Contact: Lexi Hamel
(208) 488-2115
[email protected]
WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–highlighted the inclusion of $13,200,000 in funding for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for the cities of Carey, Driggs, Fort Hall, Grace, Rupert, and Twin Falls, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
“Community Project Funding is one of the most effective ways elected officials can deliver meaningful results for our communities,” said Rep. Simpson. “This funding for water infrastructure improvement projects in small and rural communities is not ‘wasteful spending,’ it’s vital for ensuring our neighborhoods have clean drinking water and safe infrastructure. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I will always advocate for bringing money back to our state, and I am proud of the collaborative effort involving Carey, Driggs, Fort Hall, Grace, Rupert, and Twin Falls, with my office.”
Carey
“On behalf of the City of Carey, we sincerely appreciate Congressman Mike Simpson’s support of the proposed wastewater system improvements project. This critical investment will correct existing system deficiencies, strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience, and provide lasting value to residents, businesses, and visitors. It will also help protect important water resources, including the Little Wood River and its tributaries, reduce impacts to the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, and improve the reliability of essential infrastructure within Blaine County and the State of Idaho. Overall, this investment reflects a strong commitment to public health and environmental stewardship, delivering enduring value for generations to come,” said Carey Mayor Logan Davis.
Driggs
“Many thanks to Congressman Simpson for the $1.35M grant through the Community Project! This will help fund our Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and offset the utility bills for our residents and local businesses,” said Driggs Mayor August Christensen.
Fort Hall
“This funding addresses a critical infrastructure need on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation to improve our wastewater system while protecting public health and supporting the long-term well-being of our community. We appreciate Congressman Simpson for recognizing the needs of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and for his continued advocacy on behalf of infrastructure projects that benefit our reservation and the people he serves,” said Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Chairwoman Donna Thompson.
Grace
“This project would ensure the community of 930 has a sufficient water supply now and into the future. I, as Mayor of the City of Grace, would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Congressman Simpson and his office for their diligent service to rural Idaho to obtain grant financing for the City of Grace’s potable water system improvement. A recent engineering evaluation of our springs and transmission water lines to the city storage tanks was projected to be between $15,000,000 and $16,000,000 to complete the necessary upgrades. Once all upgrades are in place, the City of Grace is putting in place an ongoing maintenance program that will reduce the cost of upgrading in the future,” said Grace Mayor David Pristupa.
Rupert
“Rural infrastructure is one of the defining challenges facing communities across Idaho. When aging wastewater systems begin to fail, the burden on residents and local businesses can become overwhelming. This investment will help Rupert continue operating a wastewater system that is essential not only for homes and families, but also for the agricultural processing industries that sustain much of southern Idaho’s economy. Congressman Simpson’s attention to this growing Idaho problem is insightful and very much appreciated,” said Rupert Mayor Tammy Jones.
“In the Idaho Legislature, I have consistently advocated for greater recognition of the infrastructure pressures facing rural communities. Agricultural communities like Rupert provide enormous economic value to our state, but they also carry expensive infrastructure responsibilities tied to food processing and other ‘wet industries.’ This federal support, made possible by Congressman Simpson, is an important acknowledgment that rural Idaho matters and that these communities deserve the tools necessary to succeed,” said President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon.
Twin Falls
“Twin Falls appreciates Congressman Mike Simpson’s continued leadership and advocacy for Idaho communities through this $1.5 million investment in critical wastewater infrastructure. As our community continues to grow, projects like this help ensure we are prepared to support new housing, future job creation, and long-term economic opportunity while maintaining the quality of life that makes Twin Falls such a great place to live and work. Infrastructure investment is ultimately about creating opportunities for families and businesses to prosper, and we are grateful for Congressman Simpson’s partnership in helping position Twin Falls for the future,” said Twin Falls Mayor Jason Brown.
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.
These STAG projects are a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.
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.
