Chief Tidwell Testifies Before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – Provides Update on SRS

Earlier this week, U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in defense of the Forest Service’s FY 2017 proposed budget.  The issue of wildfire funding played a prominent role in the hearing, and Members on both sides of the aisle indicated the need to put an end to the practice of fire borrowing.  

Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) stated wildfire funding reform must be paired with broader forest management reform.  She also indicated her commitment to find a long-term wildfire funding fix.  Chief Tidwell also discussed the status of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments to counties, indicating that payments have not gone out yet, but should arrive by the end of next week.  Additionally, he shared good news that the U.S. Forest Service determined SRS payments would not be subject to sequestration, as was initially thought.