Working to increase economic stability now and into the future
Today, healthy forests and the maintenance of living-wage jobs are both necessary for community and economic stability. The CBC’s Rural Economies Subcommittee works across sectors to increase economic resilience now and into the future.
Because Clearwater and Idaho counties hold a preponderance of federal public land, the subcommittee focuses heavily on stabilizing county budgets through federal reimbursement programs for non-taxable land bases. Beyond county funding, our scope extends to a holistic “all lands, all hands” approach—supporting sustainable forest products, modernizing infrastructure, investing in a robust recreation economy, and creating pathways for local youth to build careers right here at home.
Key Points
Securing County Solvency: Stabilizing funding via Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) remains a critical, ongoing effort for Clearwater and Idaho counties.
Broad Economic Infrastructure: True rural economic health is connected; we advocate for deferred maintenance funding, responsible mining, sustainable timber harvests, and a vibrant recreation economy.
Innovative Partnerships: New collaborative tools, such as Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) agreements, are actively being leveraged to sustain and create local jobs while accomplishing vital forest management and road infrastructure work.
Background
Historically, the federal government has addressed the economic needs of public-land counties through programs like Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Act. While these programs provide vital revenue, their temporary nature creates perpetual budgetary uncertainty for communities that provide essential infrastructure, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue services across millions of acres of national forest.
The high concentration of federal land limits local tax bases, making federal revenue-sharing essential to keep county roads open, schools funded, and emergency services active. The Rural Economies Subcommittee brings diverse stakeholders to the table to advocate for long-term fiscal stability while driving active, on-the-ground projects that stimulate the local economy.
Current Situation
The economic vitality of our rural communities depends on a multi-faceted approach where forest health and community health reinforce one another. The subcommittee is actively engaged in several key areas to drive local economic stability:
Navigating County Funding Realities: While recent one-year extensions and back pay for SRS funding have provided temporary relief, the short-term nature of these re-authorizations makes a permanent county payment solution a top priority.
Leveraging Good Neighbor Authority (GNA): In an exciting step forward for local workforce stability, Idaho County and the Nez Perce Tribe have both signed GNA agreements with the Forests. The Tribe’s agreement focuses on crucial forest management and restoration work, while the County’s agreement targets vital road clearing and maintenance. Additionally, a GNA agreement with Idaho Fish and Game further aligns regional conservation and economic goals.
Investing in Workforce and Infrastructure: The CBC continues its foundational support for the Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps (CBYCC), giving local youth hands-on natural resource career exposure so they can live, work, and raise families in their hometowns. Simultaneously, we are backing Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding to tackle deferred maintenance on U.S. Forest Service infrastructure and exploring options to renovate and repurpose housing opportunities at the Red River Ranger Station.
Supporting Traditional and Emerging Sectors: We maintain strong consensus support for the forest products community, sustainable timber harvesting, and responsible mining, while concurrently building out capacity for the recreation economy—including supporting local hunters, guides, and outfitters. From year-round community celebrations to long-term land stewardship, everything is connected.