Crook County officials have expressed approval following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The bill, which had previously received unanimous support in the Senate on June 18, aims to restore consistent federal funding for rural and timber-dependent counties nationwide.
The newly approved legislation provides back payments for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 and extends SRS authorization through Fiscal Year 2026. This measure is intended to provide financial stability as rural communities address economic changes and infrastructure needs.
In a statement, Crook County leadership said: “We want to thank Congressman Cliff Bentz for constantly fighting for rural Oregon. These Secure Rural School dollars that he worked so hard to reinstate are so important to our roads, schools, and public lands.”
County officials noted that the reauthorization will help maintain essential services such as education, transportation, and public safety—areas often affected by changes in federal timber revenue. With renewed funding, Crook County plans to improve its ability to meet long-term community needs and manage infrastructure maintenance.
The passage of this legislation follows advocacy efforts led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), representatives from counties across the country, and bipartisan congressional supporters who highlighted SRS’s significance for rural areas.
Crook County intends to continue collaborating with federal partners and Oregon’s congressional delegation to ensure ongoing funding stability for rural counties and promote economic resilience in the region.
