Colorado Communities Receive $34.5 Million in PILT Funds Thanks to Udall, Bennet's Efforts to Restore Program

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet heralded the U.S. Department of the Interior's release today of more than $34.5 million to Colorado through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program. Colorado communities received the funds thanks to Udall and Bennet's successful effort this year to include a one-year extension of funding for the PILT program in the 2014 Farm Bill.

The PILT program provides federal payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal land within their boundaries. These resources help pay for critical services like search-and-rescue operations, road maintenance and fire protection.

"Communities throughout Colorado count on the PILT program to support schools and other essential services. I was proud to successfully work with local leaders and Sen. Bennet to include this funding in the 2014 Farm Bill," Udall said. "However, Colorado needs a long-term solution to permanently fund the PILT program and avoid the perennial uncertainty of the federal budgeting process. I am committed to continuing to fight for rural Colorado and getting this done."

"PILT funding provides a necessary lifeline for many of our rural communities that face continuously shrinking budgets, and allows them to provide critical services like police and fire protection and road maintenance," Bennet said. "We are excited about the announcement of this year's funds, which we worked to secure. Now we need a long-term solution for PILT funding. Our local leaders shouldn't be forced into wondering from year to year if they will receive the payments the federal government owes them."

Udall and Bennet's successful work to include PILT funding in the 2014 Farm Bill followed their efforts to permanently fund and authorize the program. They introduced bipartisan legislation earlier this year to accomplish this goal.

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