USFS Presentation powerpoint file

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Background
On January 24, 2000, Congress signed Public Law
106-393 This law is called the Secure Rural
School and Community Self-Determination Act of
2000 (commonly known as Payments to Counties)
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• Historically 25 funds have been used for
  schools and roads
• Now for years 2001-2006, the law allows counties
  to receive a full payment from the government
  based on the average of the states high three
  years (1986-1999)
• WA Ave. 88,89,91 FPA adjusted for inflation (½
  CPI)

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However The funds can be used in several
different ways and require some rules to
acquire them.
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80-85 of Payment
Called Title I Funds Counties will continue to
use these funds for schools and roads.
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15-20 of Payment
Called Title II-Federal Funds Title III-Non
Federal Funds Counties will elect annually by
Sept. 30th how they want to distribute funds.
They may choose all Title II or all Title III or
some combination of both. (Resolutions--Use
not )
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Resource Advisory Committees

• The law requires that resource advisory
  committees (RACs) be formed to
• Recommend Title II projects to the Secretary of
  Agriculture/Forest Supervisors
• Improve collaborative relationships
• Provide advice and recommendations to the land
  management agencies

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• Who makes up the RAC?
• Each RAC must have 3 groups with 5 members each
  (15 members total)
• The 3 groups industry, environmental, elected
  and school officials
• Project approval requires a majority vote of each
  group

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Who Can Submit Title II Projects? Projects can
occur both on or off federally managed lands, but
in some way must benefit resources on National
Forest lands. Anyone can submit a project, but
must work with appropriate state and local
governments, private and nonprofit entities,
landowners and local Forest Service office.
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• How Do I Submit a Title III project?
• Submit project to appropriate County
  Commissioners (county in which project will be
  completed)
• If commissioners approve, they will advertise the
  project for a 45-day comment period and notify
  the appropriate Resource Advisory Committee
  (RAC). Title III projects do not require RAC
  approval commissioners make final approval

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Key Dates
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Recent Clarifications

• Recipients of fed. awards 300,000 per year will
  comply with Single Audit Act OMB A-133
• Law enforcement qualifies as emergency services
  when demanding immediate action--ok to purchase
  equipment based on historical data
• Some RAC expenses can be covered with Title II
  funds such as travel and meeting expenses
• Existing and New infrastructure can be funded
  with Title II funds

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A Resource for questions

•  
• Mission Statement
•   Title III Guidelines
• Joint Principles  Financial Data
•  National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition
• P.O. Box 8551Red Bluff, CA 96080Phone (530)
  527-0666Fax [phone]www.forestco_at_tcde.teh
  ama.k12.ca.us

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Another Resourcehttp//www/fs.fed.us/payments

• Secure Rural Schools and Community
  Self-Determination Act (P.L. 106-393)
• Chief's Letter to RF's of Dec. 20, 2000
• Deputy Chief's Letter to RF's of February 26,
  2001
• Deputy Chief's Letter to RF's of August 6, 2001
• Chief's Letter to RF's of January 14, 2002
• Payments to States Table (updated July 31, 2001)
• Titles I, II, and III Summary by State
• Text of the Act (P.L. 106-393)

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End of Payments to Counties