CRR board seeking funds for emergency exit

There’s only one way in and out of Crooked River Ranch, but the directors of the private community are working to secure funding for an emergency exit road.

The project would be located on Quail Road and would connect to Lower Bridge Road in Deschutes County.

David Palmer, CRR Board of Directors president, told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday the project is estimated to cost $800,000.

Jefferson County commissioners have proposed providing $100,000 and Deschutes County commissioners are in the process of matching those funds but will need to vote on the proposal to move forward.

Palmer said the board also will put up $200,000, which will come from the operating budget.

Jefferson County officials also are in the process of filing on behalf of CRR for a state loan to cover the remaining cost.

Palmer said last year, while construction crews were repaving Southwest Chinook Drive, many people living on the ranch had to wait for hours to get to and from their homes.

“It is imperative that there are multiple ways off this ranch,” Palmer said. “I do believe there is a small group of people who are not happy, for a variety of reasons. And again, I do understand, but I find that unfortunate. This exit will help everybody on this ranch.”

Some people living on the ranch tell NewsChannel 21 they need an emergency exit, but do not believe they should have to pay for it.

A group was out with signs in front of the Jefferson County Annex building Wednesday while the county commissioners meeting was underway.

Some said they haven’t gotten any information from the board of directors on how much the project would cost.

“Everybody agrees we do need to have another exit, but we don’t need all the bells and whistles that they’re proposing,” John Seely said. “The parking lots, the trails, the fencing, the ditches — all of the chaos and stuff that they are adding here is just an added cost that is not needed for an emergency exit.”

John Stevens said he wants the board to be transparent about the project.

“They don’t want us to have a vote,” he said. “If we ask for information they’re denying it or give us something that could change tomorrow. That is why we are out here today — we’re looking for accurate and honest information. We’re looking for transparency, and we’re looking for respect, because they kind of treat us in a disrespectful way when we ask questions. They just want us to sign the check and go away.”

Palmer said all the information on the emergency exit road project has been posted on the Crooked River Ranch website.