An Analysis of the
Implementation of PL 106-393
This study was conducted during the fall and spring of 2003-2004 and published in November 2004. The final reports are included below:
In-Depth Interviews With Forest Service Officials, RAC Members, and County Officials Study Results PresentationDescription of Study
On October 30, 2000, Congress passed Public Law 106-393 (the Secure Rural School and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, commonly known as "Payments to States") in order to offset the effect of decreased revenues available to counties from declining timber harvests on Federal lands. more information about PL106-393
As outlined in the Act, Payments to States has three purposes: (1) to stabilize payments to counties that help support roads and schools, (2) to provide projects that enhance forest ecosystem health and provide employment opportunities, and (3) to improve cooperative relationships among Federal land management agencies and those who use and care about the lands the agencies manage. Unless renewed, PL 106-393 will sunset after fiscal year 2006. For a more complete analysis of the law, including Title II (Resource Advisory Committee) and Title III information, please visit the Payments to States website.
This study seeks to better understand how well the Act has met its above stated purposes to date. The first two purposes of the Act will be analyzed through an examination of existing data. The third purpose of the Act will be analyzed through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with Forest Service Officials, Resource Advisory Committee members and county officials.
Methodology For Questionnaires/Interviews
Ultimately, it is hoped that this study will be used to better ascertain whether there is support for renewal of PL 106-393 and, if so, what changes need to be made to the law to make it more effective.
This page last reviewed May 2006