The Highway Construction Program

A clear statement of the major principles which should guide public works policies is written into the Economic Report of the President to the Congress January S, 19^+7-Hover before has there been expressed in concise terms by such high official authority a doctrine so sound it reflects with singular authenticity the national experience in this field.Here is a charter that has long been needed to define the role of public works in the nation's economy, and to recognize both the Inherent limita tions and merits of such undertakings.Only when there is at least a .reasonablycommon understanding of sound public works policies among the public generally, the responsible public officials and the construction industry as a whole, can their united strength be effective, first, in the formulation of public works programs, and second} in their actual accom plishment with mutual benefits.The validity of some of the principles expressed is well illustrated by their application to the highway improvement program.Deferrable and non-deferrable public works."Since many public works projects are not related to the problems °f business operations nor to the daily needs of consumers, they are Su oject tc adjustment in their time of commencement and their rate of Progress, This had led.particularly in recent years, to an over emphasis