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Rep. Simpson Advances Funding to Build New Elementary School at Mountain Home Air Force Base

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $6,409,075 funding for the Stephensen Elementary School Build Project in Mountain Home, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

“The construction of a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base is crucial to meet the growing needs of our active duty servicemembers and their families,” said Rep. Simpson. “A modern, well-equipped facility will provide a supportive learning environment for over 300 Stephensen Elementary School students. By supporting our military children, their families, and the broader Mountain Home community, this project underscores our commitment and promise to those who serve. The strength of the United States military is built on the foundation of strong, supported families at home. I am proud to champion this effort and support the necessary funding to make this vision a reality.”

“I am so thankful to Congressman Simpson for his efforts to secure funding for the Mountain Home School District to help us build a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base.  This school will provide a tremendous educational opportunity for the students that live at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Without Congressman Simpson’s support to secure funding this project would not be possible. I would like to thank Congressman Simpson and his excellent staff for making this project come to fruition,” said James Gilbert, Superintendent of Mountain Home School District.

This funding would be used to construct a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base located near Mountain Home, Idaho. Stephensen Elementary has been rated Q-4 in the latest Department of Defense (DOD) rating in 2018.  The building received the Q-4 rating for the physical condition of the building and the capacity of the building.  Virtually every system needs to be replaced in the current facility to bring it up to current standards. The new elementary will be larger than the existing complex so that the school may house students’ kindergarten through 6th grade on the military installation.

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 Stephensen Elementary School Build 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.