Murkowski Welcomes PILT Payments, $33 Million, to Alaska

Murkowski Welcomes PILT Payments, $33 Million, to Alaska

Program Provides Economic Boost for Alaskan Communities

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced today that the Department of the Interior is distributing $33,486,098 to eligible local governments across Alaska through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. To help offset the cost of maintaining a variety of community services, the PILT program provides annual payments to local governments in the state that contain federal lands that are not subject to state or local taxation. This revenue supports local governments by providing essential services, such as the construction of public schools and roads, firefighting and police protection, and search-and-rescue operations.

"Over 60 percent of Alaska's lands are controlled by the federal government. Federal lands, unlike private lands, are not subject to local taxes, making it difficult for rural communities to budget for essential services. PILT funding is critical in helping boroughs across Alaska keep schools open, people safe, and maintaining sustainable economies," said Senator Murkowski. "As a senior appropriator, I've continued to fund this vital program to provide much-needed stability and protections for communities all across our state."

Through her role as Ranking Member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murkowski worked to secure full funding at $515 million for the nationwide PILT program in Fiscal Year 2022.

2022 Payments to Alaskan Communities