East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has announced the inclusion of $2,750,000 in funding for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services Facility Project in Fort Hall, 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.

“Constructing a new, larger, and more functional Tribal Health and Human Services Facility for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is crucial for the community's well-being,” said Rep. Simpson. “Currently, Tribal Health and Human Services are dispersed across eight facilities, lacking adequate space and accessibility. The new facility will be transformative, consolidating all programs into one central facility. I deeply value the opportunity to listen to tribal leaders share about the challenges they face as they work to improve the lives of their members. I am proud to support this critical project for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes that will significantly improve and provide better health care services for the Tribal community.”

The Fort Hall Business Council expressed gratitude towards Rep. Simpson: “The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes value our relationship with Representative Mike Simpson. He has continued to support tribal requests and issues. We are grateful for the current efforts to secure funding for our Tribal Health and Human Services Facility Project. Providing accessible and adequate health services in a centralized location for our community members is of utmost importance. Without additional funding this project is not possible at this time. We would also like to thank Simpson for his efforts to secure funding for the Fort Hall Fire Station and the Eagle Road Construction Project. We welcome any further assistance he may provide for our needs and are grateful for his efforts to support the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.”

The allocated funds will be used to construct a new 31,370 square foot facility near the Not-tsoo Gah-nee Indian Health Service clinic. This facility aims to consolidate various administrative and health-related services currently spread across eight different locations within Fort Hall into one central building.

Despite criticisms labeling CPF projects as "wasteful earmarks," proponents argue that these funds allow Members of Congress like Rep. Simpson to address specific local needs using existing budget limits without increasing overall spending.

As Idaho’s sole appropriator in Congress, Rep. Simpson emphasized his role in ensuring that Idaho’s tax dollars are reinvested back into state priorities.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services Facility Project forms part of a broader fiscal package approved by the House Appropriations Committee.