December 27, 2024 3:30 a.m.

Senator Ron Wyden has responded after Congress failed to include reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools legislation in its recent passage of a bill to temporarily extend funding for the federal government and prevent a partial government shutdown.

Wyden said, “Oregonians living and working in counties that have long relied on millions in federal Secure Rural Schools funds will needlessly and unfortunately enter 2025 with an uncertain fate for those resources when it comes to local schools, roads, law enforcement and more”. Wyden said, “This sad state of affairs due to congressional Republican failings is pointless and regrettable. But I am committed to working with anybody, anywhere at the start of the new year who’s serious about reauthorizing these vital investments ASAP for rural communities in Oregon and nationwide”.

Wyden said the impact on Oregon is typically between $70 and $80 million with 2025 being on par with that as his office is trying to reauthorize the program at the current level.

In April of 2024, Douglas County was allocated nearly $6.7 million for its share of payments from the U.S. Forest Service.