Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, member of the House Appropriations Committee, joined colleagues today in passing H.R. 2643, the Interior Appropriations FY08 Funding Bill. The legislation passed the House with a vote of 272-155.
 
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) requires the federal government to make payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries. “While we are still not at the desired full funding of PILT, this bill does move in the right direction and provides over $253 million for the program that many counties in Idaho desperately need.”
 
Funding to Fight Wildfires also fared well in this appropriations bill. “Last year was the most expensive year on record for fighting wildfires,” said Simpson. “This bill includes $2.8 billion to prevent and fight wildfires by funding programs that remove hazardous fuels, rehabilitates burned lands, supporting fire suppression operations, and assists state and local firefighters.”
 
In 2016, the nation will celebrate the centennial anniversary of our National Parks Service. H.R. 2643 includes $2.512 billion to upgrade our parks in time for this historic event.
 
Idaho projects included in the bill are:
The Auger Falls Wastewater Treatment Project in Twin Falls will receive an additional $500,000 in this bill. “The City of Twin Falls and those involved should be commended for realizing a need and creatively filling that need with a wastewater treatment facility and a plan for future science trails and parks,” said Simpson. “The project is well thought out.”
 
The Snake River Basin Agreement (SRBA) will receive over $21 million in FY08. This funding is part of the Snake River Water Rights Act of 2004 that settled water rights claims on the Snake River by the Nez Perce Tribe.
 
The Interior Appropriations legislation also provides funding to ensure public access along the South Fork. “The Upper Snake and South Fork is world renowned and I’m pleased that this legislation provides funding to keep land along the river scenic, undeveloped and allow for public access,” said Simpson.
 
$1.5 million is appropriated for land conservation for the Upper Snake/South Fork Snake River Area.
 
The legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate.