(The Center Square) – The part of the federal government which handles forestry, inside the part of the government that handles agriculture is funding local efforts in Oregon that are more associated with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education — funding for rural roads and schools in Oregon.
Thirty Oregon counties will get over $47.7 million in federal funding under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
It will provide funding for schools, road maintenance, youth job training, wildfire prevention, watershed restoration, and habitat conservation, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon.
The money comes from the U.S. Forest Service under the United States Department of Agriculture.
“The Secure Rural Schools Act has helped rural communities in Oregon and across the nation to be even better places to live and work,” U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said. “This direct investment in Oregon counties will help create opportunities for young Oregonians, generate jobs and economic growth, and promote public safety. These are the types of federal investments I fought for more than two decades ago when SRS originally passed, and that I will keep battling to support rural communities throughout the state.“
Merkley expressed a similar sentiment.
“Secure Rural Schools payments are critical for our rural communities here in Oregon and across America because these investments provide essential support for our schools, key infrastructure projects, public safety, and wildfire mitigation efforts,” Merkley said. “These USFS investments in rural Oregon counties with federal forest lands will help secure the resources they need to stay safe and strong and I’ll keep fighting to uphold the federal government’s promise to continue this vital program.”
Oregon is the top recipient of this SRS funding this year. The program will distribute $232 million to 745 eligible counties nationwide this year, according to a press release from the USDA.
“A portion of U.S. Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits supports rural counties with federal forestland to improve the health of forested communities and can include improving schools and roads, preventing wildfire, stream and watershed restoration, improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, and opportunities for youth training and employment,” the release said.
