190 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO STUDIES 



ifornia a constitutional amendment providing for a state system 

 somewhat similar to that of Massachusetts was adopted in Novem- 

 ber, 1902. 



Below are digests of the laws of those states which provide state 

 aid or supervision in the improvement of highways : 



Massachusetts. 



In Massachusetts state road improvement is under the control 

 of a commission of three members appointed by the governor; term, 

 three years; salary, president, $3,500; others, 32,500. On petition 

 of the county commissioners, mayor and aldermen of a city or select- 

 men of a town requesting state improvement of any highway, the 

 commission investigate and determine the necessity for improve- 

 ment. If the commission act favorably on the petition, the road 

 becomes a state road and remains permanently under the commis- 

 sion's control. 



When about to construct any highway, the commission is re- 

 quired to give notice to cities and towns through which the road 

 passes, and may contract with them without advertisement for its 

 construction. If not contracted for by cities and towns, the work is 

 let in the usual manner to private parties. 



Construction of state roads must be fairly apportioned among 

 the several counties, and not more than ten miles may be built in 

 any one county in one year except by written consent of the gov- 

 ernor and council. 



One fourth of the expense of highway improvement in any 

 county with interest at three per cent, must be repaid by the county 

 to the state within six years as the commission and state auditor may 

 determine, taking into consideration the financial condition of the 

 county. ('J 



Annual expenditure for repairs to the amount of ^0 a mile is 

 charged to the towns and cities where made. The tax thus collected 

 is turned over to the commission to be used for road improvement.. 



(1) Mass.. '95, Chap. 347. 



