WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress has reauthorized funding for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which plays a crucial role in supporting counties with large amounts of federal land.

Areas such as national forests and tribal reservations are not subject to property taxes. This results in local governments losing revenue that would typically support schools and public services.

SRS funds are especially critical for Northwest states, as the Colville, Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests occupy significant portions of county property in the region. Historically, these counties have relied on a 25% share of revenue from timber sales on federal lands.

However, logging in national forests has faced heavy restrictions over the last 30 years. Language in the One Big Beautiful Bill A

See Full Page