Rep. Neguse’s Legislation to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program Heads to President’s Desk

Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado’s Western Slope, applauded the final passage of his legislative proposal to reauthorize the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, an initiative that provides vital funds to rural and mountain communities that are home to federal lands, which are tax exempt. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which now heads to the President’s desk for signature, will promptly get this program back up and running — delivering payments to eligible counties, including many located in Northwest Colorado. 

House consideration of the bill followed a letter Neguse and colleagues penned last week, calling for Republican leadership to fast-track its consideration. 

“The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for the communities I serve across Western Colorado, and I’m proud that our efforts to build a bipartisan coalition in support of the program have enabled my legislation to get across the finish line. My top priority is always to deliver for the people I represent, forging common ground to advance the common good for our communities — from Grand County to Eagle County and everywhere in between. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to see my proposal to reauthorize SRS make its way to the President’s desk, continuing this crucial program for rural counties,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

Neguse previously secured two-year extensions for the SRS program in 2019 and as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, but its authorization ultimately lapsed in September 2023. 

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act passed the Senate earlier this year by unanimous consent. It was co-sponsored by Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. 

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act is a lifeline for Colorado counties that steward our public lands and shoulder the responsibilities that come with them. These resources help rural communities keep teachers in classrooms, maintain safe roads, and provide public safety services that counties rely on,” said Senator Michael Bennet. 

The SRS program supports investments in local infrastructure, public safety, and public education. For communities in Colorado, this includes funding for wildfire mitigation, search-and-rescue operations and trail and road maintenance. Rural school districts can also use SRS payments to improve school transportation services, ensure high-quality instructional materials, create new extracurricular activities and more. 

The following counties in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District received payments from the program: Routt, Summit, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Jackson, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, and Boulder. Below are statements from local representatives celebrating its reauthorization.

“We are grateful to Congressman Neguse for his strong leadership and advocacy in advancing the reauthorization of SRS,” said Sonja Macys, Chair, Routt County Board of County Commissioners. “Routt County distributes 100% of our SRS allocation to our local school districts, recognizing the critical role they play in creating safe, healthy, and inspiring environments where young people can thrive and become engaged citizens. It is a proud moment when Congress comes together in support of rural America.”

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization provides essential support for Routt County and for rural school districts like ours. These funds help us maintain critical services, invest in students, and ensure that our schools remain strong and stable despite the challenges of a rural economy. We are grateful for the bipartisan commitment to sustaining the educational and community resources our families depend on,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent. 

“Clear Creek School District is deeply grateful for the support provided through SRSA funding. Each year, these resources help us meet the diverse needs of our students, enabling us to invest in curriculum we otherwise could not afford, hire the essential support staff our schools rely on, and enhance professional development for our educators. SRSA funding truly expands what is possible for our students and our community,” said Wesley Paxton, Superintendent of Clear Creek School District.

“I want to thank Congressman Neguse for his leadership and tireless efforts championing the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. For years, Congressman Neguse and his team have led a bipartisan coalition for this important reauthorization. Larimer County and our rural school districts rely heavily on this program. It directly invests in our students, schools, and essential public safety services. In our region, this program brings critical support for wildfire prevention, search and rescue organizations, and other rural infrastructure needs. I recently visited Washington D.C. to meet with Congressman Neguse, along with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Rural Action Caucus, to discuss the SRS Reauthorization and other important rural issues. The SRS Reauthorization was a priority item during the NACo discussions.” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner.

"We are incredibly grateful for the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program. In a county like ours, where federal land significantly limits our property tax base, these dollars—historically around $300,000 annually—play a vital role in supporting our students and schools. In Colorado, where public education funding ranks near the bottom nationally, every dollar counts. These funds directly support our general fund, of which 89% goes toward staff salaries. This support is critical to maintaining high-quality learning environments for every student in Summit County." said Dr. Tony Byrd, Superintendent of Summit School District.

“Eagle County is thrilled by the House of Representatives’ strong support for this measure,” said Jeanne McQueeney, Eagle County Commissioner. “A permanent reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools is critical to ensuring that public lands counties like ours can provide stable, high-quality education for every student. This advancement brings us closer to the long-term certainty our school districts need to plan effectively and invest confidently in the future. We applaud the bipartisan leadership that recognizes how essential strong, well-funded schools are to thriving rural communities.”

“Congressman Neguse has continued to support public education funding throughout our state. The Secure Rural Schools program supports Eagle County School District as well as other youth-serving nonprofits in our community, amplifying our impact. Having a voice like his in Washington goes a long way to help schools throughout Colorado,” said Philip Qualman, Eagle County School District. 

“Grand County is comprised of more than 70 percent public land – which does not generate property taxes necessary to help fund our two school districts. East Grand School District and West Grand School District have historically both benefitted from and rely on the Secure Rural Schools Program through the 1908 National Forest Reserve Act as a significant funding source. On behalf of those districts and our students, we would like to thank Congressman Neguse and the many Representatives for their continued support of rural counties and school districts,” said Randy George, Chairman, Grand County Board of Commissioners.

“Being a remote and rural district has its benefits; these funds help us overcome the challenges associated with our geography and size,” said Superintendent Bray Ray, East Grand School District. “We greatly appreciate the efforts to maintain these funds, as they help us maintain vital programming in our district.”

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