The first legislation providing federal aid for public highways was the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 (also known as the Bankhead–Shackleford Act or Good Roads Act), signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on July 11, 1916.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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Purpose:The act’s primary goal was to provide federal funding to states for the construction and improvement of rural post roads, paving the way for a national network of highways.
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Funding:The act authorized $75 million over a five-year period for matching funds to the states, with the federal government contributing half the cost of construction.
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Background:The rise of the automobile and the growing demand for better roads, fueled by the Good Roads movement, led to the need for federal involvement in road construction.
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Significance:The Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 is considered a landmark piece of legislation, as it marked the beginning of the federal-aid highway program and laid the groundwork for the future interstate highway system.
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Additional Information:
- The act was introduced by Rep. Dorsey Shackleford (D-Mo.).
- The act was introduced by Rep. Dorsey Shackleford (D-Mo.).
- The act provided federal subsidies to road-building efforts.
- The act also authorized $1 million annually for 10 years to improve roads and trails within or partly within the national forests.
- To satisfy Federal requirements, any State receiving funds needed to have a highway agency capable of administering projects.
- The 1916 law was fine-tuned in 1921 with several key improvements.