Those hard-hit Oregon counties that have been slicing into the bone because of loss of federal timber funds - some of these places even harder-hit with the recent storms - may have a little hope.
Congressional leadership has worked out a deal for continuing funding of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act, a package worth $1.8 billion, of which a big chunk - close to half - would go to Oregon. To some of the currently neediest parts of Oregon.
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who worked on it, said, “Today’s announcement will mean nearly $740 million for Oregon schools, public safety, roads, and other essential county services. More importantly, this deal gets these counties off of the fiscal roller-coaster and back to stable funding so that they can focus on the real work of planning for the future.â€
Sounds good, if it materializes. There's also word that the bill may be vetoed by President Bush.