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Oregon timber counties struggle as federal support dries up

Oregon timber counties struggle as federal support dries up

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this July 2002 file photo, dust flows from under the truck loaded with logs as it makes its way on a rural road in Preah Vihear province, north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo: AP

ROSEBURG, OREGON: Nearly 30 years after environmental protections slashed logging, the rural Oregon counties that thrived on federal timber revenues are struggling to provide basic services to residents. Federal dollars that have kept these counties afloat without logging have expired after years. Now, tax measures on the ballot in the upcoming May 16 election in some of these counties illustrate their financial plight. Libraries are in danger of closing down and voters are being asked to approve extra taxes to keep sheriff's deputies on the streets. Yet anti-tax sentiment is strong here, where President Donald Trump dominated in November. Many residents feel county leaders are quick to come to voters and must do more to bring back timber dollars.