Funding Cut Could Shock Many Services in WA Counties
Chris Thomas, News Director
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Schools, wildlife habitats, trail repairs, public safety and forest fire control efforts are all poised to take a hit in Washington. The "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act" expired in September - the legislation helps counties that contain federal land. There are 27 such counties in Washington, and rural leaders are asking Congress to reinstate emergency funding for at least a year. More than $3 million is on the line for Washington's Chelan County; income that Commissioner Buell Hawkins says is crucial.
"We need it very badly. We have no other way to replace this money if the federal government basically suspends those
payments."
Hawkins hopes there is bipartisan support for keeping the program, but how to fund it is the big question. At stake is the ability of the counties to provide important services.
"Money is used, for example, for road maintenance, for law enforcement services such as search-and-rescue and for fire management planning."
He adds that counties are already feeling the pinch.
More information about counties' push for the "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act" can be obtained on the Web site of The Wilderness Society, at www.wilderness.org.
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