Statement by Mr. E. W. Littlefield Page 3. San Francisco and I question whether such funds are available, or, in view of many other problems, should be sought. In regard to timing, it has been said that the Embarcadero Freeway is not needed until it can be connected up with the Golden Gate bridge approach system. This is a superficial observation and fails to recognize that a major purpose of the Embarcadero freeway is to handle traffic between San Francisco's financial and insurance district on the one hand and the Peninsula and East Bay on the other and to take such traffic off the streets which are at grade between present freeway ramps south of Market Street and the financial and insurance district north of Market. Needless to say, these streets are congested. It is imperative that steps to expedite the movement of traffic to and from the financial and insurance district be taken as soon as possible. All agree that putting a curve in the Embarcadero Freeway would delay its construction for many months. This would not be good for the welfare of San Francisco. Unfortunately, all of the improvements we may conceive at one time cannot be executed at one time. However, over the years, I believe all will concede that great progress has been made in building San Francisco's freeways segment by segment year by year. This is as it must be. While a curved freeway might have more esthetic value than a straight one, it seems to me that this Board should affirm its agreement in behalf of the straight freeway, request the State to proceed with its construction and be prepared to accept the cooperation of the Chamber and all other interested civic agencies in undertaking the procedures necessary to have the Ferry Building declared a State monument and an appropriate State Park created at the foot of Market Street. However, regardless of whether this body favors a straight freeway or a curved freeway, you are assured of the wholehearted cooperation of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in accomplishing the objectives which you define. We desire to be as helpful as possible to your president when he becomes Mayor and take this occasion to wish him the best. #####