Peters Urges Renewal of Secure Rural Schools Program

Several counties in the Upper Peninsula could see a revenue stream dry up if a federal program is not renewed.

The Secure Rural Schools program helps pay for schools, forest health projects and emergency response services in rural counties that include national forest land.

It’s meant to support those counties who have lost tax revenue following the decline in the timber industry.

Senator Gary Peters says without this program, local communities would see a major loss of funding.

Ontonagon would also see a reduction of 35% in receipts.

Peters is part of a group of lawmakers urging the Senate to reauthorize the funding.