WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $5,050,415 in funding for the G Canal BR, Cassia Co Project in Burley, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

“As the G Canal Project nears completion, securing the necessary funding to meet that goal is imperative,” said Rep. Simpson. “With Burley's ongoing growth and the current structure due for replacement, these critical funds will be used to upgrade infrastructure and accommodate future widening plans. This will ensure enhanced safety and efficiency, making it a much-needed improvement. I am pleased to partner with the Idaho Transportation Department and the City of Burley to make this project successful for our community.”

“This project is significant since it will improve and ensure that irrigation flows continue to agriculture outlets which are the backbone of Idaho. The project is also important to motorists who travel this area because the intersection will see new pavement, curb and gutter and a new traffic signal,” said Kandace Stewart, Idaho Transportation Department Resident Engineer.

This funding would be used to replace the culvert and the signal over the G Canal at State Highway 27 and 27th Street in Burley. The G Canal was built in the 1930s and runs underneath at the intersection of SH-27 and 27th Street. The culvert was lengthened in the 1960s and 1980s, but now the structure is ready for replacement. ITD will also replace the signal and widen 27th Street at the intersection to make room for future planned widening. The new signal will include flashing yellow arrows for permissive left turns rather than the solid green light. The project will also raise the grade at the intersection to make it level so that vehicles, particularly commercial trucks, do not bottom out when passing through. Additionally, a new curb and gutter will help with drainage.

Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.

The G Canal BR, Cassia Co Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.