Idaho Panhandle RAC meeting held

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests Resource Advisory Committee held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to review and make a recommendation on proposals seeking Secure Rural Schools Act funding for projects that benefit federal public lands.

The 15-member Idaho Panhandle RAC first solicited project proposals in September for Title II funds received through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Proposals under consideration include projects that improve forest health, watersheds, roads and facilities on or adjacent to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Applicants must be a resident of Idaho and should reside within Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah or Latah counties to the extent practicable.

Following a presentation of project proposals, the RAC was slated to participate in collaborative decision-making to make recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service for project prioritization and funding.

The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Payments are divided into three distinct categories, or Titles: Title I for roads and schools, Title II for projects on Federal lands, and Title III for county projects.