Beaverhead County to receive nearly $924K in federal Secure Rural Schools funding
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The U.S. Forest Service has announced more than $248 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments for Fiscal Year 2025, with over $10 million allocated to counties in Montana’s First Congressional District — including $923,911.02 for Beaverhead County.
The funding supports rural schools, road maintenance, and other essential local services in communities with significant federal land ownership.
“This program is a commitment to communities like ours that live with the reality of federal land ownership every day,” said Ryan Zinke. “When Washington controls the land, it has a responsibility to help keep our roads maintained, our schools open, and our first responders supported.”
Zinke also pointed to ongoing challenges facing timber-dependent communities, citing stalled timber sales and lost revenue streams. After the program lapsed in 2023, many counties were left uncertain about future funding.
The payments follow passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, sponsored by Zinke, which extends the program through Fiscal Year 2026 and restores previously lapsed funding.
Montana County Funding (MT-01)
Beaverhead County — $923,911.02
Deer Lodge County — $178,409.30
Flathead County — $973,971.32
Gallatin County — $188,457.00
Glacier County — $34,690.56
Granite County — $594,901.75
Lake County — $57,833.79
Lincoln County — $3,609,891.82
Madison County — $314,327.84
Mineral County — $857,047.13
Missoula County — $523,289.83
Pondera County — $72,007.32
Powell County — $630,469.84
Ravalli County — $611,524.64
Sanders County — $1,436,653.22
Silver Bow County — $124,603.93
Total (MT-01): $10,131,989.25
Background
The Secure Rural Schools program was first enacted in 2000 to help offset declining revenues from timber harvests on federal lands. Funds are directed toward schools, infrastructure, and public safety in counties with large federal land holdings.
After lapsing in 2023, the program was reauthorized through bipartisan legislation signed into law in December 2025, ensuring retroactive payments and restoring a level of financial certainty for rural communities.
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