WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Congress has extended two federal programs that provide payments to Whatcom and Skagit counties for lost logging revenue on federally managed land.

The "Secure Rural Schools" and "Payment in Lieu of Taxes" programs were extended as part of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012.

Washington's Second District Rep. Rick Larsen, who supported the bill, says dollars from the programs go directly into classrooms, police forces, fire departments and roads.



This year, Whatcom County received nearly $1.3 million from the secure rural schools program, and over $1.4 million from the PILT program.

The programs compensate local governments for the lost ability to develop or use the resources of federally managed lands. Both programs will be extended for one year.