Simpson secures $7M in appropriations for new fire station

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) said he’s secured $7 million in funding for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fire Station.

It’s among seven other projects Simpson has secured funding for in Idaho’s Second Congressional District.

The funding is designated to address the inadequate facility needs of the Fort Hall Fire Department and EMS operations according to a statement from Simpson’s office. The current facilities rely on old equipment, decrepit structures, failing infrastructure, along with poor location and access. The project will provide high quality essential services to protect the lives and property of Fort Hall Reservation residents, employees, visitors and the surrounding communities.

Next the Appropriations Committee has to mark up the bill and consider it then the House of Representatives will consider it in late July. It will have to be reconciled with the Senate Appropriations bill between October to December and it’s the maximum amount the committee awarded to any project according to Yvette Tuell, Tribal policy analyst.

The other seven projects include a medical training facility for the Idaho National Guard at the Boise Air Terminal. Taxi land D Rehabilitation at the Boise Airport. Trade Up: Skilled trades expansion, advising and remediation at the College of Eastern Idaho. Agriculture research service unit at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois. University of Idaho education and research training at Rinker Rocker Creek Ranch field station in Hailey, Idaho. Habitat for Humanity affordable homes in Idaho Falls. Improvements at the Idaho Grain and Ag Center in Boise.