Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has secured funding for several Idaho projects in the House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill and the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Bill.
 
“All of these projects are worthwhile and will greatly benefit Idahoans,” said Simpson. “I’m especially pleased with the funding for the College of Southern Idaho. CSI does a superb job of serving the needs of the ever-growing Magic Valley and I’m grateful for the additional funding to support their programs.”
 
Idaho Programs included in the House Bill:
The Literacy Matters! Program is aimed at educating new mothers on the importance of early childhood literacy and math skills and providing them with resources for educating their children. ($300,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill). This is a continuation of funding Congressman Simpson has secured for this program in the past.
 
The Idaho Caring Foundation Dental Project will provide dental care for 600 low-income, uninsured children throughout Idaho. Eligible children will be identified by working in partnership with Idaho schools, health departments, Head Start programs, and YMCA programs. Dental services are provided by over 90 dentists who are Caring Foundation providers, providing oral health services for reduced fees. ($300,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill). This is a continuation of funding Congressman Simpson has secured for this program in the past.
 
Idaho Transit Coalition Buses and Bus Facilities project will support essential transit systems in rural and urban areas of the State of Idaho. ($500,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill). This is a continuation of funding Congressman Simpson has secured for this program in the past.
 
Magic Valley
College of Southern Idaho Pro-Tech Program will develop a curriculum to implement new post-secondary educational-technical training degrees and programs at the CSI. ($200,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill).
 
Historic Wilson Theater Restoration Project. The Wilson Theater was built in 1920 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also part of Rupert’s Historic Business District. The community has raised over $1 million to restore the building, this funding will aid in their efforts. ($150,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill).
 
City of Rocks Back Country Byway will receive fundingfor a 16.7 mile-long project located on the popular City of Rocks Back Country Byway in Cassia County, Idaho. This provides the only direct access to the City of Rocks National Reserve. When fully completed, the project will pave a 1.0 mile gravel segment, reconstruct 15.7 miles of deficit roadway, correct deteriorated road and slope conditions, provide a wider road with shoulders and guardrail, and improve the road’s alignment by reducing the number and severity of sharp curves and steep grades. ($900,000 is earmarked for this project in the House Bill). This is a continuation of funding Congressman Simpson has secured for this program in the past.
 
Both pieces of legislation were approved in Committee today and will come before the full House in the next few weeks where it is expected to pass.