Press Release: Crook County Applauds Congressional Passage of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization
Crook County, OR – Crook County officials are applauding today’s passage of bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, a major step forward in restoring stable federal funding to rural, timber-dependent counties across the nation. The legislation, approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives following unanimous Senate passage on June 18th, represents a significant milestone in securing long-term support for county roads, schools, and public lands.
The bill provides back pay for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 and reauthorizes SRS through FY 2026, ensuring critical funding stability as rural communities continue to navigate economic transition and infrastructure demands.
Crook County leadership issued the following statement: “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 emphasized that the reauthorization will help sustain essential services, including education, transportation, and public safety—services heavily impacted by fluctuations in federal timber revenue. The renewed funding stream allows Crook County to plan more effectively for long-term community needs and infrastructure maintenance.
The legislation’s passage follows extensive national advocacy led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), county representatives from across the country, and bipartisan congressional supporters who underscored the importance of SRS to rural communities.
Crook County will continue working with federal partners and Oregon’s congressional delegation to ensure stable, predictable funding for rural counties and to support long-term economic resiliency throughout the region.
