Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and modifies the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program as well as a pilot program that allows regional foresters to appoint members to SRS resource advisory committees.
Under the existing SRS program, states and counties containing federal land may receive payments from the Forest Service or the Department of the Interior respectively for schools and certain other municipal services. The bill extends the authority of the Forest Service and Interior to (1) calculate and provide payments to states and counties under the SRS program through FY2026, and (2) initiate projects using funds provided by the program through FY2028. It also extends the deadline to obligate those funds until the end of FY2029.
Additionally, the bill expands the pilot program to allow regional foresters in all states, not just those in Montana and Arizona, to appoint members to the advisory committees in their regions.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
CR S6531; text: CR S6531)
Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-163.
Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-163.
Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.