WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $700,000 in funding for the Bingham County Aquifer Data and Sustainability Project in Blackfoot, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. 

“During this pivotal time for water resources in Idaho, I am proud to support the Bingham Groundwater District's initiative to implement a comprehensive groundwater conservation project. This project will significantly benefit Idaho's agriculture community and help guide sustainable water use and aquifer recharge efforts. Ensuring a reliable water supply is critical at this time for the social and economic stability of the Bingham County community, and funding this project will support long-term water sustainability for years to come. I will continue fighting to ensure this critical funding makes it across the finish line,” said Rep. Simpson.

“At a pivotal time when water resources are increasingly constrained, this project provides the basis for sustainable aquifer management and helps secure our nation's food supply. We're excited to put the Ethos technology to use in targeting our conservation efforts to resolve conflicts and provide better drought resilience,” said Alan Jackson, District Manager of the Bingham Ground Water District.

This funding would be used to implement a groundwater telemetry monitoring system to enhance groundwater and soil moisture monitoring while streamlining flow meter data. These upgrades will improve Bingham Groundwater District’s ability to manage groundwater in an area that has the most impact on the Upper Snake River reach gains. Real-time groundwater and soil moisture will provide essential data to guide sustainable water use, aquifer recharge efforts and water quality protection.

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 to return to Idaho.

The Bingham County Aquifer Data and Sustainability Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.