Millions Headed to Southern Oregon Counties
New federal Secure Rural Schools funding will support roads, schools, public safety, and wildfire readiness across the region
Senator Merkley announces millions for Oregon schools. (file photo)
Federal funding tied to Oregon’s forest lands is heading back to rural communities after U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that nearly $48.7 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding will be distributed to Oregon counties for fiscal year 2025.
The money comes after Congress approved bipartisan legislation late last year reauthorizing the long-running program, which helps counties offset lost timber revenue caused by federally managed lands that are not on local tax rolls.
According to the lawmakers, the funding is intended to help support schools, county roads, public safety operations, and wildfire mitigation in rural communities.
“Young Oregonians who deserve quality schools, and all Oregonians counting on safe roads as well as dependable public safety will all benefit from these investments in communities throughout our state,” Wyden said.
“SRS payments are a lifeline for rural communities here in Oregon and across America—supporting our schools, public safety, and wildfire mitigation and preparedness,” Merkley added.
Southern Oregon County Allocations
Several Southern Oregon and nearby regional counties are set to receive significant shares of the funding through the U.S. Forest Service report:
Douglas County: $8,252,636.56
Klamath County: $7,017,931.40
Jackson County: $6,289,611.51
Josephine County: $4,949,306.44
Lake County: $2,871,953.91
Curry County: $1,839,048.85
Deschutes County: $962,351.80
Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties were among the largest recipients in the state, reflecting the heavy presence of federal forest lands across Southwest Oregon.
More Funding Still Expected
Lawmakers also noted that additional payments are expected later when the Bureau of Land Management announces separate Secure Rural Schools distributions for Oregon’s 18 O&C counties.
Wyden, one of the original authors of the Secure Rural Schools law in 2000, said the program has delivered nearly $4 billion to Oregon counties since its creation.
County leaders across Southern Oregon have long argued the funding is essential for maintaining basic services in communities where federal land ownership limits traditional tax revenue sources.
Cover image, file photo - Chiloquin High School.
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