WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $3,375,000 in funding for the Buhl Rural Fire Protection District Station Project in Buhl, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act. 

“The Buhl Rural Fire Protection District does not currently have a fire station that meets the community's needs,” said Rep. Simpson. “From not being centrally located to lacking sufficient space to house all necessary apparatus, a new fire station is needed to ensure the safety of residents. This project will significantly impact those who protect and serve the community every day. I am proud to support some of Idaho's finest and am pleased to see this critical project advance.”

“The Buhl Rural Fire Protection District is extremely grateful for Congressman Mike Simpson’s diligent work on our behalf and his support of us and the construction of a new firehouse. There is a huge need of a firehouse in Buhl for our community’s safety and well-being as we do not currently have a firehouse. The call volume in this community has steadily risen annually and we want to make sure that we are able to preform out best for the citizens here. This accomplishment would not be possible without the support of Congressman Simpson and his staff, and we are happily anticipating to start the construction and have a home for the Buhl Rural Fire Protection District,” said Andrew Stevens, Fire Chief of the Buhl Rural Fire Protection District.

This funding would be used to construct a fire station centrally located within the 102 square miles of the Buhl Rural Fire Protection District. The new facility will have six apparatus bays that will house the needed equipment needed for the fire protection area. The apparatuses include engines, water tender, rescue, quick response unit, wildland brush trucks, and incident command vehicles. 

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 Buhl Rural Fire Protection District Station 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.