US EditionRural Oregon Counties Face Financial Uncertainties as Federal Funding Sources Shrink
Congressional impasse has halted renewal of a key federal act, leading to an 85% drop in Oregon's rural funding and leaving schools and counties with a $48.6 million shortfall.
- The expiration of the federal Secure Rural Schools program at the close of 2023 led to drastic cuts in timber-related funding for Oregon’s counties and schools, which had depended heavily on this financial support.
- This expiration followed decades of reduced logging due to environmental protections and multiple congressional reauthorizations, but House Republicans failed to fund the reauthorization bill in 2024, which died without a vote.
- Oregon received over $55 million during the 2023-24 fiscal year but only about $8.4 million most recently, reflecting an 85% decrease and triggering budgeting shortfalls with major consequences for districts like Klamath County.
- Senator Ron Wyden co-authored the original 2000 Act and secured bipartisan Senate approval for reauthorization, yet continued House inaction threatens rural funding despite bipartisan support and efforts by Senator Mike Crapo and others.
- The funding gaps suggest urgent needs for a sustainable model as counties lose millions crucial for schools and services, and retroactive payments are planned to correct historic underpayments to districts like Klamath County.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Oregon misses out on $48 million in rural school, community funds since act expired, report finds
Oregon has lost out on more than $48.6 million in federal money for rural roads, public services and schools since 2023 as Congress failed in the last year to renew a federal act that has sent billions to western states…
Oregon missed out on $48 million in rural school, community funds since act expired, report finds - The Portland Tribune
Congress has failed for more than a year to reauthorize the 20-year-old Secure Rural Schools bill costing western states millions, Center for American Progress finds Oregon has lost out on more than $48.6 million in federal money for rural roads, public services and schools since 2023 as Congress failed in the last year to renew […]
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon missed out on $48 million in rural school, community funds since act expired, report finds
Chiloquin Elementary School is part of the Klamath County School District in southern Oregon which relies on federal funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Oregon has lost out on more than $48.6 million in federal money for rural roads, public services and schools since 2023 as Congress failed in the last year to renew a federal act that has sent billions to w…
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