Simpson Secures Funds for Rock Creek Conservation and Water Quality Enhancement Project in FY23 Omnibus

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today highlighted the inclusion of the Rock Creek Restoration and Water Quality Project in Twin Falls County, Idaho in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law December 29, 2022.

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

“Congress undoubtedly has a spending problem, and as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight against excessive government spending.  However, eliminating any one of the projects I requested through Community Project Funding would not have reduced federal spending by a single penny,” said Simpson.  “That money would just have gone to another project in a different state or to a Biden-controlled federal agency.  At the end of the day, I will always fight for Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars to come back to Idaho to make meaningful improvements to our wonderful state.”

The $4 million in funding is designated to the Rock Creek Restoration and Water Quality Project to enhance water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, urban outdoor recreational opportunities, and to provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek Watershed in Twin Falls County, Idaho.  Through acquisition of property and construction of off-stream ponds, the project will help alleviate flooding while also providing sediment removal and total phosphorus reductions from agricultural runoff.  The removal of sediment and the reduction in total phosphorus will further improve water quality in Rock Creek and also contribute to the reduction of nutrients in the Mid-Snake River.  The project will connect city owned properties and preserve and provide greater public access to enhanced outdoor urban recreational experiences in the creek corridor.

“Flooding and water quality have been ongoing issues in the Twin Falls community for several years now,” said Simpson.  “Twin Falls County has grown by nearly 20 percent in the last decade, so tackling these problems in the Rock Creek Watershed is more critical than ever.  I’m pleased to support this project, which will not only address these issues but also enhance water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities in the Magic Valley.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Simpson’s efforts to help the City of Twin Falls improve Rock Creek and overall water quality in our area.  In partnering with the Twin Falls Canal, we will be able to make long-term water improvements that will enhance water quality and benefit fisheries, wildlife, and recreational opportunities,” said Twin Falls Mayor Ruth Pierce.

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