Two programs that provide payments to counties that have federally managed land will be extended thanks to a bill that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, voted for today. The Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs will be extended as part of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012.

“Secure Rural Schools and PILT are lifelines to Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties,” Larsen said. “Dollars from Secure Rural Schools and PILT go directly into classrooms, police forces, fire departments and roads. Local government leaders and school administrators across Northwest Washington regularly tell me how critical these payments are so they can provide critical services to their residents.”

“This has been a key partnership with all three Commissioners, Congressman Rick Larsen, and our Senators to maintain support for these programs through our federal lands,” said Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. “We commend Congressman Larsen for his continuing leadership in ensuring critical funding support for schools, roads, Firewise, and many other important programs in Skagit County.”

The Secure Rural Schools and PILT programs compensate local governments for the lost ability to develop or use the resources of federally managed lands. Both programs will be extended for one year. In 2012, Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties received the following payments under the programs:

Whatcom County
Secure Rural Schools: $1,285,807
PILT: $1,453,396

Skagit County
Secure Rural Schools: $694,256
PILT: $843,863

Snohomish County
Secure Rural Schools: $775,412.76
PILT: $715,396