East Idaho Times

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced the allocation of $7,082,856 for the Mackay Dam Rehabilitation Project in Custer County, Idaho. The funding was secured through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

In a statement, Rep. Simpson emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “For nearly a century, the Mackay Dam has safeguarded downriver communities throughout Custer and Butte Counties while supporting Idaho's agricultural prosperity. However, its current condition is in dire need of repair, and the likelihood of the dam failing during a devastating flood is extremely high. I am proud to work with state and local officials to secure funding for this project, protect Idaho communities from catastrophic flooding, and ensure that overwhelming recovery costs do not burden local economies.”

Matthew Weaver, Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources, expressed his satisfaction with the funding, highlighting the significance of the Mackay Reservoir for the irrigation needs of the Big Lost River Basin and the protection of its agricultural economy and heritage. Weaver stated, “I’m very pleased to learn that the Big Lost River Irrigation District has secured sufficient state and federal funds to repair and restore the Mackay Reservoir Dam to an operating condition that will help ensure many more decades of safe use.”

Rich Harry, General Manager of Big Lost River Irrigation District, extended his gratitude for the funding, saying, “Thank you so much for the great news regarding the funding for the Mackay Dam repairs, we here at the irrigation district are so excited and appreciative of the hard work Congressman Simpson and his staff have put in to help us receive this much-needed help in repairing our dam.”

The Mackay Dam, a 100-year-old earthfill structure serving 37,500 acres of farmland, is in critical condition and at a high risk of failure in the event of flooding. The allocated funds will be used to remove and replace the primary spillway, relining the outlet tunnel, and implementing controls downstream to prevent overtopping and mitigate the risk of damages from earthquakes and flooding to the surrounding communities.

Rep. Simpson's efforts as Idaho’s only appropriator have ensured that Idaho's priorities are supported, with tax dollars returning to the state to address crucial infrastructure needs like the Mackay Dam Rehabilitation Project.