Edit Organization: Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees

Free text:

'''Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees (SRS RACs)''' are local advisory bodies established to manage funds from the Secure Rural Schools program, directing resources towards projects that benefit local communities and national forests. They play a critical role in deciding how to use federal funds for forest health, road maintenance, and educational services. {{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools}} ==Mission== The mission of the SRS RACs is to advise on the best use of SRS funds to meet community needs while enhancing forest stewardship. This includes recommending projects that improve forest conditions, support local schools, roads, and emergency services, and promote sustainable economic activities in rural areas where traditional timber revenue has declined.<ref>USDA Forest Service. "Secure Rural Schools". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref> ==Parent organization== The SRS RACs are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which falls under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Forest Service oversees the implementation of the SRS program.<ref>USDA Forest Service. "About the Forest Service". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref> ==Legislation== SRS RACs were established by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which was designed to provide financial assistance to rural counties and schools affected by declines in timber-dependent revenue.<ref>U.S. Government Publishing Office. "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ393/pdf/PLAW-106publ393.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref> ==Partners== * Local governments and communities * Educational institutions, particularly local schools * Conservation and environmental groups * Timber and recreation industries<ref>USDA Forest Service. "Secure Rural Schools - Resource Advisory Committees". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools/resource-advisory-committees (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref> ==Number of employees== Each SRS RAC typically consists of 15 members. The total number of members across all committees varies based on the number of committees, which can change due to consolidations or new formations. ==Organization structure== Each RAC includes members from diverse backgrounds, such as representatives from local government, environmental organizations, timber interests, and the general public. ===Leader=== Each committee is led by a Chair, elected by the members to guide proceedings and represent the committee. ===Divisions=== There are no formal divisions within individual RACs, but they operate independently across different national forests. ==List of programs== * Funding recommendations for forest health projects * Proposals for community service and school support * Recommendations for road maintenance and public access improvements ==Last total enacted budget== The budget for SRS RACs isn't specified separately but is part of the larger Secure Rural Schools program funding, which varies annually based on Congressional appropriations. ==Staff== SRS RACs do not have dedicated staff; support is provided by Forest Service personnel at the local level. Varies by committee (typically 15 members per RAC) ==Funding== Funding for SRS RAC activities comes from the Secure Rural Schools program, which is subject to annual federal appropriations. ==Services provided== SRS RACs provide advisory services by recommending how SRS funds should be allocated to projects that benefit both the forest ecosystem and local communities, enhancing economic and educational resources. ==Regulations overseen== While the RACs do not directly oversee regulations, their project recommendations can influence local land use, forest management practices, and community development strategies. ==Headquarters address== 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States ==History== Since the enactment of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act in 2000, SRS RACs have been instrumental in channeling federal funds to support rural communities, especially where traditional forest revenue sources have diminished.<ref>U.S. Government Publishing Office. "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ393/pdf/PLAW-106publ393.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref> ==External links== * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools Official SRS Website] * [[wikipedia:Secure Rural Schools]] ==References== <references />