August 5, 2026 3:05 a.m. 

The Association of O&C Counties is expressing sincere appreciation to Oregon’s Congressional delegation for their leadership and persistence in protecting critical funding that supports essential county services throughout western Oregon.

AOCC President Tim Freeman recognized U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz and Val Hoyle, along with their staffs, for their successful efforts to first restore the correct percentage of Oregon and California timber revenue owed to the counties and then work diligently to resolve a calculation issued identified during the most recent Secure Rural Schools election process. Freeman said their collaborative efforts will ensure that Oregon’s O&C counties receive millions of dollars in timber receipts that other wise could have been lost due to the calculation error.

The release said the additional funding will help counties continue providing essential public services and veteran services, public health, behavioral health, road maintenance, and other critical county programs that residents depend on every day.

AOCC also recognized the support and partnership of National Bureau of Land Management Director Stevan Pierce and Principal Deputy Director Bill Groffy, whose assistance was instrumental in helping resolve the issue.

AOCC is now more than a century old and represents the unique O&C timberlands in 18 western Oregon counties that host the O&C timberlands managed by the BLM.

For more information about the Association of O&C Counties, go to: www.oandc.org