A survey was made in the spring of 1918 between Grande Ronde and the Bee
Ranch at the east end of the Sour Grass road improved in 1916. This is
an important link about 61/2 miles in length on the Yamhill-Nestucca
Highway, connecting as it does the cities of McMinnville, Willamina,
Sheridan and Tillamook. In addition it will afford a short and direct
route between the hay and grain fields of the Willamette Valley and the
dairy ranches of the coast. Further, this highway is used by hundreds of
autoists in summer enroute to the Tillamook beaches.
From the fact that only 21/2 miles of this section are in service as a
postal route, Federal Aid could be applied for only on that section and
cooperation has been requested as follows: United States Government
$15,000; State of Oregon $15,000; Yamhill County $10,000. For the
remaining four miles, Yamhill County has appropriated $5,000 from the
1919 funds.
It is estimated that the total cost of the remaining section will be
$50,000 and it is expected that the work will be done in 1919. The
entire project as proposed will be graded 24 feet wide, conforming to
the State standards as to alignment and grade and surfaced with macadam
12 feet in width, thus closing the gap and affording a road between
Portland and Tillamook which will be open the entire year.