November 18, 2021 10:50 a.m.
The Association of O&C Counties is thanking Senator Ron Wyden for working to ensure that there are three more years of payments coming to Oregon counties with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act.
A release said the funding was part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by President Joe Biden this week.
AOCC President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman said: “The SRS provisions in the much larger Infrastructure bill originated in the Senate with great bipartisan support and Senator Wyden as the lead sponsor. Senator Wyden made sure that SRS was included in the Infrastructure bill and that it stayed there throughout the difficult Congressional negotiations”. Freeman said without Wyden’s efforts, SRS “…would have been sidelined and counties and schools would have come up short”. A release said Douglas County receives the largest share of SRS payments in the nation due to the vast amount of O&C lands and National Forest lands in the county and “…the overwhelming timber dependence of the local economy”.
The release said over 700 counties in 40 states rely on SRS funding to pay for vital county services. The reauthorization assures payments for three more years, through federal fiscal year 2023. The release said AOCC worked directly with Senator Wyden’s staff in a supporting role through the reauthorization process and saw firsthand the Senator’s commitment to counties.
AOCC Executive Director Rocky McVay said, “Not everyone loves the Infrastructure bill but without a doubt every receiving county appreciates SRS payments”. McVay said AOCC’s members are particularly reliant on SRS, since it is intended as a temporary safety net in partial replacement for lost revenues from shared timber harvest receipts. McVay said, “We suffered more losses than anyone, anywhere. Until we get back on our feet with better forest management, SRS provides some financial stability for counties struggling to provide adequate levels of public services”.
Freeman said the reauthorization of SRS funding is a big win for AOCC’s member counties and our residents. He said, “It is very welcome news and Senator Wyden has our gratitude”.
Get more information about the organization at www.oandc.org