WALLOWA COUNTY
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 | |
| Total estimated cost | $ 29,648.00 | |