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Today in Interstate History

The founders of AASHO.

December 12, 1914

The American Association of State Highway Officials was established in Washington, D.C. That organization's first formal action under the leadership of its first president, Henry Shirley of Maryland, entailed approving a legislative proposal to allow federal participation in highway construction. That proposal laid the groundwork for the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1916 (see July 11). The organization (now known as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) has remained a pivotal participant in addressing the nation's highway needs and in particular the development of the Interstate System.