What of the future? Our State is presently committed to an impres-
sive construction program which will take us through 1970 at a cost of
over $500 million, including federal matching funds. The law has fixed
the plan and the program is approved every two years by the county
officials themselves. In addition to this, it is my hope that the coming
weeks will see the General Assembly approve additional toll facilities for
our State, so that Maryland may continue to discharge its respon-
sibilities in the field of highway construction in the future with the same
diligence as in the past. I can assure you that during the remainder of
my term in office, the rapid and efficient building of roads will continue
to be a key factor in the growth of our economy.

REMARKS AT OPENING OF INTERSTATE 70

HANCOCK-CLEAR SPRING

October 26, 1965

Today is one of the important days in the history of Western Mary-
land. I say this not merely because we are dedicating 18 miles of addi-
tional freeway through Washington County. I say it because this road
symbolizes the great strides the State government has taken to provide
the people of Western Maryland with a roads system second to none.

This road is a sample. It represents part of a freeway system which
in a few short years will stretch all the way from the great metropolitan
markets of Baltimore and Washington through the mountains of Garrett
County and beyond. It is no secret that the lack of good roads for many
years hampered the development of industry and recreational facilities
in our mountainous counties. The development of the automobile and
the use of the heavy truck for transporting farm produce and industrial
goods have long since made the old National Pike an obsolete country
road. And yet, just seven years ago, at the beginning of this Adminis-
tration, this road, old Route 40, was the only route through Washington,
Allegany and Garrett counties. I ask you to consider how many changes
have come about in this road since that time.

588