WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The U.S. Forest Service is set to distribute $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025, providing funding for schools, road maintenance, wildfire preparedness and other essential services in rural communities.
The program helps counties that are surrounded by federally managed land and often lack the tax base to fully fund those services on their own.
Lawmakers say the funding remains critical for communities that rely on it year to year.
“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act isn’t just an education issue; it’s about investing in the future of rural America and supporting communities surrounded by federal forests,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman. “Many of my constituents in the Fourth District share my belief that our rural schools must be supported in a way that allows them to play a role as a community hub while also supporting our timber industry.”
The payments come as lawmakers continue to push for a long-term solution to keep funding consistent for rural areas.
“As someone who voted to reauthorize the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program, I am glad to see these funds flow to Ninth District communities. It is not right for rural communities to miss out on property tax revenue from public lands that could be used for local schools and roads,” said Representative H. Morgan Griffith.
The Secure Rural Schools program has been in place for more than two decades, helping offset declining timber revenues while supporting infrastructure, public safety and wildfire mitigation efforts.
