Sinema Working to Renew ‘Secure Rural Schools’ Program

Dec 5, 2023

Rural Arizona counties received over $11.26 million through the Secure Rural Schools program in Fiscal Year 2022

WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act – bipartisan legislation renewing annual funding for a program crucial to the success of rural counties, schools, and infrastructure projects. 

“Investing in Arizona’s rural schools ensures our state continues to thrive by giving all Arizona students – regardless of where they live – a fair shot at the American Dream,” said Sinema.

The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital source of funding for rural counties across Arizona, resulting in over $11.26 million awarded to 13 counties in Fiscal Year 2022. The amount of funds Arizona received from this program in Fiscal Year 2023 will be available in Spring 2024.

The Sinema-backed Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 until 2026, allowing for continued payments to counties that rely on revenue from the program for schools, roads, and county initiatives.