Rep. Neguse Reintroduces Bill to Invest in Rural Schools on Colorado’s Western Slope
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Congresswoman Val Hoyle (D-OR) introduced their bipartisan bill to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through 2026. In 2021, Rep. Neguse secured a 2-year extension for the program through 2023 as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that are tax-exempt. The program provides payments derived in part through timber receipts and other leasing activities within National Forests back to county governments where those forests are located, particularly in Colorado’s Western Slope.
“As we work to invest in America’s future, we must continue to provide support for our rural and mountain communities so that everyone can participate in the 21st Century. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is a primary source of funding for schools, mountain search and rescue, road maintenance and other services that Coloradans rely on — from Walden to Glenwood Springs, and Granby to Grand Junction. I am proud to continue to work on this critical piece of legislation and will always advocate for our rural schools to ensure they receive the funding they need,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.
“The financial certainty the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program provides is critical to people in rural Eastern Washington,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “This legislation funds important infrastructure projects, public education, law enforcement, and other essential services to ensure no one in timber-dependent communities gets left behind. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the SRS program, protect these resources, and further invest in our rural communities.”
“The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline to rural communities by supporting students, roads, and public safety. It’s essential that funding for Secure Rural Schools is extended, and I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act with Rep. Neguse and Rep. McMorris Rodgers,” said Rep. Hoyle. “In lieu of timber receipts, the federal government should stand by its commitment to support rural communities and their critical infrastructure.”
Senate companion legislation is led by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator James Risch (R-ID), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
“SRS remains essential for rural counties across Idaho and the West,” said Senator Crapo. “Extending SRS payments through 2026 is a good first step in ensuring Idaho’s counties have funding for schools, road maintenance, public safety, search and rescue operations as well as mental and physical health services. Still, we are working toward the goal of a permanent solution--alleviating uncertainty for rural county governments in the future.”
“Two decades ago, I recognized the need for federal support for rural forested counties working to sustain and diversify economic opportunities in their communities. I fought then to pass, and have continued since, the essential Secure Rural Schools program that has delivered nearly $4 billion to hard-hit counties in rural Oregon – and additional funding across 42 states – with bipartisan support,” said Senator Wyden. “This investment keeps local schools funded, communities safe with law enforcement resources, and roads maintained – and it’s why we have to keep this lifeline intact.”
“Idaho’s schools and counties rely on SRS funding. The federal government made a promise to rural communities, and until we can bring historic timber revenue back to these areas, Congress has an obligation to fulfill that promise. Congress must reauthorize SRS,” said Senator Risch.
“Our bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep communities safe,” said Senator Merkley. “Congress must continue the SRS program so Oregon communities can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.”
"We are very grateful for Congressman Neguse's leadership around reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program. It is a tremendous benefit to rural schools around Colorado, including the Summit School District. We need this support in order to provide the best educational systems for rural youth in Colorado,” said Summit School District Superintendent, Dr. Tony Byrd.
“In Jackson County, these funds are instrumental in contributing to the operation of our small, rural school district and go toward filling in the gaps to ensure our staff have the instructional materials they need to be effective and meet the needs of our students,” said North Park School District Superintendent Amy Ward.
“We often transport students from rural areas to our schools, and Secure Rural Schools funding has been paramount in helping us keep our transportation fleet up to date. Additionally, we plan to purchase two long-distance buses, ideal for rural travel, to round out our fleet. We applaud the legislation to reintroduce the Secure Rural Schools funding led by Congressman Joe Neguse and anticipate the three-year commitment being instated. From a financial planning perspective, a three-year commitment can allow school districts like ours to invest in long-term plans and programs to benefit students,” said Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks.
"Eagle County School District is grateful for the Secure Rural Schools Program. We utilize the funds to support several of our youth-serving nonprofits, and supplement many of our programs in ECSD. The SRS grant is vital to ensuring vibrant and diverse learning opportunities for our students. It is an essential part of our total funding strategy,” said Eagle County School District Superintendent, Philip Qualman.
"Our schools and the work of public education provide one of the greatest returns on investment for our communities and our future. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds are an integral investment in our schools at West Grand School District and therefore, our Kremmling community and Grand county. The SRS funds enable us to serve our students and stakeholders in a variety of ways. Funds are used to support quality staff, continually provide a healthy learning environment for all, as well as purchase quality curriculum and resources for our classrooms. We appreciate the commitment to this investment and support of this important resource for our schools," said West Grand School District Superintendent Elizabeth Bauer.
“The Clear Creek School District depends on funding from SRS to fill gaps from the full funding we used to receive from property taxes paid through the Henderson Mine for over 30 years and also from declining enrollment over the past 5+ years. We have used the funding for maintenance on all of our buildings, curriculum, Smart Boards, and technology support and updates. We do not have the flexibility that larger districts have in spending and we deserve the access to create 21st century learning spaces and pathways that support both our educators and our students,” said Clear Creek School District School Board President Sandi Schuessler.
“Extending Secure Rural Schools for three years will help counties with large tracts of federal forests meet the needs of residents and visitors,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Without SRS, counties would face, on average, an 80 percent drop in resources for infrastructure improvement, education programs and forest health projects. We also welcome this bill’s proposed reforms to expedite the Resource Advisory Committee appointment process. Counties applaud the leadership of Senators Crapo, Wyden, Risch, and Merkley and Representatives Neguse, McMorris Rodgers, and Hoyle. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.”
“The National Education Association is pleased that Reps. Neguse, McMorris-Rodgers, Hoyle, LaMalfa, Huffman, Fitzpatrick, Porter, and Wild and Sens. Crapo, Wyden, Risch, and Merkley are working together to ensure that the schools and the communities in those counties that have national forests or certain federal lands receive the support they need to continue to thrive. The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital component to the necessary support of the families, students, and educators who live in these important and vibrant communities across the nation. We look forward to working with all involved to ensure this measure is signed into law,” said Marc Egan, Director, Government Relations, National Education Association.
Funds provided through the SRS program can be used to access quality supplies, up-to-date materials, upkeep for building safety, and more. Recognizing its importance to his community, Rep. Neguse has supported SRS since his election to Congress. In 2019, he first introduced legislation to reauthorize SRS and secured a two-year reauthorization.
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023 is endorsed by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition, the National Education Association, AASA The School Superintendents Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, and the California County Superintendents.
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