Congressman Nick Begich said on April 15 that he welcomed the U.S. Forest Service’s announcement to distribute $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025, with $11,767,586 allocated to communities across Alaska.
The Secure Rural Schools program provides financial support to counties and boroughs containing National Forest System lands. These funds help local governments deliver essential services such as education, road maintenance, and public safety because federal lands are not subject to local taxation.
“The Forest Service’s announcement of $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025 is welcome news for rural communities across the country. Alaska alone will receive $11,767,586.14, helping ensure our communities can fund schools, maintain roads, and provide public safety services despite the challenges of managing untaxable federal lands,” Congressman Begich said. “Secure Rural Schools has been a critical bridge for timber-dependent communities in Alaska, and I will continue working to secure long-term reauthorization, so our rural communities have the certainty and stability they deserve.”
Since its creation in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools program has offered more stable funding to areas affected by declining timber revenues while supporting their ability to provide vital services.
Begich said he intends to continue advocating for long-term reauthorization of the program so that rural Alaskan communities can plan with greater confidence.