Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today announced the inclusion of $1.25 million for the City of Boise’s geothermal system expansion project as part of legislation funding the Department of Energy next year. Simpson also announced the inclusion of over $100 million in increases for the Idaho National Laboratory as part of the same legislation.
 

“Earlier this year I met with Mayor Bieter, John Tensen, and President Kustra to determine how I might help them meet their shared vision for Boise’s geothermal system. This funding is the culmination of their efforts and I am thrilled it will help extend the geothermal system to Boise State University,” said Simpson. “In an era of tightening energy supplies and concerns about climate change, I commend the City of Boise and Boise State University for their leadership in expanding this renewable, non-emitting source of heat when other communities are turning to fossil fuels to meet their energy needs.”

"With energy prices so high, expanding the use of our existing geothermal resource is exactly the type of common sense investment we should be making. Geothermal is clean, it's available and it works. My hat is off to Congressman Simpson for delivering these important funds and to BSU President Kustra for partnering with the city on this request,” said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.

“Introducing geothermal heating to campus is integral in making Boise State a showcase for sustainable development,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “This locally available, renewable resource will not only provide heat for more than 2 million square feet of buildings one day, it could also open up new research opportunities for our students and faculty. We thank Rep. Simpson and the entire Idaho congressional delegation for their continued support in making this possibility a reality.”

The Geothermal Expansion Project would extend the existing system to facilities at Boise State University and encourage development of non-university areas along Capitol Boulevard. Boise State University is already making improvements to existing buildings that would allow them, and future buildings, to utilize geothermal heat. Total project funding is estimated at $4.3 million with the City of Boise and the federal government sharing the costs.

In addition to the geothermal funding, the Energy and Water Development bill including significant funding for Idaho initiatives including:

· A $46 million increase for Idaho National Laboratory facilities over the President’s request. Total Idaho Facilities Management funding is targeted at $150 million. The additional funding is available for a variety of uses including new buildings, renovation of existing buildings, and equipment purchases, and the Advanced Test Reactor’s operation as a National Scientific User Facility.

· A $130 million increase for the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems program bringing total funding to $200 million. $196 million of this funding is targeted to the Next Generation Nuclear Plant which will be built at INL.

· $10 million for upgrades to the Advanced Test Reactor.

· A $40 million increase over the President’s request for cleanup activities at INL bringing total cleanup funding to $472,124,000.00.

· $1 million for equipment purchases at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies at INL.

· $1.25 million for the City of Boise’s expansion of its geothermal system to Boise State University

· $1 million for Medical Isotope Production using accelerators at Idaho State University.

Simpson also announced $4 million in funding for INL’s Power and Cyber Systems Protection Program as part of a separate Department of Homeland Security funding bill.

“The funding increases in this bill represent a complete endorsement by Congress of the significant contributions INL’s workforce and leadership are making to our energy and national security,” said Simpson. “This bill provides a substantial boost to the Next Generation Nuclear Plant and the development of advanced gas reactor technology. It also places a significant investment in upgrades to extend the life of the Advanced Test Reactor. Nuclear energy research and development at INL are well served in this bill.”

The Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides approximately $33 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy, and several independent agencies.

The Energy and Water Appropriations bill now heads to consideration by the full Appropriations Committee where approval is expected next week.