Washington, DC – The Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) has disbursed a $50,000 grant from the Kilroy Foundation to advance community recovery in Parajd (Praid), Romania.

In May of 2025, an unexpected and catastrophic flood forced the immediate closure of the Parajd Salt Mine in the Székely region of Transylvania. The mine is a historic institution that provided livelihoods, stability, and identity for generations. Not only was it a major employer, but also a cornerstone of the local tourism economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for its therapeutic microclimate and unique underground attractions.

Due to the flood, the Salt Mine and Salt Hill became dangerous and had to be closed. Part of the Salt Hill, including the Salt Gorge, will be closed for several years, but the Sóvidék-Hegyalja Turisztikai Egyesület is working on restoring the higher grounds and opening that area to visitors.

The grant from the Kilroy Foundation, administered by the Coalition, will help fund community revitalization efforts. The two grant recipients are Sóvidék Regional Television, which received $20,000 for the modernization of its equipment, and Sóvidék-Hegyalja Turisztikai Egyesület, which received $30,000 for the construction of the Lookout Tower – Wildlife and Vegetation Observation Center within the Parajd Salt Hill nature reserve. The goal is to ensure that Parajd does not lose its tourist appeal and that visitors can safely enjoy the nature trails again.

Salt Hill in Parajd (Praid), Romania