By Louis Martin, RCAC staff writer

In August 2019, a “100-year flash flood” in Oregon’s rural Crook County washed out a section of road in the Hahlen Special Road District (HSRD). The flood damage was a major setback to an effort already underway to make needed repairs to the road. Earlier that year, HSRD conducted an engineering report, which showed that the road was deteriorating. To prolong its life, the road needed a new asphalt overlay. To fund the new asphalt, HSRD secured a bank loan.

The flood damage significantly worsened the road’s condition and additional drainage and culverts were needed to prevent long-term deterioration. Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s Loan Fund issued a $156,731 loan to HSRD. The loan will refinance the existing HSRD debt and free up capital for the district to fund the rebuild.