Idaho to Receive $42.9 Million in PILT Funding for Community Services

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced that 44 local governments in Idaho will receive a total of $42.9 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2025. This funding will help cover the costs associated with maintaining community services in rural areas where the federal government owns large plots of land and does not pay local property taxes. The PILT program provides stability for essential services such as firefighting, police protection, and construction of public schools and roads.

Key Takeaways:

  • 44 local governments in Idaho will receive $42.9 million in PILT funding for 2025.
  • PILT payments provide essential services such as firefighting, police protection, and construction of public schools and roads.
  • Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have been long-term proponents of ensuring the long-term viability of the PILT program.
  • The U.S. Department of Interior collects more than $20.7 billion in revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands.
  • Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.
  • The full list of funding by state and county is available online.
  • The PILT program has provided stability for essential services in rural areas where the federal government owns large plots of land.
  • The U.S. Senators have emphasized the importance of funding PILT to ensure local governments can offset the nontaxable, federal land within their borders.

Statistics:

  • $42.9 million: Total PILT funding for 44 local governments in Idaho for 2025.
  • 44: Number of local governments in Idaho receiving PILT funding for 2025.
  • $20.7 billion: Revenue collected annually by the U.S. Department of Interior from commercial activities on public lands.
  • Percent: Percentage of those revenues shared with states and counties (not specified in the original text).

Sources:

  • U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) - July 21, 2023
  • https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-to-receive-429-million-in-pilt-funding-for-community-services