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Today in Interstate History

FHWA Administrator Bertram D. Tallamy.

November 16, 1960

Federal Highway Administrator Bertram D. Tallamy, speaking at the annual convention of the American Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, responded to reports that the price for the Interstate System would top $40 billion. Tallamy told the group that the costs for the highway network would not reach that level. In addition to addressing that issue, Tallamy also sought to clarify the federal government's specific financial share of building the Interstate System. He asserted that, while the federal government paid 90 percent of the original costs, critics "fail to recognize that the state, in addition to paying 10 percent, assumes the responsibility of perpetual operation and maintenance."