Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, member of the House Appropriations Committee, today applauded the Interior Appropriations FY08 Funding Bill. The legislation includes funding for key Idaho Projects.
 
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.
 
“An issue that is always important to Idaho is Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT),” said Simpson. “While we are still not at the desired full funding, this bill does move in the right direction and provides over $233 million for this program.”
 
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.
 
Other provisions in the bill include:

Fighting Wildfires: $2.8 billion to prevent and fight wildfires. Last year was the most expensive year on record for these programs. Funding will be directed to the following:

• Fires Suppression Operations
• Preparedness Funding
• Other Critical Needs (removing hazardous fuels, rehabilitate burned lands, and assist state and local firefighters)

National Parks: $2.512 billion to upgrade our parks in time for the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.
 
The legislation will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.