Counties Applaud Introduction of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) applauds the introduction of a three-year reauthorization bill for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program (S.5608). This bipartisan legislation, led by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Ron Wyden, Jim Risch and Jeff Merkley, would enable counties to fund essential services through 2029.  

“Counties need financial stability for long-range budgeting and planning,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Passage of this three-year reauthorization would provide that. We urge Congress to move this legislation forward quickly."

First enacted in 2000, SRS aids rural counties and school districts affected by the decline in revenue from timber harvests on federal lands. The program provides critical funding for county services like education, transportation and public safety, with payments especially vital for timber counties as they navigate economic transition and work toward long-term stability. The program was most recently reauthorized in December 2025, restoring funding to more than 700 counties across 41 states after the prior bill lapsed in 2023.

NACo and county leaders from across the U.S. have advocated for years for long-term authorization of this program, so counties can count on these funds to support essential services.  

Learn more about SRS here, and learn more about the bill being introduced here.