WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,865,039 in funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Magic Valley-Jerome Expansion Project in Jerome, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act. 

“For over 30 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley have supported kids and families by fostering a brighter future for Idaho's youth,” said Rep. Simpson. “As a longtime supporter of this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of their efforts in education, leadership, and personal development programs. I am pleased to champion greater opportunities for Magic Valley youth by securing much-needed funding for this pivotal expansion project.”

“We are immensely grateful to Congressman Simpson and his team for their pivotal role in securing community project funds to build and support Idaho communities. This project will allow us to expand critical youth development services and to provide a safe, nurturing environment for countless children and families in the Jerome community. The new facility will serve as a beacon of hope, offering educational support, mentorship, and recreational opportunities that will positively impact the lives of our youth for generations to come. Congressman Simpson's commitment to enhancing opportunities for our youth is truly commendable and will leave a lasting impact for years to come,” said Lindsey Westburg, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley.

This funding would be used to construct a 20,000 square foot youth development center in Jerome, Idaho that will serve up to 300 kids per day. The facility will have dedicated programming for education classes, there will be a teen center, cafeteria, offices, and to meet the growing demand for childcare in Jerome, the facility will also have a dedicated wing for daycare services for children from birth to age 5. The center will address food insecurity in Jerome by providing meal services to youth throughout the community, as well as having a designated space for a food pantry. The center will offer opportunities to serve teens through workforce development, community service, and access to higher education and leadership opportunities. The new facility will have dedicated space to meet the growing demands of the community. 

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 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Magic Valley-Jerome Expansion Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.