Bentz introduces bill to create new emergency access road and fire safe zones in Juniper Canyon

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) introduced legislation today in Washington, D.C., to improve public safety and wildfire preparedness in Juniper Canyon in Crook County. The bill proposes granting the county a permanent right of way for a new public access road and conveying four Bureau of Land Management parcels for "fire safe zones."

Below is where the new public access road would be if the legislation is approved:

The legislation is designed to enhance emergency response capabilities and evacuation access for residents in the Juniper Canyon area. The proposed measures aim to address persistent concerns from Central and Eastern Oregon communities regarding growing wildfire threats and challenges with emergency access.

U.S. Rep. Bentz stated that "Central and Eastern Oregon communities continue to face growing wildfire threats and increasing concerns about emergency access." Bentz added that the legislation "gives Crook County the ability to create an essential evacuation route, strengthen firefighter access and establish strategically located fire safe zones that can help protect lives, property and critical infrastructure during wildfire events."

Under the bill, the Department of the Interior would grant Crook County an 80-foot-wide permanent right of way. This right of way would connect Oregon Route 380 to Juniper Canyon Road for the construction of a new public roadway.

The legislation also directs the conveyance of four approximately 40-acre Bureau of Land Management parcels to Crook County. These parcels would be transferred at no cost to taxpayers, beyond conveyance expenses paid by the county. The conveyed parcels would be permanently dedicated for wildfire preparedness and emergency response purposes, including fuel break integration, firefighter operational safety, staging and emergency management activities.

Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford thanked Rep. Bentz for his work with the county. Crawford said, "I would like to thank Congressman Bentz for working with Crook County to find land for an additional route out of Juniper Canyon. This is an important step in solving a longstanding issue that has weighed heavily on the people who live in Juniper Canyon."

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.