Sponsored by Sen. John H. Bankhead (D) of Alabama and Rep. Dorsey W. Shackleford (D) of Missouri, it provided $75 million of Federal money in 50-50 matching funds to the states up to 6% of the roads statewide over a 5 year period. It was overseen by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) and by 1917, every state had a Highway Agency to administer the Federal funds. In 1918, the AASHO became the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) with each state having an established chapter. The act focused on rural areas located near public forests while excluding cities altogether. Consequently, many felt the act was confused in its priorities, and it was criticized for not adequately addressing the need for roadbuilding and paving in urban areas. Most felt that when the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921 was passed, it was a far superior act to the original of 1916.
