Rural counties in the United States have lost $500 million in funding for schools and roads since Congress adjourned without extending a federal program.
"Very frankly, we feel deeply disappointed and a bit betrayed that the administration and members of Congress did not fulfill their responsibilities to protect the rural counties," said Bob Douglas, Tehama County, Calif., schools superintendent and president of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition.
He predicted significant layoffs in rural schools.
Most of the affected counties are in the Western United States, with Oregon, California and Washington the top recipients of the school and road funding, The Los Angeles Times reports.
The payments started in 2000. Attempts to extend them to 2014 foundered in Congress amid competing partisan funding visions.United Press International
