The U.S. Forest Service has announced it will distribute $248 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding for 2025, providing financial support to counties with National Forest lands. The funding helps rural communities maintain public schools, roads, wildfire preparedness efforts, and other essential services. Over the past decade, the program has delivered more than $2.4 billion nationwide. In Indiana, nine counties within the Hoosier National Forest will receive funding, along with additional support through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program. Locally, Orange County will receive $152,007, followed by Crawford County with $97,220, Brown County with $84,858, Lawrence County with $49,626, Martin County with $28,427, and Dubois County with $24,311. The combined funding helps offset lost property tax revenue from federally owned lands and provides consistent support for rural infrastructure and services.
For 2025, Indiana counties will receive the following combined SRS and PILT allocations:
- Brown County – $84,858
- Crawford County – $97,220
- Dubois County – $24,311
- Jackson County – $85,506
- Lawrence County – $49,626
- Martin County – $28,427
- Monroe County – $119,206
- Orange County – $152,007
- Perry County – $210,401
