March 9, 2021 4:00 a.m.

The National Association of Counties have welcomed the inclusion of a new program to provide additional direct aid to public lands counties as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

A NACO release said 62 percent of America’s counties contain untaxable federal public lands, yet counties are still responsible for providing many services in and around these lands.

The release said the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund, spearheaded by Senator Ron Wyden, will provide $1.5 billion in direct, flexible aid to public lands counties over the next two years, in addition to the American Rescue Plan Act’s $65.1 billion county aid package. The legislation tasks the U.S. Treasury Department with developing a distribution formula based on each eligible county’s economic conditions, such as poverty and unemployment rates, household income and land value.

Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, who is also President of the Association of O&C Counties, said the sharp reduction in timber harvests from federal lands has significantly decreased the amount of receipt sharing payments at a time when county services are needed more than ever. Freeman said, “This two-year package will allow O&C Commissioners to focus on public health, public safety and other vital county services”.

Freeman told News Radio 1240 KQEN, “We are still hopeful that with reasonable management of public lands, counties can once again be able to provide vital services” Freeman said he looks forward to continuing to move in that direction.

Coos County Commissioner and Association of Oregon Counties President Melissa Cribbins said the group is “…grateful to Senator Wyden for adding stable and predictable revenue for counties with public lands.

A spokesperson for Senator Wyden said that after Senate approval, the legislation is headed back to the House, with a vote likely on Wednesday.