Idaho Counties to Receive $42.9 Million in PILT Payments

Strategic Insights -

Local governments in Idaho are set to receive significant funding to offset the loss of property taxes from federal lands in their borders. The federal Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program provides essential support to rural communities through the distribution of funds calculated based on the number of acres of federal land and population within each jurisdiction. Idaho's 44 counties will benefit from this funding, with some counties receiving substantial sums.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government will distribute $42.9 million in PILT payments to Idaho counties in 2025.
  • Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within the jurisdiction and the population.
  • Idaho County, with over 4.5 million acres of federal land, will receive approximately $2.3 million.
  • Owyhee County, with 3.6 million acres of federal land, will get around $1.9 million.
  • Elmore County, home to the Mountain Home Air Force Base, will receive the most of any county, approximately $3.4 million.
  • The U.S. Department of Interior collects over $20.7 billion in revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands.
  • A portion of these revenues is shared with states and counties, while the balance is deposited into the U.S. Treasury, which pays for PILT funding.
  • Idaho's 44 counties rely heavily on PILT payments to maintain and provide essential community services.

Statistics:

  • $42.9 million: The total amount of PILT payments Idaho counties will receive in 2025.
  • 4.5 million acres: The number of federal land acres in Idaho County.
  • $2.3 million: The amount of PILT payments Idaho County will receive.
  • 3.6 million acres: The number of federal land acres in Owyhee County.
  • $1.9 million: The amount of PILT payments Owyhee County will receive.
  • 3.4 million: The amount of PILT payments Elmore County will receive.
  • $20.7 billion: The annual revenue collected by the U.S. Department of Interior from commercial activities on public lands.

Sources:

  • (https://www.doi.gov/pilt)
  • Press release from Idaho Republican Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch.