The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
February 8, 2023
Vol 47 Num 6
Simpson Secures Funds for Shoshone ER Project Idaho Politicians Concerned Simpson Secures Funds for Shoshone Emergency Response Infrastructure Project
On Monday, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced the inclusion of the Family Health Services Helipad and Ambulance Bay infrastructure project in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law on December 29, 2022. The project was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Current FHS clinic at 113 South Apple Street. and Related Agencies Appropriations bill at Congressman Simpson’s request through Community Project Funding (CPF). “Through CPFs, members of Congress can request funds directly for eligible projects in their own congressional districts and avoid some of the delays in funding decisions made by government agencies," said Simpson. "While Congress undoubtedly needs to get federal spending under control, CPFs represent an important, and limited - no more than one percent of discretionary spending - way to use tax dollars responsibly and fund worthy and meaningful projects.” The $1,550,000 in funding will be used for an emergency services infrastructure project that includes a helipad and a 4-unit ambulance bay attached to the new 9,800 square foot Family Health Services (FHS) Community Health Center to be constructed at the south end of Shoshone near the intersection of South Beverly Street and Highway 24. This comprehensive emergency services infrastructure project will provide access to crucial emergency medical transport into and out of the rural community to generate favorable health outcomes. “Lincoln County is thrilled for the award of approximately $1.5 million for the addition of a helipad and ambulance bay that will work in conjunction with the new family health services facility. This opportunity will allow our citizens to have access to high quality medical services and faster response time to improve public safety for all citizens of Lincoln County. We would like to thank Congressman Simpson for all his hard work to help make this happen!” - Lincoln County Commissioners “Family Health Services is honored and thrilled to be receiving funding for a new ambulance bay and helipad in Shoshone, Idaho from Congressional funding made possible by Congressman Simpson. The ambulance bay will be co-located with a new Family Health Services medical, dental and behavioral health facility. This project is in collaboration with the Lincoln County Commissioners, City of Shoshone, Lincoln County EMS, Dr. Keith Davis and Family Health Services. The ambulance bay will be able to house up to 6 vehicles, provide sleeping quarters, shower, kitchen, meeting rooms, offices and a break room for the EMS staff. There is currently not a helicopter landing pad in Lincoln County and building a new helipad with lighting and safety measures will be a significant improvement for the residents of Lincoln County. The new facility, ambulance bay and helipad are projected to be completed in early 2024. We greatly appreciate Congressman Simpson’s sponsorship for and securing funding of this project.” - Aaron Houston, Chief Executive Officer, Family Health Services
About Lava Ridge Wind Farm
Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson jointly communicated deep concerns to Idaho’s head of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) about the Lava Ridge wind farm proposed in south-central Idaho. In a letter to Karen Kelleher, Idaho State Director for the BLM, the Idaho elected officials reiterated the lack of community support for the project. “Idahoans cherish the concept of multiple and mixed uses on their public lands. This requires conservation, predictability of use and, most importantly, support from the local communities. These deep-rooted values are compromised by a piecemeal approach to large-scale generation projects on public lands. Dedicating hundreds of square miles of public lands to a specific use will have a long-term effect on recreation, grazing, sporting uses and the land in general,” they said. Last month, the BLM proposed two preferred alternatives as part of its Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The public comment period is open until March 21, 2023, and Idahoans can obtain more information here: www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/ near-you/idaho/lava-ridge-subcommittee “Affected farmers, ranchers, tribes, the Japanese American community, and sportsmen have voiced legitimate objections. As it stands today, the local community predominantly has not shown support for this development,” they continued. The Idaho leaders also pointed to concerns that the project compromises fire suppression and sage-grouse habitat and potentially could impact existing electricity customers and the integrated resource plans of Idaho utilities. They said project construction could damage transportation infrastructure and may impact the availability of labor and construction materials for other projects in the area. “We urge the BLM to reassess and refocus the process on working with the local communities to address the concerns outlined above,” they wrote. “If all of these concerns are not addressed, it is unlikely we will be able to support this project moving forward.”