Research

Administrative History

"An act to provide that the United States shall aid the states in the construction of rural post roads, and for other purposes" appropriated $75,000,000 to be distributed among the states that assented to the provisions of this act. New York State began its participation in the program when Chapter 462 of the Laws of 1917 was enacted. The main thrust of the federal aid act was that the federal government would join with the states in the construction of federal aid highways on the basis of equal costs to the state and the federal governments. The distribution of the moneys was based upon a ratio obtained from three factors: area, population and mileage. Originally, the cost to the federal government was not to exceed $10,000 per mile. This figure was later doubled by an amendment to the act, which became effective on February 28, 1919.