Skip to Content

Committee Assignments

Congressman Mike Simpson currently serves on the following committees:

House Committee on Appropriations

Subcommittee Chairman on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education

Congressman Mike Simpson currently serves on the following caucuses:

Potato Caucus Co-Chair

Oral Health Caucus Co-Chair

Sugar Caucus Co-Chair

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FY2023 APPROPRIATIONS COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS



Project Name:

1st Street Reconstruction

Recipient Address:

2135 S. Ammon Road

Ammon, ID

Project Sponsor:

City of Ammon

Request Amount:

$5,830,400

Description:

The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because 1st Street is a principal arterial that is vital to the economic development and quality of life for the region. The section of 1st Street that is proposed for reconstruction is in failing condition and unsafe. The current volume-to-capacity ratio is at 1.41, which means that it already is operating above its capacity. Existing farmlands along 1st Street and locations further east will continue to grow and 1st Street will see a steady growth rate for the next few years, making the need for this project even more pressing. The funding will be used to reconstruct 1st Street from Hitt (25th) to Ammon (35th). It will be widened to five lanes, with two lanes in each direction and a center two-way turn lane. A curb, gutter, and sidewalk will be added along the entire section. Sand Creek bridge will be widened to five lanes and will include sidewalks.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


Project Name:

Center Street Railroad Bridge Underpass

Recipient Address:

911 N. 7th Avenue

Pocatello, ID 83201

Project Sponsor:

City of Pocatello

Request Amount:

$5,700,000

Description:

The funding is designated to repair the abutments, replace the fascia and portals to the sidewalks, and replace the retaining walls and sidewalks leading to the pedestrian tunnels. The existing roadway and pedestrian lighting will be upgraded, and the existing stormwater system will be modified or replaced to handle storm events and a pedestrian bridge more adequately across Center Street will be constructed. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. The Center Street underpass is an essential element of Pocatello's transportation system and one of three principle arterial streets that cross the railroad connecting the downtown area to the rest of Pocatello. A repaired underpass will ensure the safety of the city's 10,000 drivers and pedestrians who use it every day. This project will also enhance business development and community redevelopment in Historic Downtown Pocatello.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Custer County Court Annex Building

Recipient Address:

801 E. Main Ave. PO Box 385

Challis, Idaho 83226

Project Sponsor:

Custer County Commissioners

Request Amount:

$600,000

Description:

The funding will be used to construct a new court annex building in Custer County, Idaho. The current court building in Custer County is non-ADA compliant, is ageing, and has degraded as a result of two major earthquakes in the region. The funding will go towards the construction of a new building that will house the courtroom, judge's chambers, jury room, three court clerk offices, all required bathrooms, and two evidence vaults.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

City of Grace STAG

Recipient Address:

108 E. Center St. PO Box 288

Grace, Idaho 83241

Project Sponsor:

City of Grace

Request Amount:

$2.65 million

Description:

The funding is designated to make improvements to the city's wastewater collection and treatment systems. The city has a critical need for electrical improvements at their treatment plants, replacement of their solids dewatering process, replacement of 2,000 feet of collection piping, and the installation of several new manholes. This project aims to address these needs and promote the community's health.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

City of Roberts STAG

Recipient Address:

PO Box 242

Roberts, Idaho 83444

Project Sponsor:

City of Roberts

Request Amount:

$2 million

Description:

The funding is designated to the City of Roberts to make updates to their failing sewer lines. The City of Roberts' sewer collection system is made up of 2.7 miles of asbestos concrete pipe and was installed in 1969, however, some of the sewer lines are failing causing raw sewage to back up into residents' homes causing a critical public health concern. The city has developed a plan to make upgrades to their system and this funding will be used in construction of the improvements. The improvements to the city's sewer collection system will help ensure that sewage is not leaking into the ground water and will prevent the backups that are occurring in citizens' homes.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Family Health Services Helipad and Ambulance Bay

Recipient Location:

Near South Beverly Street and State Highway 24 in Shoshone, Idaho 83352

Project Recipient:

Family Health Services Corporation: 794 Eastland Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

Request Amount:

$1,547,000

Description:

The funding will be used for an emergency services infrastructure project that includes a helipad and a 4-unit ambulance bay attached to the new Family Health Services (FHS) Community Health Center being constructed in rural Shoshone, Idaho – home to over 5,300 residents. This comprehensive emergency services infrastructure project will provide access to crucial emergency medical transport into and out of the rural community to generate favorable health outcomes.
FHS is constructing a new Community Health Center in Shoshone, Idaho on land leased from Lincoln County to meet primary health care needs in a very rural part of Idaho serving as a conduit to the popular Sun Valley area. Emergencies occur often, ranging from vehicle accidents to agricultural-related injuries. The rural location limits quick response/transport in medical emergencies – with the nearest hospitals/ERs respectively 20 and 32 minutes away. The request for $1,547,000 will fund the construction of a helipad and a 4-unit ambulance bay attached to the new clinic that will be operated by County EMS services.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and will create a robust health services network capable of expediting access to emergency care. The combined helipad and ambulance bay will yield more positive health outcomes and reduce health disparities often inherent in rural communities lacking comprehensive, high-quality emergency response infrastructure.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Little Wood River, ID

Recipient Address:

308 5th Avenue

Gooding, ID 83330

Project Sponsor:

City of Gooding

Request Amount:

$2,600,000

Description:

The project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the project would replace the walls of the channel that flows through the city of Gooding, Idaho, which was constructed in the 1930's. Many sections of the wall have failed, leading to an increase in localized flood risk and threat to adjacent public infrastructure and private property. It is also leading to long-term undermining of the public roads along its corridor from subsurface erosion.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Family Health Services Helipad and Ambulance Bay

Recipient Location:

Near South Beverly Street and State Highway 24 in Shoshone, Idaho 83352

Project Recipient:

Family Health Services Corporation: 794 Eastland Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

Request Amount:

$1,547,000

Description:

The funding will be used for an emergency services infrastructure project that includes a helipad and a 4-unit ambulance bay attached to the new Family Health Services (FHS) Community Health Center being constructed in rural Shoshone, Idaho – home to over 5,300 residents. This comprehensive emergency services infrastructure project will provide access to crucial emergency medical transport into and out of the rural community to generate favorable health outcomes.
FHS is constructing a new Community Health Center in Shoshone, Idaho on land leased from Lincoln County to meet primary health care needs in a very rural part of Idaho serving as a conduit to the popular Sun Valley area. Emergencies occur often, ranging from vehicle accidents to agricultural-related injuries. The rural location limits quick response/transport in medical emergencies – with the nearest hospitals/ERs respectively 20 and 32 minutes away. The request for $1,547,000 will fund the construction of a helipad and a 4-unit ambulance bay attached to the new clinic that will be operated by County EMS services.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and will create a robust health services network capable of expediting access to emergency care. The combined helipad and ambulance bay will yield more positive health outcomes and reduce health disparities often inherent in rural communities lacking comprehensive, high-quality emergency response infrastructure.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Healing Idaho Community Development Project

Recipient Location:

Fairfield, ID

Gooding, ID 83330

Project Sponsor:

Camp Rainbow Gold, Inc. - 1020 W. Main St. Boise, ID 83702

Request Amount:

$2,400,000

Description:

The project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because Camp Rainbow Gold (CRG) is building Idaho's only medically designed, adaptive, and accessible camp to serve nonprofits across the state. The new camp, called Hidden Paradise, will work to serve thousands of children, adults, and veterans from across the state of Idaho and will bring back to life a once thriving and vibrant gathering place in rural Camas County. The scenic 172-acre parcel is nestled up against the mountains outside of Fairfield, ID. When Camp Rainbow Gold purchased the property in 2019, it had been sitting shuttered for nearly five years. Hidden Paradise will not only reinvigorate the Camas County economy, but it will also be available when camps are not in session to host various community events. This project will provide an essential service to children, families, and adults from across Idaho by creating an inclusive space where campers are able to participate in activities with their peers. Many of the campers Hidden Paradise will serve are children, adults, and veterans who have been marginalized or left out due to medical conditions, treatment, or disabilities and have insufficient access to outdoor recreation activities that every child (and adult) deserves. The funding will be used to install a Large Soil Absorption System, which the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has just approved. Funds would be used for new water lines, wells, repairs and for much needed power upgrades to create a safer environment for Hidden Paradise campers.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

Recipient Location:

Kimberly, ID

Project Sponsor:

University of Idaho – 875 Perimeter Dr MS 3010 Moscow, ID

Request Amount:

$7.84 million

Description:

The funding is designated to support the collaboration between the University of Idaho and ARS Kimberly. Researchers at USDA ARS in Kimberly work closely with the University of Idaho faculty to protect the sustainability of agriculture, identify ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, improve the health of soil and quality of water, and increase the efficiency of irrigation while supporting the critical economic drive in Idaho, Agricultural production. Funding will be prioritized for facilities and equipment that will aid ARS scientists in determining the extent of the impact of dairy production on the environment such that solutions can be credibly developed.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Idaho Workforce and Public Safety Training Facility Improvements

Recipient Location:

6395 W. Gowen Rd

Boise, ID 83709

Project Sponsor:

Idaho Rural Water Association, Inc.

Request Amount:

$750,000

Description:

This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it will be designated to develop indoor/outdoor labs and learning stations in Ada County, Idaho that will be utilized to educate water and wastewater operators across Idaho, including its most rural communities. Rural communities across Idaho and the United States are experiencing an increased demand for water and wastewater operators, and this project will play a crucial role in educating new and retaining current operators in Idaho. It will also help address community demands for stable, good paying jobs close to home by recruiting, educating, and retaining Idahoans in the industry and enhancing rural economies. The funding would specifically be used to provide site improvements, including the construction of curbs and a parking lot, loading dock, and storage facilities, to provide safer access to these education facilities. Additional resources will be designated to purchase and install the equipment necessary for indoor/outdoor labs to conduct real-world hands-on experience and training.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Jerome Education and Training Center

Recipient Location:

Jerome, Idaho

Project Sponsor:

College of Southern Idaho – 315 Falls Ave, PO Box 1238 Twin Falls, ID 83303

Request Amount:

$3,300,000

Description:

The funding is designated to construct a new education and training facility to support regional needs for the College of Southern Idaho in Jerome, Idaho. The Jerome Education and Training Center would be a 20,000 square foot facility in downtown Jerome, Idaho. Jerome County has experienced record-setting growth in the food processing, dairy, and meat processing industries. The growth of the industry needs has guided the College to plan for an education and training facility to support regional workforce development. Beyond food processing related training and instruction, the College intends for the Jerome Center to also support healthcare training for high school students and other for CNA and Medical Assisting in support of regional needs the center will also serve as a community hub supporting CSI's role as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

McCammon Fire Station

Recipient Location:

McCammon, Idaho

Project Sponsor:

City of McCammon – 802 Front St. McCammon, ID 83250

Request Amount:

$813,750

Description:

The funding is designated to construct a new fire station in McCammon, Idaho. The City of McCammon's current fire station was originally built to serve as a maintenance shed and currently has no running water and no insulation. Cramped quarters have limited the ability to upsize equipment and effectively deploy engines due to lack of maneuverability. The current station lacks space and function to meet the needs of the growing community safely and effectively. A new facility would allow for increased volunteerism, a site for an ambulance, and allow the city to recruit more firefighters and increase training for volunteers.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Mackay Dam Rehabilitation

Recipient Address:

801 E. Main Ave. PO Box 597

Challis, ID 83226

Project Sponsor:

Custer County

Request Amount:

$7,082,856

Description:

This Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant CPF would designate funding to rehabilitate the Mackay Dam, a 100-year-old earthfill structure, constructed for irrigation purposes that currently serves 37,500 acres of farmland. The infrastructure of the dam is ageing and has degraded to the point of critical condition with high risk of failure in the event of flooding. The funding would go towards removing and replacing the primary spillway, relining the outlet tunnel, and moving controls downstream to prevent the dam from overtopping and mitigate the risk of damages from earthquake and flooding to the surrounding communities including Mackay, Arco, Custer, Butte, and the Idaho National Laboratory.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Rock Creek Conservation and Water Quality Enhancement Project

Recipient Address:

203 Main Ave E.

Twin Falls, ID 83301

Project Sponsor:

City of Twin Falls

Request Amount:

$15 million

Description:

The funding is designated to the Rock Creek Restoration and Water Quality Project to enhance water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, urban outdoor recreational opportunities, and to provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek Watershed in Twin Falls County, Idaho. Through acquisition of property and construction of off-stream ponds, the project will help alleviate flooding while also providing sediment removal and total phosphorus reductions from agricultural runoff. the removal of sediment and the reduction in total phosphorus will further improve water quality in Rock Creek and also contribute to the reduction of nutrients in the Mid-Snake River. The project will connect city owned properties and preserve and provide greater public access to enhanced outdoor urban recreational experiences in the creek corridor.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***


Project Name:

Downtown Boise YMCA Catalytic Redevelopment Project

Recipient Address:

1177 W. State St.

Boise, ID 83702

Project Sponsor:

Treasure Valley Family YMCA

Request Amount:

$10,000,000

Description:

The project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the YMCA is planning the redevelopment of 2.5 city blocks located between State St/Jefferson St and 10th St/12th St in Boise. By co-locating and co-producing services, the YMCA, alongside their partners in healthcare, education, and the non-profit and government sectors, will provide comprehensive solutions for community challenges, in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. This project will be a catalyst connecting community members to local businesses, hospitals, social, educational, and governmental services, resulting in a thriving economy, connected community, and increased wellbeing for youth, adults, and families. The Downtown Boise YMCA currently serves 17,000 members per year. With completion of the new facility, they anticipate serving 23,000 members, with 1.2 million visits per year. The project’s community-based approach will address a wide range of social determinants of health and community needs, such as housing, healthcare, early childhood education and childcare, workforce development, transportation and accessibility, and financial education.

Member Certification Form

Support Letters


***



FY2022 APPROPRIATIONS COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS



Project Name:

Medical Training Facility

Project Location:

Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field), Idaho

Project Sponsor:

124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard

Request Amount:

$6,500,000

Description:

The 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, requested $6,500,000 for the construction of a 10,550 square foot Medical Training Facility to provide administrative area, classrooms, laboratories, exam rooms, record storage, and mobility training storage for the 124th Medical Group. The project entails construction of a new building with site improvements to include pavements, utilities, communication support, as well as demolition of 3 sub-standard buildings/7,951 square feet on the site. This project will provide a facility that complies with patient privacy requirements and space authorized for military medical and training functions.


***


Project Name:

Taxi-lane D Rehabilitation at Boise Airport

Project Location:

Boise, ID

Project Sponsor:

City of Boise

Request Amount:

$700,000

Description:

The funding is designated to rehabilitate the portion of taxi-lane D that leads onto the air carrier apron. This is the main taxi route to the terminal for air carrier operations that supports air transportation to the community. Taxi-lane D pavement has deteriorated to the point that the pavement surface needs to be removed and replaced.


***


Project Name:

Trade Up: Skilled Trades' Expansion, Advising, and Remediation at College of Eastern Idaho

Project Location:

Idaho Falls, ID

Project Sponsor:

College of Eastern Idaho

Request Amount:

$100,000

Description:

CEI requests funding to strengthen workforce training programs in the fields of plumbing, welding, electrical and HVAC by equipping five classrooms for live teaching broadcast, hiring a one-year interim advisor to promote construction as entry to expansive college training or career, building badges in Skill Stack, inviting students to return for stackable credentials, shortening time to career, ensuring CEI's programs are tailored to local employer needs, and creating a free & immediate remediation system to help any fourth-year student retake and pass the journeyman exam. Eastern Idaho is growing at a rapid rate, and employers are in desperate need of skilled workers. This project will help employers find the workers they need, as well as prepare Idahoans for stable, good paying jobs close to home. The project also has the potential to increase local wages and stabilize rural economies throughout the region.


***


Project Name:

Taxi-lane D Rehabilitation at Boise Airport

Project Location:

Boise, ID/p>

Project Sponsor:

City of Boise

Request Amount:

$700,000

Description:

The funding is designated to rehabilitate the portion of taxi-lane D that leads onto the air carrier apron. This is the main taxi route to the terminal for air carrier operations that supports air transportation to the community. Taxi-lane D pavement has deteriorated to the point that the pavement surface needs to be removed and replaced.


***


Project Name:

Shoshone Bannock Tribe Fire Station

Project Location:

Fort Hall, ID

Project Sponsor:

Shoshone Bannock Tribe

Request Amount:

$7,000,000

Description:

The funding is designated to address the inadequate facility needs of the Fort Hall Fire Department and EMS operations. Current facilities rely on antiquated equipment, decrepit structures, failing infrastructure and poor location and access. The project will provide high quality essential services to protect the lives and property of Reservation residents, employees, and visitors, as well as the surrounding communities.


***


Project Name:

U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) ARS Infrastructure Improvement

Project Location:

Dubois, ID

Project Sponsor:

Sheep Experiment Station

Request Amount:

$4,200,000

Description:

The funding is designated to modernize a century-old critical research facility, the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) and expansion of research-building capacity. The USSES is a USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) unit near Dubois, Idaho. The USSES is an asset for grazing lands and sheep industry genetic research, and the repository of over five decades of sage grouse research. The century-old infrastructure is a limiting factor for the USSES to effectively accomplish its research agenda.


***


Project Name:

Shoshone Bannock Tribe Fire Station

Project Location:

Fort Hall, ID

Project Sponsor:

Shoshone Bannock Tribe

Request Amount:

$7,000,000

Description:

The funding is designated to address the inadequate facility needs of the Fort Hall Fire Department and EMS operations. Current facilities rely on antiquated equipment, decrepit structures, failing infrastructure and poor location and access. The project will provide high quality essential services to protect the lives and property of Reservation residents, employees, and visitors, as well as the surrounding communities.


***


Project Name:

Rinker Rock Creek Ranch

Project Location:

Hailey, ID

Project Sponsor:

University of Idaho

Request Amount:

$1,325,000

Description:

The University of Idaho requested funding to designated establish University of Idaho education and research training at the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch field station by expanding curricula in rangeland management and animal science. The project sponsor for this project is the Regents of the University of Idaho located at 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow, ID 83844 and the project is located near Hailey, Idaho. Funding will result in a) hands-on learning for public, postsecondary and K-12 education groups; b) scientific equipment and space for research demonstrations on livestock grazing and sage grouse management, cattle management and wildlife friendly fencing, water quantity and quality conservation, and techniques to combat invasive annual grasses and associated wildfire; and c) upgraded telecommunications systems to facilitate classroom connectivity and research training. The project will enhance workforce training in Idaho by providing opportunities for high school and community college students to pursue postsecondary education. It will also provide demonstration of best practices for integrating working rangelands with conservation interests in the western United States.


***


Project Name:

Habitat's Communities of Hope – Step up to Home Ownership

Project Location:

Idaho Falls, ID

Project Sponsor:

Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Area, Inc.

Request Amount:

$3,000,000

Description:

The funding is designated to create a lasting stock of affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families, creating a path for home ownership no matter the family's current financial circumstances. A variety of housing types – tiny, attached, and single-family - will be available. Families will build equity in all levels of home ownership. Families will meet financial and community service requirements. Mortgage payments will never exceed 30% of monthly income. If necessary, residents can provide sweat equity for partial mortgage payments. The property will remain in a land trust or cooperative ownership. Residents will pay small homeowner fees and be voting members of the HO association. To help families be successful homeowners, residents will be provided supportive services. Seven service providers and a shopping center are within one mile of a property identified as a desirable location for Habitat's pilot Community of Hope project.


***


Project Name:

Idaho Grain & Ag Center

Project Location:

Boise, ID

Project Sponsor:

Idaho Grain Producers Association

Request Amount:

$787,000

Description:

The funding is designated for a conference room, shared workspace, and technology in a new building project, the Idaho Grain & Ag Center at 821 W. State Street. An updated Idaho Grain & Ag Center would provide critical services to Idaho's agricultural industry, while offering innovative ways to engage with growers around the state. Entirely focused on Idaho agriculture, the building project would include a hub for research collaboration, a promotional component, sufficient meeting space to bring large groups together, and technology to connect with growers around the state and the nation. The Idaho Grain & Ag Center would not only link Idaho's rural and urban communities, but also serve as a bridge to the future of Idaho agriculture. An updated Idaho Grain & Ag Center, which will sit adjacent to the Idaho Statehouse, will solidify the importance of agriculture to the state, be a model of innovative public-private partnerships, and serve all rural Idaho.


***