The Courier
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News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
February 15, 2017 Volume 41 ~ Number 7
District 26 Legislators Host Local Townhall Meetings
Sand bags are available from several municipalities. Call if you are in need.
Last Saturday, as people met with District 26 Legislators, weather was on the minds of everyone. Warm temperatures have cause rapid melting of snow and flood damage is widespread across the area. Cooler temperatures over the weekend have slowed things down a bit, but more rain is on its way beginning on Thursday. On Monday, Gooding County Commissioners made a Declaration of Emergency. This action is the first step in getting help from the state to cover the unexpected expenses of dealing with flooding. So far, the Governor
has made disaster declarations for nine Idaho counties. While our legislators are not directly involved in disaster declarations, the conversation was applicable to the need for increased transportation funding in Idaho. Over the last few years, more money has been put into roadway maintenance, but a year like this can wipe out local highway budgets in a hurry. Also, state funding for transportation is due to sunset and the legislature will have to renew that funding. A regular topic of discussion for our legislators is education. Currently, about 60% of school fund-
Potential Health Problems Related to Flooding South Central Public Health District wants the public to be aware of potential problems associated with localized flooding.
TWIN FALLS, ID – According to Jeff Pierson, The South Central Public Health District Administrative Response Team met last Thursday morning to discuss health threats related to flooding associated with the rain and snowmelt that is occurring. “We are starting to receive calls from the public related to flooded wells and failed septic systems. Excessive water can seep into residential wells leading to contamination. Similarly, septic systems are failing because of surface water infiltrating septic systems and drain fields. While the obvious solution is to prevent wells and drain fields from becoming water collection points, that
isn’t always possible,” Pierson said. Pierson continued, “crawl spaces and basements can also be a problem. Often these areas lack good ventilation and once moisture has collected in these low points, it doesn’t take long for mold to grow.” To assist the public, the health district has setup a webpage with resources including a list of local, licensed contractors. phd5. idaho.gov/Environment/Flood.htm. If the public has questions or needs assistance, please call 866-710-9775 or visit phd5.idaho.gov/Environment/Flood.htm. For more information, contact Jeff Pierson, 208-737-5945
ing comes from the state. This year’s budget looks to increase that number to 63% to take the pressure off of local school levies. While the legislature is mostly in agreement about education, one area of political divide is with the new science standards. Last week the House Education Committee voted to remove references to climate change and human impact on the environment from those standards. The committee’s three Democrats and one Republican from Northern Idaho voted against the removal. Our legislators all agree that Healthcare continued on page 3 .....