Congressman Mike Simpson advances funds for Tribes to replace Sheepskin Water Tank
FORT HALL — Rep. Mike Simpson, (R-Idaho) is advancing funds to replace the Sheepskin Water Tank on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Simpson is chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee that’s including $13 million in funds for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for the cities of American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall, and Rigby through Community Project Funding.
The funding to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes would be used to construct a new 700,000 gallon water storage tank, expand capacity and install piping to complete the water loop to address the significant water storage and water pressure problems the Tribes are experiencing in their drinking water system.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson said in a press release from Rep. Simpson’s office, “Access to safe and reliable drinking water is essential to the health and safety of our Tribal members. The Sheepskin Water Tank Replacement Project addresses long-standing infrastructure needs and will help in improving water pressure, storage, and fire protection for our growing community. We’re profoundly thankful to Representative Mike Simpson for his steadfast support and advocacy throughout this process and for his continued efforts to advance critical infrastructure projects that directly benefit the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.”
Rep. Simpson said, “During this pivotal time for water in Idaho, I am proud of the resources provided for water infrastructure projects and the impact they will have in our neighborhoods.” “As Idaho's only appropriator, it is my honor and responsibility to advocate for Idaho and ensure our state's priorities are heard. I am proud of the collaborative effort with my office and the cities of American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall, and Rigby to produce meaningful results for our communities.”
The STAG projects are part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.
