East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced the inclusion of $6,409,075 in funding for the Stephensen Elementary School Build Project at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The funding was secured through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

“The construction of a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base is crucial to meet the growing needs of our active duty servicemembers and their families,” said Rep. Simpson. “A modern, well-equipped facility will provide a supportive learning environment for over 300 Stephensen Elementary School students. By supporting our military children, their families, and the broader Mountain Home community, this project underscores our commitment and promise to those who serve. The strength of the United States military is built on the foundation of strong, supported families at home. I am proud to champion this effort and support the necessary funding to make this vision a reality.”

James Gilbert, Superintendent of Mountain Home School District, expressed gratitude for Rep. Simpson's efforts: “I am so thankful to Congressman Simpson for his efforts to secure funding for the Mountain Home School District to help us build a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This school will provide a tremendous educational opportunity for the students that live at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Without Congressman Simpson’s support to secure funding this project would not be possible. I would like to thank Congressman Simpson and his excellent staff for making this project come to fruition.”

The funding will be used to construct a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base near Mountain Home, Idaho. Stephensen Elementary received a Q-4 rating from the Department of Defense (DOD) in 2018 due to its physical condition and capacity issues. The current facility requires significant upgrades across virtually every system to meet current standards. The new school will be larger than the existing complex and will accommodate students from kindergarten through 6th grade on the military installation.

Despite some claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," proponents argue that Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress like Rep. Simpson to allocate Idaho tax dollars towards local priorities with broad community support within existing budget limits.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has emphasized his role in ensuring that Idahoans' tax contributions are directed back into state projects.

The Stephensen Elementary School Build Project is part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act approved by the House Appropriations Committee.