The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the distribution of more than $326,000 to 10 counties in Montana and three in New Mexico, made possible through the Bankhead Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937.
The Act allowed the federal government to purchase damaged rangelands in the aftermath of a series of agricultural crises in the 1920s. The BLM manages these national grasslands as part of its multiple-use mission and pays counties 25 percent of the net receipts derived from those lands.
“The BLM values the partnerships created with county officials through this program, as they are vital to managing sustainable, working public lands,” said Bran Steed, deputy director for Programs and Policy. “We look forward to working with county officials to ensure that this program continues to support those communities within Montana and New Mexico.”
Payments made through the authority of the Bankhead Jones Farm Tenant Act are essential to these counties, as they provide for public services, including road maintenance and schools.
Eddy County received a total payment of $758.10 from the BLM. McKinley County received a $1,169.99 distribution and Sandoval County $9,347.90.
