Excerpt:

When President George W. Bush approved a $700 billion economic bailout package Oct. 3, he also signed into effect a $3.3 billion earmark that will directly help the Snoqualmie Ranger District.

The earmark is a renewal of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides funds for improvements to public schools, road maintenance and stewardship projects.

Funding will be divided among 41 states and Puerto Rico over a four-year period from 2008-2011.