Roads in Harney County are few in number, but the combined mileage of
these few is enormous. Fortunately a large portion of the County roads
are good most of the year, but during the winter season communication by
the valley roads is usually extremely difficult.
Highways are of extreme importance in this County owing to the scarcity
of railroads. The value of improved highways is fully appreciated by the
people and a very creditable beginning has been made on the roads in the
vicinity of Burns. However, County funds are entirely inadequate for the
carrying out of a road building scheme of any magnitude.
The State Highway Commission extended aid in 1918 to the amount of
$20,000 which appropriation calls for a like amount from the Federal
Government. The County joins in the co-operative work to the amount of
$8,000.00. This makes a total of $48,000.00 for a beginning. Present
plans provide that work shall start early in 1919.
Additional support was secured from the State in the forms of surveys.
Approximately nineteen miles of the Central Oregon Highway within Harney
County was surveyed in 1918.