WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., joined Reps. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., and Joe Neguse, D-Colo., in introducing the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act.

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), first enacted in 2000, provides funding for schools, roads and essential services in counties with significant amounts of tax-exempt federal land tracts of land covered by national forests.

“Without reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Program, many local education agencies may miss future payments, through no fault of their own,” Thompson said. “This bipartisan coalition of members representing forested counties across the country shows the real appetite to get this done as soon as possible.”

“For rural counties, including those in my own district, Secure Rural Schools funding is essential. This program ensures that schools stay open, roads are maintained, and emergency services are available, even when federal timber revenues fall short,” said Rep. LaMalfa.

“The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for folks in our rural and mountain communities. It unlocks funding for students and schools, wildfire mitigation initiatives, emergency search and rescue services, road maintenance, and more,” said Rep. Neguse.

Since its enactment, SRS has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states.