The U.S. Department of Transportation has pledged $3.2 million in “quick relief energency funds” for repairs to the closed Wallowa Mountain Loop Road between Wallowa and Baker counties, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., said today, June 24. The road was washed out in five places by Upper Pine Creek flooding during storms early this month.

Just after the washout, Walden alertedDOT Secretary Ray LaHood to the scope of the economic challenges posed to the region.

That money will be used to address repairs on the road formally known as U.S. Forest Service Road 39 in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest.

“I know how important the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road is to the economies of northeast Oregon,” Walden said. “I thank Secretary LaHood for his fast response and urge the department to get boots on the ground just as quickly to get the road back in shape again.”

“I know how difficult the current economic conditions are, especially in rural Oregon,” Walden said. “And I know that this couldn’t have come at a worse time for businesses and employees in the area that count on a productive tourism season.”

“Securing the funds is only half the battle,” he added. “I will continue to work closely with the Forest Service and DOT to make sure work is progressing as fast as possible.”

The Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce estimated that the closure of the road would cause an economic impact of $1.88 million to Wallowa County alone.