to harvest every available board foot of timber
under the sustained yield limitation. Only 25 percent of the commercial National
Forest timber land is adequately roaded, thus it is impossible at the present to
salvage all of the annual mortality or do the necessary intermediate cuttings in
the young growth stands. The volume lost to decay or loss of increased yield must
be considerable lost revenue. The maximum production of these lands is essential
to provide the raw material for the dependent communities and provide the maxi-
mum revenue from the land. Maximum production can only be attained through
an aggressive road development program.
Forest recreation of all types is increasing tremendously, and in turn demand-
ing more and better roads. This increased traffic, from a safety standpoint,
requires higher standard roads, which in turn means higher road construction
costs. This increased use also requires increased maintenance costs. It appears
the recreation uses will continue to rise rather than level off. We need the roads
to accommodate the motoring public-the family weekend campers and pie-
nickers, the family sightseeing drives, etc.
Road construction costs have increased for several reasons. All construction
costs are increasing at the rate of 3 to 5% per year. In addition to this increment
in costs, much of the remaining road construction is farther back in the higher
and more rugged terrain, thus increasing the construction cost.
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In addition to the need of financing the above described items, there is an out-
standing need for accelerated completion of the Forest Highway System. At
the current rate of road construction, it will take 25 to 30 years to complete the
Forest Development Transportation System. This system is the backbone for
the development and use of the National Forest.
For the above reasons, I urge that you maintain the authorization for Forest
Development Roads and Trails for F.Y. 1970 and 1971 at the $170,000,000 level.
ARNOLD D. EwING,
E~eeeiwtive Vice President.
STATEMENT OF HON. W. L. DIcKINSoN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE
STATE OF ALABAMA
Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to offer a brief statement
in support of completion of the proposed route of a four lane highway from
Pensacola, Florida to connect with Interstate Route 1-65 in Alabama.
I am familiar with the fact that there are divergent views on the project, as to
routing, so I merely want to stand in support of the completion of the project as
it is a needed connection between two states.
There is considerable traffic in this area which is a highly desirable recreation
situation for tourists in and out of the states involved.
Also, Mr. Chairman, the completion of such a connection would greatly enhance
Alabama's industry potential. I appreciate the opportunity to submit a state-
meat in support of this worthy project and I thank the chairman and members
of this subcommittee for any help they may be able to render.
(Whereupon, at 12:18 p.m., the hearing was concluded.)
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