The U.S. Government Accountability Office has weighed in on county payments under the Secure Rural Schools Act. What did it find?

We need more clarity.

Shocking, I know.

This report focuses on Title III of Secure Rural Schools, which “authorizes the use of a portion of the payments for certain purposes related to wildland fire and emergency services on federal lands.”

If Congress chooses to extend Title III beyond 2012, it should consider making explicit which types of

expenditures are and are not allowable. GAO also recommends that the agencies issue regulations or clear guidance specifying the types of  allowable county uses of Title III funds. In commenting on a draft of this report,  the Forest Service and Interior  generally agreed with GAO’s findings  and recommendations.

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