Which organization receives most of the benefit from the sale or lease of state trust land?

The organization that receives the majority of the benefit from the sale or lease of state trust land is state schools. In Arizona, the state trust lands are managed by the Arizona State Land Department. The revenue generated from these lands is primarily used to fund public education, specifically K-12 schools and universities. This system is rooted in the historical establishment of state trust lands, which are intended to provide financial support for public institutions.

This funding structure is crucial because it helps ensure that state schools have the financial resources needed for operations, infrastructure, and educational programs. Other entities, like county governments or legislative bodies, do not directly benefit from the revenue in the same manner; they may receive funds through appropriations, but the primary revenue channel from state trust land directly supports educational institutions.