WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $1,000,000 for the Rock Creek Conservation Project in Twin Falls, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

“The Rock Creek Watershed serves as an important tributary to the Mid-Snake River,” said Rep. Simpson. “However, ongoing issues like flooding and water quality have been prevalent in the Twin Falls community for several years. We must address these issues before they become even greater concerns. I'm proud to support this project, which will confront these challenges and enhance the Magic Valley's water quality.”

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication that Congressman Simpson and members of this team routinely provide to us and other Idaho communities, said Travis Rothweiler, Twin Falls City Manager. “From our very first conversation, Congressman Simpson was able to see how this project would transform and enhance Rock Creek, now and for future generations. This project will allow us to restore and improve Rock Creek by enhancing water quality, improving fish and wildlife habitat, expanding urban outdoor recreational opportunities, and providing flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek watershed. Without Congressman Simpson’s work to secure the funding and resources needed, this project would never have come to fruition.”

This funding would be used to enhance water quality and provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek watershed in Twin Falls County, Idaho. This project will help alleviate flooding while providing sediment removal and total phosphorous reduction from agricultural runoff. This funding will assist the City of Twin Falls in continuing its mission to support efforts in environmental stewardship by completing projects such as removing invasive vegetation, improving water quality through stream alteration and sedimentation cells, and helping improve historic pollution issues.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho. Rep. Simpson was the only member of the Idaho delegation to vote in favor of funding for the Rock Creek Conservation Project.