Payments to Counties

Secure Rural Schools Program 

The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. 

The Forest Service was established in 1905 with 56 million acres of land. By 1910, the amount of National Forest System land tripled to 172 million acres. Today, the agency manages approximately 196 million acres. Congress ratified the Act of May 23, 1908, as a measure to support rural counties whose tax base was limited by the growing amount of Federal land. A portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits, are distributed to eligible counties to help maintain local roads and schools. 

By the year 2000, after decades of declining agency revenues, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act to help stabilize the funds available to rural counties. 

Payments are divided into three distinct categories, or Titles: Title I for roads and schools, Title II for projects on Federal lands, and Title III for county projects. 

2023 Secure Rural Schools Program Report

More information: Secure Rural Schools - Payments | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Payments in Lieu of Taxes 

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) are Federal payments to local governments that have certain Federal lands within their boundaries. The Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior (DOI), administers the program, calculates the payments according to formulas established by law, and distributes the funds to local governments. PILT payments help local governments carry out such vital services as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. To date, including the fiscal year (FY) 2023 payments, moe than $11.4 billion in payments have been made to local governments. PILT payments may be used by local jurisdictions for any governmental purpose. 

2024 Payments in Lieu of Taxes Report

Fiscal Year 2024 Payments in Lieu of Taxes for Indiana on DOI.gov