East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced the inclusion of $1,000,000 in funding for the Bingham County Real Time Ground Water Management Project in Blackfoot, Idaho. This allocation was made through Community Project Funding (CPF) as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act.

“During this pivotal time for water resources in Idaho, I am proud to support the Bingham Groundwater District's initiative to implement a comprehensive groundwater conservation project. This project will significantly benefit Idaho's agriculture community and help preserve the aquifer. Ensuring a reliable water supply is critical at this time for the social and economic stability of the Bingham County community, and funding this project will provide long-lasting benefits of water management for years to come,” said Rep. Simpson.

Alan Jackson, District Manager of the Bingham Ground Water District, stated: “At a pivotal time when water resources are increasingly constrained, this project provides the basis for sustainable aquifer management and helps secure our nation's food supply. We're excited to put the Ethos technology to use in targeting our conservation efforts to resolve conflicts and provide better drought resilience.”

The allocated funds will be used to implement a groundwater telemetry monitoring system that provides irrigators with real-time data on groundwater pumping. This system aims to improve insights on pumping totals and enhance water allocation management. Additionally, data collection and sharing will foster increased collaboration on best irrigation practices.

Despite some claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," proponents argue that Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson to redirect Idaho tax dollars back into local priorities. These projects address clear needs within communities across Idaho and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects remain within existing budget limits.

As Idaho’s sole appropriator, Rep. Simpson emphasizes his unique position to advocate for Idaho’s priorities and ensure that state taxpayers' contributions return home.

The Bingham County Real Time Ground Water Management Project is included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act. The House Appropriations Committee has approved this measure.