Forest Service announces $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools payments to support counties, schools and wildfire preparedness

Forest Service announces $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools payments to support counties, schools and wildfire preparedness

The U.S. Forest Service announced Feb. 20 it is issuing $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools payments for 2024, delivering critical funding to eligible states and counties with National Forest System lands. These payments help sustain public schools, maintain local roads, strengthen wildfire preparedness, and support other essential services in rural communities. “For many rural counti...