Contact: Lexi Hamel
(208) 488-2115
[email protected]
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 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill.
“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.”
“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 for 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 perform our 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 will be used to construct a new fire station centrally located within 102 square miles of the fire district. Currently the Buhl Rural Fire Protection District does not own a centrally located station. The new facility will have six apparatus bays
that will house the 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 are contained 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 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. President Trump has signed this measure into law.
About Mike Simpson
An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s second congressional district. Visit https://simpson.house.gov/ to learn more or find contact info.
