Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that New Mexico counties will share more than $32 million this year in payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) funds.

PILT, which is a program administered through the Department of Interior, compensates counties for federal property such as military bases and national parks, which cannot be taxed by local governments.

Because PILT was shortchanged each year in the annual appropriations process, Bingaman forcefully advocated for automatic full funding for the program – which many New Mexico counties rely heavily upon.  In 2008, Bingaman played a key role in negotiations that guaranteed full funding through fiscal year 2012, while also improving a separate initiative called Secure Rural Schools.  That effort resulted in millions of additional PILT dollars for New Mexico counties.

"PILT is an extremely important revenue source for nearly every county in our state, particularly in these difficult economic times.  This funding will help provide important services to New Mexico residents," Bingaman said.

Funds will be awarded as the following: