WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $12,000,000 infunding for the Idaho Falls Regional Airport Terminal Expansion Project in Idaho Falls, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in H.R.7148 – the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
“As Idaho Falls continues to grow, it is essential that the airport grows with it,” said Rep. Simpson. “Expanding the Idaho Falls Regional Airport will better serve the Idaho Falls community, support local jobs, and enhance the city’s status as a top destination for travelers and economic opportunities. I have been a steadfast supporter of our local airports, and I am pleased that this funding will facilitate these necessary improvements.”
“This $12 million in Community Project Funding is a vital investment in the future of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “As our city grows, this funding ensures the airport can meet increasing demand, improve efficiency, and provide a better experience for travelers. We are grateful for Representative Simpson’s support in helping IDA remain the regional airport of choice for Eastern Idaho and a gateway for economic growth in our community.”
This funding would be used for Phase 1 of IDA’s terminal expansion. Phase I of this project, baggage expansion, will provide necessary space for outbound baggage operations, as well as additional space for future operations. It will improve safety by providing adequate space to load baggage carts and improve the efficiency of operations with a new conveyor system. This expansion also provides additional ticket queueing and counter space to accommodate additional air service and will provide a second level space for future passenger hold areas. This phase will also provide alterations to existing space to allow for the future expansion of the security screening checkpoint which is the next constrained space in the terminal building.
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.
The Idaho Falls Regional Airport Terminal Expansion Project is a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. 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.
