Senate approves reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools funding
By Terry Murry on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program through 2026. Secure Rural Schools funding provides money to communities and counties where much of the land is tax-exempt as it’s owned by the federal government.
The bipartisan bill was introduced by the Senate delegations from Oregon and Idaho, comprised of two Republicans and two Democrats – senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley. A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR), and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO).
Secure Rural Schools was first enacted in 2000 to assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands. The funds are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The totals are based on a formula that looks at economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county.
The senators sponsoring SRS issued statements urging the House to follow its example and pass the reauthorization promptly.
