Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

August 4th, 2024

Dear [salutation],

In Idaho, we know how valuable water is to our economy and way of life. I am thrilled to announce we are one step closer to securing critical funding for the Idaho Water Center Project in Boise and the Bingham County Real Time Ground Water Management Project in Blackfoot. You can read more about these projects below.

Community Project Funding (CPF) includes funding for these projects at my request. Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress 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.

This week, I released a joint op-ed with Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer regarding the recently passed Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides a permanent pay fix for federal wildland firefighters. As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, addressing wildland firefighter pay is one of my top priorities. I will always fight for firefighters nationwide who deserve stability and adequate pay for their brave work.

Idaho Water Center Project

In Idaho, we know how valuable water is to our economy and way of life. However, to ensure future generations can adequately address agricultural, urban, and rural water needs, we must invest in critical infrastructure. This funding will support the Idaho Water Center, equipping it to gather vital water quantity and quantity data for future water use. I am proud to partner with the University of Idaho in supporting this timely and much-needed project.

Read more about this project and support from Dr. Christopher Nomura, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of Idaho, here.

Bingham County Real Time Ground Water Management Project

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 preserve the aquifer. 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 provide long-lasting benefits of water management for years to come.

Read more about this project and support from Alan Jackson, District Manager of the Bingham Ground Water District, here.

A Permanent Wildland Firefighter Pay Solution is Needed

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, the brave men and women on the front lines of these catastrophic blazes are increasingly hailed as heroes. Yet, federal wildland firefighters are frequently subjected to inconsistent compensation despite their essential role in protecting lives, communities, and wildlife. It is well past time to acknowledge their crucial contributions by bringing much needed certainty to pay.

You can read the full op-ed here.