WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,750,000 in funding for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services Facility Project in Fort Hall, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act.

“Constructing a new, larger, and more functional Tribal Health and Human Services Facility for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is crucial for the community's well-being,” said Rep. Simpson. “Currently, Tribal Health and Human Services are dispersed across eight facilities, lacking adequate space and accessibility. The new facility will be transformative, consolidating all programs into one central facility. I deeply value the opportunity to listen to tribal leaders share about the challenges they face as they work to improve the lives of their members. I am proud to support this critical project for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes that will significantly improve and provide better health care services for the Tribal community.”

“The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes value our relationship with Representative Mike Simpson. He has continued to support tribal requests and issues. We are grateful for the current efforts to secure funding for our Tribal Health and Human Services Facility Project. Providing accessible and adequate health services in a centralized location for our community members is of the utmost importance. Without additional funding this project is not possible at this time. We would also like to thank Simpson for his efforts to secure funding for the Fort Hall Fire Station and the Eagle Road Construction Project. We welcome any further assistance he may provide for our needs and are grateful for his efforts to support the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes,” said the Fort Hall Business Council.

The funding will be used to construct a new 31,370 square foot facility for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services (THHS) Administration and Ancillary Services in a location near the Not-tsoo Gah-nee Indian Health Service clinic. The THHS facility would create a new larger and more functional facility for administrative and health-related needs, including providing behavioral health, public health, social services, victim/elder protection assistance, and medical non-emergent transportation programs. Currently, THHS services are housed in eight facilities throughout the Fort Hall Community that were never intended for their current use. Several of the facilities are old homes that are not easily accessed and do not provide enough space to provide services or offices for staff. Consolidation of THHS programs in one central area, with adequate space, will help improve services to the community. The new THHS facility will create a new larger and more functional facility for administrative and health-related needs for community members of all ages. 

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 Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services Facility 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.