WASHINGTON (March 28, 2007) -- “With an overwhelming majority, today the Senate voted to restore vital funding for rural schools and beneficial restoration work on our National Forests. The Wilderness Society applauds this victory for America’s rural school children and counties that are adjacent to public lands.

“The Wilderness Society appreciates the leadership and dedication of the Senate in passing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. This balanced legislation will provide secure funding for 4,400 rural schools and 775 counties in 39 states.

“This legislation will also benefit hundreds of counties throughout the West through full funding of the Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Western communities have been short-changed for too long by chronic under-funding of PILT.

“We are committed to working with the sponsors of the Secure Rural Schools Act to gain acceptance of the five year extension in the House, and the full funding of PILT, to ensure adequate funding for rural communities.”