Crapo, Wyden Legislation Investing in Rural Schools Passes Senate

Washington, D.C.--A bipartisan bill to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through 2026 introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has been unanimously approved by the Senate.  Crapo and Wyden were joined by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) in reintroducing the legislation in 2024. 

“Today’s action in the Senate gets us one step closer to providing the funding certainty upon which rural county governments can rely,” said Crapo.  “I encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly reauthorize the SRS program to avoid any disruption to this vital program as rural counties rely on these continued payments to ensure funding for schools, road maintenance, public safety, search and rescue operations as well as mental and physical health services.”

“Building on a history of bipartisanship, today, the Senate reiterated its support for rural communities,” Wyden said.  “I thank Senators Crapo, Merkley and Risch for their partnership to extend this critical funding – a lifeline that helps rural communities keep open their schools, libraries, roadways, and supports other vital resources.  Once we’ve completed the remaining work to secure this three-year extension, I will be using it as a bridge to a permanent fix for providing services to rural Oregonians and Americans in every corner of our country.”

U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

SRS was enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.  The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management administer the funds.  The totals are based on a formula including economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county.  SRS payments are critical to maintain education programs for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from property taxes.

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