Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Rep. Suzan DelBene, WA-01, today announced that counties in Northwest Washington will receive $4,373,452 in federal funds to support rural police, firefighters and schools. The Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding compensates county governments for nontaxable federal lands.

“These dollars go directly into our classrooms and police and fire departments, providing rural counties the support they need to serve our residents,” Larsen said. “I know how important these dollars are to Whatcom, Snohomish and Skagit counties, which is why I fought to extend this lifeline funding last year.”

“Investing in our local roads, bridges and funding vital public services such as firefighting and police services is how we build vibrant, strong communities,” said DelBene. “Today’s announcement will help rural communities throughout Western Washington fund these critically important services that our local businesses and residents count on.

The PILT payments are as follows:

• Whatcom County: $1,552,202
• Snohomish County: $1,163,957
• Skagit County: $975,323
• King County: $681,970

Congress extended the PILT program last year as part of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012.

To learn more about the PILT program, visit www.doi.gov/pilt.