This week Governor Little, Lt Governor Bedke, Senators Crapo and Risch, and I submitted a joint letter to express our deep concerns to Idaho’s head of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) about the Lava Ridge wind farm proposed in south-central Idaho. 

Idahoans cherish the concept of multiple and mixed uses on their public lands. This requires conservation, predictability of use and, most importantly, support from the local communities. These deep-rooted values are compromised by a piecemeal approach to large-scale generation projects on public lands. Dedicating hundreds of square miles of public lands to a specific use will have a long-term effect on recreation, grazing, sporting uses and the land in general.

Affected farmers, ranchers, tribes, the Japanese American community, and sportsmen have voiced legitimate objections. As it stands today, the local community predominantly has not shown support for this development.

We urge the BLM to reassess and refocus the process on working with the local communities to address the concerns outlined above. If all of these concerns are not addressed, it is unlikely we will be able to support this project moving forward. 

Read the full letter HERE. 

The public can participate in public comment periods throughout the project's NEPA process. One such period is open now until March 21, 2023. Find out how to participate HERE.

Simpson Secures Funds for Little Wood River Project After 20 Years of Effort

The Gooding Wall is a great example of how CPFs benefit Idaho.  This project, needed to repair dilapidated sections of the Gooding Canal that put the community at higher risk of flooding, was authorized with language I included in a 2007 bill.  But without the opportunity to request the funding needed to carry out the construction, this flood control project, so critical to an Idaho community, languished on the shelf for decades.  Congressional action was needed to finally get it underway, and I was able to use the CPF program to direct funding to get it started again.

The project will receive $2.3 million to begin replacement of the walls of the channel that flows through the city of Gooding, Idaho, which was constructed in the 1930s.  Many sections of the wall have failed, leading to an increase in localized flood risk and threat to adjacent public infrastructure and private property.  It is also leading to long-term undermining of the public roads along its corridor from subsurface erosion.  The City of Gooding has been seeking funds for this project for nearly twenty years. 

The City of Gooding has been waiting a long time for this project to be completed, with the threat of major flooding looming every year. This is something I’ve been working on since I came to Congress two decades ago, and, after several starts and stops, I am greatly encouraged that we are finally seeing momentum on this important flood control project.

“The city of Gooding is extremely grateful for the effort put forth by Congressman Mike Simpson to secure funding for the replacement of the failing ‘River Wall’ that goes through our community.  This project has been repeatedly delayed for over twenty years due to underbudgeting — but Congressman Simpson offered intelligent solutions in the House bill that was signed by the president that will allow the project to finally be successful!  In addition, several other conditions of the bill allow us to bring down the 10 percent cost share by participating in the work and making the remaining payments more manageable by repaying over 30 years.  Congressman Mike Simpson has been in our corner and looking out for us, thank you Congressman Simpson!” -Larry Bybee, City of Gooding Public Works Director

Simpson Secures Funds for Rock Creek Conservation and Water Quality Enhancement Project in FY23 Omnibus

Flooding and water quality have been ongoing issues in the Twin Falls community for several years now. Twin Falls County has grown by nearly 20 percent in the last decade, so tackling these problems in the Rock Creek Watershed is more critical than ever.  I’m pleased to support this project, which will not only address these issues but also enhance water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities in the Magic Valley.

The $4 million in funding is designated to the Rock Creek Restoration and Water Quality Project to enhance water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, urban outdoor recreational opportunities, and to provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek Watershed in Twin Falls County, Idaho.  Through acquisition of property and construction of off-stream ponds, the project will help alleviate flooding while also providing sediment removal and total phosphorus reductions from agricultural runoff.  The removal of sediment and the reduction in total phosphorus will further improve water quality in Rock Creek and also contribute to the reduction of nutrients in the Mid-Snake River.  The project will connect city owned properties and preserve and provide greater public access to enhanced outdoor urban recreational experiences in the creek corridor.

“We are grateful for Congressman Simpson’s efforts to help the City of Twin Falls improve Rock Creek and overall water quality in our area.  In partnering with the Twin Falls Canal, we will be able to make long-term water improvements that will enhance water quality and benefit fisheries, wildlife, and recreational opportunities,” said Twin Falls Mayor Ruth Pierce.

This Week in Washington

I had a great meeting this week with sheriffs from Bonneville and Canyon Counties, and the Director for the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association about the need to secure our Southern border and stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. I am grateful for their dedicated service to Idaho!