Landmark bailout to bail out Boundary County, school distirct

The federal government’s $700 billion bailout of U.S. banks is good news for Boundary County.

Part of the package approved by lawmakers includes reinstating federal funding that county government and Boundary County School District expected to lose. In addition, both entities will receive a 75 percent increase to their allocations.

The funding, formerly known as the Craig/Wyden Secure Rural Schools program, will be in place for four years.

“It’s a win-win,” said county commissioner Ron Smith.

“It was tremendous,” added Dr. Don Bartling, superintendent of schools. “There’s been so many ups and downs with that.”

The issue as to whether or not they would get the funding has gone on for months. Two weeks ago, the Senate approved the funding, and the House pulled it out before voting. Then it was included in the bailout.

The county’s allocation will be $1.57 million, up from $900,000 last year. The money will go to the road and bridge department. The school district will receive $659,000, up from $377,000.

In addition, the county expects to receive its full allocation for its Payment in Lieu of Taxes , Smith said. It’s funding the county gets because it cannot collect property taxes from the 475,000 acres of federal lands here.

In June 2007, the county received a partial allocation of $99,326. The full amount would’ve been $153,506. This past June, the county received a partial payment of $107,643.

“That figure should increase (for next year),” Smith said.