Simpson Secures Funding for Custer County Court Annex in FY23 Omnibus

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today highlighted the inclusion of the Custer County Court Annex Building project in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law on December 29, 2022.

The project was included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration bill at Congressman Simpson’s request through Community Project Funding (CPF).

“Throughout my time in Congress I have continually pushed to limit the growth of the federal budget and fought back against Democrats’ efforts to freely increase spending with no consideration for the long-term health of our nation.  But congressionally directed spending is not more spending,” said Simpson. “Congressionally directed spending gives Idahoans an important voice in determining where the budgeted funding goes.  No bureaucrat in Washington, DC, knows Idaho the way you and I do, which is why I will always fight to bring tax dollars back home to Idaho, rather than leaving the decision up to federal agencies to distribute in other states.”

The $600,000 in funding will be used to construct a new court annex building in Custer County, Idaho.  The current court building in Custer County is non-ADA compliant, is ageing, and has degraded as a result of two major earthquakes in the region.  The funding will go towards the construction of a new building that will house the courtroom, judge's chambers, jury room, three court clerk offices, all required bathrooms, and two evidence vaults.

“Custer County’s aging courthouse is currently unable to serve the needs of all citizens in the commuity,” said Simpson.  “I’m pleased to support this project which will provide critical structural and accessibility updates to provide both the space needed to operate this essential government facility and access for all the citizens it serves.”

“The residents of Custer County know we need to build a jail and update our courthouse, but can’t afford the tax increase it would take,” said County Commissioner Wayne Butts.  “Our county is 97% state and federal land, and we appreciate Congressman Simpson fighting to bring our federal tax dollars back home for this project.  No one likes the spending happening in Washington, but I am grateful Mike secured this funding and didn’t let it go to California or New York.”

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