Wallowa County's road problem is entirely local in character as this
district is not touched by a trunk road of the State system. Some very
good natural roads are found in this district, while others are very
bad. The latter designation applies more especially to some of the
mountain roads, which are extremely narrow and very dangerous.
The La Grande-Joseph Highway is very important locally, since it is the
only road connecting the valley with outside points. The people in
general are very much interested in highway possibilities, but the
County funds have proven inadequate to make much of a showing towards
permanent work. Most of the available County funds are required for
maintenance of the existing roads, many of which extend through
mountainous areas. Additional State aid is much needed if any
substantial improvements are hoped for.
A general reconnaissance survey was made in October, 1918, by the State
Highway Department from Elgin to Joseph. The purpose was to gather
general information for the use of the State Highway Commission. This
survey was made by M. O. Bennett, division engineer for Eastern Oregon.
During this visit the matter of Post Road Aid was taken up with the
County authorities. It was understood that the County would make
application at once, but it appears that no further action was taken.
The State Highway Commission has extended aid to Wallowa County by
co-operating on the Flora-Enterprise Forest Road and also helped to
secure Government aid on the same project. The County made an
appropriation to help in the construction of this road. Work is in
progress on this road under the direction of the U. S. Office of Public
Roads. The following statement shows the estimate cost and segregation
of funds:
State appropriation $12,324.00
Federal appropriation 12,324.00
County appropriation 5,000.00
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Total estimated cost $29,648.00