Murkowski Welcomes PILT Payments, Over $35 Million to Alaska

06.15.23

Program Provides Economic Boost for Alaskan Communities

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced today that the Department of the Interior is distributing $35.4 million 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.

Through her role as Ranking Member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murkowski worked to secure full funding at $578.8 million for the nationwide PILT program in Fiscal Year 2023.

 “As a senior appropriator, securing funding for the PILT program is always one of my top priorities. Over 60 percent of Alaska’s lands are controlled by the federal government, which, unlike private lands, aren’t subject to local taxes, creating challenges for rural communities to ensure funding for essential projects and services. This funding will play a crucial role in allowing boroughs across the state to maintain public safety services and keep their schools up and running,” said Senator Murkowski.

2023 Payments to Alaskan Communities

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