Friday, Oct 7 2011 3:41PM
In recent years, rural communities who depend on land for industry have been receiving funding from federal programs.
Federal lawmakers, including Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch of Idaho and Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall of New Mexico, recently announced bipartisan legislation aimed to extend two programs that provide rural communities with substantial financial assistance.
The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs help assist rural communities that depend upon forest lands for business by providing them with funds to compensate for lost revenues due to the government taking over land.
The lawmakers stated the two programs need to be extended to meet the funding obligations for all communities who are owed money.
"Both Secure Rural Schools and PILT have helped New Mexico's rural counties through these trying economic times," said Udall. "These programs help fund everything from education to construction and maintenance projects that benefit residents and employees alike."
Gordon Cruickshank, Valley County Commissioner, said the loss of these programs would be detrimental to the fiscal well-being of rural communities who rely heavily on the funding.
For further reference, check out these sources:
Official Website of Senator Mike Crapo,
Official Website of Senator Jeff Bingaman