Simpson Champions Funding for Healing Idaho Community Development Project in FY23 Omnibus

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today highlighted the inclusion of the Healing Idaho Community Development Project in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law on December 29, 2022.

The project was included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill at Congressman Simpson’s request through Community Project Funding (CPF).

“This project is a wonderful example of how member-directed spending can provide meaningful support to causes that are important and even life-changing within local communities.  One of the best things about living in Idaho is the abundance of mountains, forests, rivers, and other wild spaces where we can experience the beauty of nature,” said Simpson.  “I’m proud to support projects like Healing Idaho that will give thousands of children, veterans, and others access to outdoor recreation opportunities that they might not otherwise have had because of medical conditions, treatment, or disabilities.”

The $2,400,000 Simpson secured for this project is designated to install a Large Soil Absorption System, new water lines, wells, repairs, and much needed power upgrades to create a safer environment for the newly created Hidden Paradise outdoor recreation facility.  This will be Idaho’s only medically designed, adaptive, and accessible camp to serve thousands of children, adults, and veterans from across the state of Idaho.  The project will reinvigorate the Camas County economy, serve nonprofits across Idaho, and host community events.

“We are in awe of the tremendous support we have received to build Hidden Paradise, Idaho’s Medical Camp.  This grant Congressman Simpson helped us secure will mean all the difference for us as we ensure the camp has a strong infrastructure in place.  These funds will help us create a safe, magical escape that will impact hundreds of children and families every year.  We sure appreciate Congressman Simpson and his team for helping us heal Idaho.”  -Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO/Executive Director of Camp Rainbow Gold and Hidden Paradise.

“I can’t overstate the importance of having a medical camp for Idaho.  I know when I’m up on site, I sometimes don’t recognize my patients.  They are in such a different setting.  The kids show us there are no limits and that cancer or some other disease doesn’t keep them from being kids.”  -Dr. Nate Meeker, Pediatric Oncologist & Medical Director of St. Luke’s Children’s Cancer Institute

“This camp is a highlight of the year.  I spend every year looking forward to it.”  -Tyler Weiss, Oncology Camper

“Congressman Simpson gets it.  He understands how important a place like Hidden Paradise will be for so many Idahoans.  This place is personal to me.  Not only because I am a cancer survivor, but because I believe so strongly in this organization and the multitude of volunteers who make these camps possible.”  -Chuck Graves, President of McAlvain Companies and Overseeing Construction at Hidden Paradise

“This is just one of those places where it feeds your soul.  You can share things that have happened to you.  It’s a really welcoming place.  It’s a place that is also meant to heal.”  -Stacie Tornga, Former Oncology Camper and Current Volunteer Manager

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