Utah counties will receive a record $40.7 million through a program designed to compensate them for the untaxed public land within their borders.
Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILT, distributed some $553 million to states this year, helping fund basic services in largely rural counties, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Tuesday.
“Local communities contribute significantly to our nation’s economy, food and energy supply, and help define the character of our diverse and beautiful country,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in a news release lauding the payments. “These investments often serve as a lifeline for local communities as they juggle planning and paying for basic services like public safety, fire-fighting, social services and transportation.