Washington, Idaho receive millions from feds

BOISE — Federal officials are sending more than $26 million to Idaho counties and $15 million to Washington counties as part of the government’s payments in lieu of taxes program. The sum is part of a record $393 million disbursement to local governments nationwide. In Idaho, Elmore County in the southwest corner of the state got the biggest payment at $2.2 million, while Idaho County in the north-central mountains received $1.5 million. In North Idaho, Kootenai County received $565,000; Bonner, $528,000; Boundary, $161,000; Shoshone, $416,000; and Benewah, $57,000. In Washington, Chelan County received the largest payment at $2.3 million, with Okanogan County receiving $2.2 million. Pend Oreille County received $823,000; Ferry, $762,000; and Stevens $451,000. Spokane County received about $5,000. Counties use the money to help subsidize public schools, road maintenance and emergency services. This year’s so-called PILT payout is the last to be funded under a 2008 federal law. Congress is considering extending the program, which was originally intended to offset reductions in logging and timber revenue generated on federal forests.