November 17, 2021 3:40 a.m.
Douglas County Commissioners say their hard work over the last several years with the Oregon Congressional Delegation and other congressional members around the country is paying off.
On Monday, President Biden signed the roughly $1.2 trillion bi-partisan infrastructure finance bill called the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. A release from the Board, said locally the biggest win with the new legislation is the renewal of secure funding levels, along with “much needed” amendments for the Secure Rural Schools program for the next three years. The Board’s release said the amendments will in essence create a pathway for counties to get back to regular and consistent timber receipt payments.
Over 700 counties in 40 states rely on SRS money to fund county services. Douglas County receives the largest portion of the SRS funding in the nation, and is set to receive approximately $8.8 million from the O&C forest lands portion because of the 1937 O&C Act and another estimated $6.48 million on the four National Forest Lands within county boundaries. The Board’s release said “The approval for the SRS funding is critical to Douglas County residents, as it provides for vital services that otherwise would not be funded, including services provided by the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Communications, Senior Services, Veteran Services and Public Works-Roads and Bridges”. The release said the funding is the direct result of the work Commissioners do when they engage in face-to-face meetings with federal elected officials.
Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “The reauthorization of SRS funding is a big win for Douglas County and our residents, It is very welcome news for us and many other counties and schools across the U.S. struggling financially to provide services. Now that these funds are approved, we can focus 100% of our efforts on responsible Federal Forest management”.
The release said Douglas County will receive an estimated $51.6 million total in SRS funding for all titles, including funding for local schools from this bill over the next three years, “as a direct result of our Commissioner’s concerted efforts”.
Commissioner Tim Freeman will go in-depth on this subject on Inside Douglas County, Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. on News Radio 1240 KQEN.