WALDEN HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT ON HOOD RIVER COUNTY OF LOSING 'COUNTY PAYMENTS' PROGRAM

Before the full House of Representatives, Congressman Walden delivers speech outlining what is at stake for Hood River County

February 6, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. -
Congressman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) today addressed the House of Representatives to explain the dire consequences facing Hood River County should funding for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act be discontinued. Walden and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) introduced H.R. 17 on January 4, the first day of the 110th Congress, a bill which would reauthorize the Act for seven years. The Act expired in September 2006, and without prompt reauthorization and funding, approximately 4,400 school districts in 615 counties in 39 states will have essential federal funding severed.
 
The speech before the House, the tenth in a series of 18 that will each day focus on a specific county in Oregon’s Second Congressional District that receives funds from the essential program, follows:
 
“Madam Speaker. The failure of Congress to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act amounts to a breach of faith to more than 600 forested counties and 4,400 school districts across America.
 
“Hood River County, Oregon is my home and hosts two Oregon icons: Mount Hood and the powerful Columbia River, both attractions for outdoor recreation and the dangers that come with them. Surely you remember the December search for the mountain climbers on Mount Hood? This event unfolded just miles from my home town.
 
“The county paid for this rescue and recovery effort entirely with County Payments funds. This included the airplanes, snowcats, and equipment for volunteers, CB radios, and medical supplies.
 
“County Sheriff Joe Wampler said, ‘We will do search and rescue on federal lands and waterways no matter what but the nation must share this cost.’
 
“County Payments also fund many other vital services like the county health department’s vaccination program for children.
 
“Commission Chair Ron Rivers said, ‘The loss of these funds will have a significant impact on all services including those provided to protect our most vulnerable citizens.’
 
“My colleagues, Congress must keep the Federal Government's word to timbered communities and pass HR 17. Time is running out.

For more information on the county payments effort and for video of the speeches, please click here.
 
Congressman Walden represents 20 counties in central, southern and eastern Oregon.