The Sinema-supported renewal of the Secure Rural Schools program helps fund schools, first responders, and essential workers
Washington, D.C. – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored a bipartisan effort to renew the Secure Rural Schools program. The Secure Rural Schools program helps fund essential services in Arizona rural communities home to federal land. Currently, the final authorized Secure Rural Schools payment is scheduled for April 2021.
“Rural communities across Arizona have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and now more than ever, they need critical support for schools, first responders, and essential workers,” said Sinema.
The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other essential services to Arizona counties home to federal lands whose tax bases are limited by the amount of federal land. A portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits, are distributed to eligible counties to help maintain local roads and schools. As those revenues have fallen or fluctuated, SRS payments helped bridge the gap to keep rural schools open, provide road maintenance, support search and rescue efforts and other essential county services. The Sinema-backed reauthorization effort extends the Secure Rural Schools program for two years.