A Senate committee on Tuesday endorsed legislation to extend federal subsidies for Oregon timber counties one more year, and to protect more wilderness and wild rivers.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said the two bills are part of his effort to solve the funding crisis for Oregon timber counties, which are struggling to finance law enforcement, and other services, in the wake of expired subsidies and voter reluctance to increase taxes.
Still to come is some way to increase timber harvests on what are known as the O&C lands in Western Oregon as a permanent funding solution for the counties.
“As we go forward on the O&C legislation, the lands in Western Oregon that were protected in the Oregon Treasures bill are going to be part of the balance that is going to be struck,” Wyden said in a statement.
One bill would extend federal subsidies to timber counties nationwide, known as the Secure Rural Schools Act, though at a 5 percent lower rate than before. Oregon’s share would be about $100 million.
From The Mail Tribune: https://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130619/NEWS/306190324