By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

With the passage of House Bill (HB) 2001 during this year’s legislative session, it appears that Harney County will be receiving approximately $5.1 million for road projects.

At the Harney County Court meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 19, County Judge Steve Grasty said Road Supervisor Eric Drushella would be attending the Southeast Area Commission on Transportation (SEACT) meeting on Aug. 24 in John Day to give a presentation on the proposed projects.

Drushella said the proposed projects include resurfacing about 20 miles of the Double O Road from Highway 20 in, re-aligning and safety work on Sodhouse Lane, as well as work on the East Steens road and Juntura cut-off. He added that he has a list of projects that need to be done in the county, and these projects were at the top of the priority list.

The money for HB 2001,  which provides funding for transportation projects throughout Oregon, will come from increased fees and gas tax.

Judge Grasty informed the court that he had a discussion with Wayne Baron of 4R Recycling, and Baron said he had stopped taking recycling, and will have everything cleaned up and be out of the building by Sept. 14. Grasty added that Rodd and Karen Dinsmore of C&B Sanitary are working with the pending non-profit group on recycling efforts.

In other business, the court:

• approved Resolution 2009-017 renaming Williams Creek Road to Williams Creek Lane according to the Harney County Zoning Ordinance Section 9;

• reviewed a Cooperative Service Agreement between the county and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Service. Grasty said he felt the court had always been a strong supporter of predator control in the county, but he had some concerns regarding two additions to the agreement. He said the county had already budgeted $45,000 for the agreement, and the two additions would require more funding for the wildlife services program in Harney County.

After some discussion, the court agreed to have David Williams, State Director, participate in the discussion at the next county court meeting;

• heard an update from Veterans Service Officer Guy McKay on the veterans program. McKay told the court he has had some success in bringing more money to Harney County veterans, and is hoping to expand an outreach program.

The next county court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.