Congressional Record, Volume 155 Issue 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)

[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E467-E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

EARMARK DECLARATION

______

HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

of idaho

in the house of representatives

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in accordance with House earmark reforms,
I would like to place in the Record a listing of the congressionally-
directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are
contained in the report of HR 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of
2009.
I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these
projects and why they are valuable to the nation and its taxpayers.

division a--agriculture

The report contains $254,000 in ARS Salaries and Expenses for NW
Center for Small Fruits in Corvallis, Oregon. The Small Fruits
Initiative-Plant Improvement project will build upon the strengths of
existing cooperative research programs aligned through the Northwest
Center for Small Fruits Research. This ongoing tri-state program
supports the development of small fruits as an alternative agriculture
crop in the Pacific Northwest. The funding will strengthen existing
programs throughout the region and add key programs to fill in critical
gaps that are not met by the existing infrastructure associated with
the Center, providing key resources for Idaho scientists to address
problems that negatively impact the emerging berry, grape, and wine
industries in the Northwest. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844 through the
USDA's ARS located at 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho, 83660.
The report contains $650,000 in Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, salaries and expenses, for Greater Yellowstone Interagency
Brucellosis Committee. Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are each required by
law to manage brucellosis-infected wildlife within their borders in
order to prevent the spread of brucellosis to non-infected wildlife,
cattle, or domestic bison. The Committee is coordinating with federal,
state, and private actions in eliminating brucellosis from wildlife in
the Greater Yellowstone Area and preventing transmission of this
disease from wildlife to livestock. The funding will be used to develop
and implement brucellosis herd unit management plans; to perform
functions and duties of Idaho relative to the Greater Yellowstone
Interagency Brucellosis Committee; to conduct brucellosis prevention,
surveillance, control and eradication activities in Idaho and the
Greater Yellowstone Area. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho State
Department of Agriculture, located at 2270 Old Penitentiary Road,
Boise, Idaho 83712.
The report contains $176,000 in Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, salaries and expenses, for the Nez Perce Bio-Control Center.
The Nez Perce Bio-Control Center is authorized by the Noxious Weed
Control and Eradication Act of 2004 and manages and establishes
nurseries to increase biological control organism availability,
distribute biological control organisms, monitor their impacts, and
provide an increased number of annual technology transfer workshops to
Cooperative Weed Management Areas and other landowners and managers
regionally. This funding will continue the partnership between USDA and
the Nez Perce Tribe to maximize the effectiveness of implementing a
complete bio-control of weeds program in an Integrated Weed Management
strategy. The Center will increase the availability of agents for
landowners and managers throughout the region. Biological control
offers long-term management of invasive weeds and can be used with
other integrated pest management approaches. This request is consistent
with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Nez Perce Tribe
Bio-Control Center, located at 102 Agency Road, Lapwai, Idaho 83540.
The report contains $514,000 in CSREES, research and education, for
the Barley for Rural Development Project. Funding for this program will
support research directed at the continued development of improved
malt, feed, cellulosic ethanol and food barley varieties for growers
and value added end-users in rural Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota
communities. This research is starting to expand and meet market
opportunities, addressing the critical need of growers in production
agriculture to increase economic yield, enhance domestic and
international market access, improve production technologies, better
compete with Canadian imports and reduce dependence on government
subsidies. Research supported by this project will increase the
manufacture and sale of value-added barley products (malt, beer, fuel,
food, livestock) in these states, having a substantial positive impact
on their economies, supporting jobs, generating business activity, and
federal, state, and local tax revenue. Maintenance of the strength of
barley in the Idaho economy requires continual efforts to improve crop
quality and productivity. This can only be accomplished by investing in
strong research programs that keep the industry at the forefront. This
request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.
The report contains $235,000 in CSREES, research and education, for
the Cool Season Legume Research Project. This program is an aggressive
cooperative research program between the USDA, the University of Idaho,
and the University of Washington that seeks new, high yielding, high
quality, nutritious dry pea, lentil, and chickpea varieties to meet
producer and consumer needs. This research focuses on the breeding of
new, superior varieties of legumes; management of nematodes, insects,
plant diseases and weeds that can limit production; and reduction of
soil erosion and water degradation associated with production, as well
as the development of value-added new products. The technology being
generated through the research is essential for the pea, lentil, and
chickpea industries to remain competitive and profitable. This request
is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.
The report contains $603,000 in CSREES, research and education, for
Increasing Shelf Life of Ag Commodities. In order to prevent serious
food safety issues, this project will fund research and development of
bio-electronic sensors that can detect the presence of microbial
pathogens in food and food products. Preventative detection and
treatment at the agricultural commodity level and fast, accurate
detection of biological pathogens and dangerous food toxins is an
important element for ensuring safety and shelf life. The research
being conducted in this area at the University of Idaho will advance
and expand previous work on biosensor systems to further enhance
preventative detection and treatment of biological pathogens and
dangerous food toxins. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.
The report contains $349,000 in CSREES, research and education, for
Potato Cyst Nematode Research. This funding will be used by the
University of Idaho for research and development of means to eradicate
and better protect the Idaho potato crop from the soil-borne pathogen
potato cyst nematode, hardened nematode bodies filled with eggs which
can persist in the soil for up to 25 years. Current eradication depends
upon methyl bromide, which is not totally effective and which may be
banned because of its ozone depleting properties, as well as other
chemicals which are even less effective and several of which may also
be banned. The funds will be used to maximize the efficiency of methyl
bromide while it is available and develop new ``green'' replacement
eradicants (such as green manure or biologically derived nematicides)
and

[[Page E468]]

procedures (advance hatching frequency), as well as to improve planting
material screening procedures and to study plant-vectorvirus
relationships, which may also lead to new ways to fight potato viruses.
FY08 funding established the groundwork, and the University of Idaho
is now prepared to fully implement the needed research. This project
will work in concert with the ongoing USDA eradication program by
providing new methods of treatment. This crop pest can result in 80%
yield reductions and has negatively affected agricultural trade. There
is a good chance that if this threat is addressed with adequate
research and treatment it can be eliminated. This request is consistent
with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho College located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.
The report contains $1.037 million for potato research (CSREES). This
funding would be used to support an on-going research program that
provides critical support to the potato industry through the
development of new potato varieties and resistance to disease and
pests. The ARS research station at Aberdeen, Idaho, has produced eight
new potato varieties, and it has participated in the development of
twelve other varieties nationwide. With the increasing threat of
disease and pests, new varieties are crucial for America's agriculture
community. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this
account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of
Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844 through the
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Research
will be performed at the United States Department of Agriculture's
Agriculture Research Service, Pacific West Area, located at 1691 S.
2700 W., Aberdeen, Idaho 83210.
The report contains $8.294 million in Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, salaries and expenses, for Potato Cyst Nematode
Eradication. The USDA is currently conducting an aggressive eradication
program to address the outbreak of Potato Cyst Nematode in Idaho, the
first discovery in the U.S. This pest can result in up to 80% crop
reductions, and agricultural trade has already been affected. It is
imperative that our trading partners know we are aggressively
addressing this issue. Furthermore, this pest has a very high risk of
dispersion. While it is currently confided to a small area in Eastern
Idaho, it is very conceivable that, if left untreated, this pest can
spread, affecting crops other than potatoes. Through this funding, the
program will continue to adequately address this issue, and there is a
good potential the pest could be eradicated. This request is consistent
with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the United States
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
located at 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

DIVISION B--COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE

The report contains $1,000,000 in the COPS Meth account for the Idaho
Meth Project. Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse in Idaho has been
on the rise over the past few years and, as a result, Meth is having a
devastating impact in many communities throughout the State. Meth is
the number one illegal drug of choice in Idaho and the State's leading
drug problem. The financial and social consequences of Meth abuse in
Idaho are devastating. It is a contributing cause for much of the crime
in Idaho, costs millions of dollars in productivity, contributes to the
ever increasing prison populations and adversely impacts families. The
Idaho Meth Project is a large-scale, statewide prevention and public
awareness program designed to reduce the prevalence of first-time
methamphetamine abuse in Idaho by influencing attitudes through high-
impact advertising. Based on the successful Meth Project model
developed in the state of Montana, the Idaho Meth Project is focused
solely upon prevention and to achieve this goal is active in three
areas: Public Service Messaging, Community Action and Public Policy.
This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho Meth Project,
located at 304 N. 8th Street, Room 446, Boise, Idaho 83702.
The report contains $350,000 in the NOAA account for the Boise Center
Aerospace Laboratory (BCAL) Watershed Modeling Utilizing LiDAR at Idaho
State University. ISU's Department of Geosciences has developed free
spatial analysis tools available to the public for remote sensing and
geographic information sciences (GIS). The remote sensing tools include
a downloadable toolbox for analyzing light detection and ranging
(LiDAR) data, primarily for topography and vegetation in semiarid
environments. LiDAR technology can also provide topographic data below
water. This funding will allow the ISU to develop new analysis tools
for full-waveform LiDAR data to enable continuous characterization from
the earth's surface to the top of the vegetation canopy. This type of
analysis has improved potential over multiple return LiDAR data for
understanding landscape processes in three dimensions. Hyperspectral
analysis (soils and vegetation) will be coupled with the LiDAR data for
a full characterization, spectrally and spatially of the landscape.
These analyses will allow for studies of vegetation structure,
dependence of vegetation, soils, and earth processes (e.g. fire,
erosion) on topology (slope & aspect, drainages, surface roughness) and
will provide up-to-date and precise flood plain maps for rivers with
built environments to guide decisions on flood insurance coverage and
land use restrictions. These predictive maps can also aid in evacuation
of people and livestock during an impending flood. This request is
consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State
University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
The report contains $350,000 in the NOAA account for the Improved
hydrologic modeling of water resources for snow-dominated regions at
Boise State University. Mountain-front communities in the western
United States are experiencing rapid population growth, putting
pressure on water resources. Wise use of water resources must be
founded on knowledge of how water cycles through mountain-front
landscapes. However, hydrologic processes in such systems are poorly
understood. Understanding and forecasting these impacts of these
changes requires comprehensive hydrologic models driven by state-of-
the-art technology and science. These funds will assist with the
development of an operational hydrology model for mountain-front
hydrologic systems based on new research that advances knowledge on
physical mechanisms by which water moves from mountains to valleys. The
hydrologic model will build upon and improve current models used by the
National Weather Service by making use of satellite technologies. The
hydrologic model will be capable of assessing the impact of critical
problems such as urbanization and climate change on water resources.
This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State
University, located at 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725-1135.
The report contains $880,000 in the COPS Law Enforcement Technology
Account for the Idaho State Police to participate in the Criminal
Information Sharing Alliance Network (CISAnet). CISAnet is a fully
functional information-sharing network comprised of law enforcement
agencies from ten states, including Idaho. The program focuses on drug
trafficking and border security issues. Sharing of criminal law
enforcement information by and between these ten states is vital to
securing an area regarded as one of the most vulnerable to our nation's
security. These funds would enable Idaho to continue participating in
CISAnet. This program has received federal funding in previous fiscal
years. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this
account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho State
Police, located at 700 South Stratford, Meridian, ID 83642.

DIVISION C--ENERGY AND WATER

The report contains $5 million within the Army Corps of Engineers
Section 595 program for rural water infrastructure upgrades in the
Eastern Idaho Regional Wastewater Authority. The funding was authorized
in the Water Resources Development Act. This funding is critical to
assisting Idaho communities in upgrading their water and wastewater
treatment facilities. In many cases, this funding is required to comply
with unfunded mandates passed down by this Congress and federal
agencies. In addition, these funds help communities in Idaho trying to
attract new businesses and spur economic development. The vital water
funding in this bill will assist communities in job creation and
affordable housing by offering improved services at lower costs than
would otherwise be possible. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Eastern Idaho
Regional Wastewater Authority, located at 101 S. Emerson Avenue
Shelley, Idaho 83274.
The report contains $1,427,250 in DOE's Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy for the City of Boise's Geothermal Expansion. The
Boise City geothermal system currently provides a low cost,
environmentally sound, sustainable, locally provided heat source to
commercial and publicly owned buildings in downtown Boise. Geothermal
heat is considered a renewable source of energy and does not rely on
fossil fuels, nuclear power, mining or damming of rivers and has zero
emissions into the atmosphere. This project will extend the City of
Boise geothermal pipeline system to Boise State University and would
have the capacity to heat over two million square feet on the campus.
It would provide significant cost savings as global energy costs
increase and geothermal services continue to expand

[[Page E469]]

to more facilities. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Boise,
located at 150 N Capitol Boulevard, Third Floor, Boise, Idaho 83702.
The report contains $2,498,639 in the DOE Office of Science account
for the Idaho National Laboratory Center for Advanced Energy Studies
(CAES) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). CAES is a partnership
between the State of Idaho and its academic research institutions, the
federal government through the U.S. Department of Energy and the Idaho
National Laboratory managed by the Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
Through its collaborative structure, CAES combines the efforts of these
institutions to provide timely energy research on both technical and
policy issues. The research equipment obtained through this
appropriation will enable the INL, Boise State University, Idaho State
University, the University of Idaho, other national universities and
private industry to support DOE by furthering collaboration on the
advanced energy studies. Through the resulting research, CAES will
contribute to the availability of carbon-neutral renewable energy, such
as biofuels for transportation; the stewardship of the environment
including water resource management through energy efficiency; the
management of fossil fuel energy systems; and the expansion of energy
production from commercial nuclear power while educating the next
generation of scientists, engineers, policymakers and the public. This
request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho National
Laboratory, located at 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho
83415.
The report contains $951,500 in the DOE Office of Science account for
the Idaho Accelerator Laboratory at Idaho State University. The
National Academy of Sciences recently issued a report recommending that
the federal government should increase support to radionuclide
production, distribution and basic research in production mechanisms;
increase the domestic production of medical radionuclides through
dedicated accelerators and reactors; and educate the next generation of
medically-related nuclear scientists. The Idaho Accelerator Center
would develop a medical isotope production facility that will serve
regional isotope needs, conduct basic research in isotope production,
educate the next generation of medically-related nuclear scientists and
partner with regional and national entities in medical isotope
distribution and use. This program would meet regional and national
needs in education and isotope production and would complement and
enhance DOE's National Isotope Program. This request is consistent with
the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho State
University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209.

DIVISION D--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT

The report contains $200,000 in the Small Business Administration for
a research and economic development and entrepreneurial initiative at
Boise State University. With this funding, Boise State University will
be able to establish research partnerships with business and
governmental agencies to assist businesses in an effort to preserve
free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall
economy of the State of Idaho. The federal funds being requested will
be used to match private and public sector dollars and in-kind
contributions to conduct collaborative research that creates
intellectual property, creates jobs and ultimately leads to the benefit
and growth of the Idaho business community. The funds will also be used
to develop the necessary infrastructure to mine, protect and assess the
commercialization potential of the intellectual property that is
developed as a result of these efforts. This healthy business climate
is critical to the economic strength of Idaho, the region and the
nation; the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that originates from
this sector helps the United States compete in today's global
marketplace. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of
this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State
University, located at 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1135.
The report also contains $200,000 in the Small Business
Administration for the Water Cooler, a business development center in
Boise, Idaho. The Water Cooler is a collaborative project that will
create a nonprofit business development center for synergistic,
emerging businesses and interests in Boise's creativity economy. The
facility will sublease office space to small businesses and
organizations; provide meeting, seminar and event space; offer a small
business services center (copy, printing, IT, Wi-Fi, video conferencing
and the like) and serve as a networking and idea hub for the next
generation of organizations in the areas of technology, film/arts,
entertainment, media, venture capital, advertising/marketing, legal and
urban life. The project will develop and facilitate strategies for
growing businesses and employment opportunities in Boise and throughout
Idaho. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this
account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Capital City
Development Corporation, located at 805 W. Idaho St. Ste. 403, Boise,
ID 83702.

DIVISION E--INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES

The report contains $250,000 in STAG for the City of Lava Hot Springs
Wastewater Improvement project. Lava Hot Springs is a small town of
only 480 citizens. The city's wastewater treatment plant is currently
discharging pollutants into the Portneuf River, and the city will be
facing severe penalties under current federal law. With such a small
population, the financial burden of coming into compliance is immense.
This project will improve the collection system by replacing the badly
deteriorated sewer mains, correct grade problems, and enlarge pipes.
The problem of debris buildup in the lagoons will be resolved with flow
meter, screens, and a grit removal system all housed in a constructed
headwork building. This request is consistent with the intended purpose
of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Lava
Hot Springs, located at 115 West Elm, P.O. Box 187, Lava Hot Springs,
Idaho, 83246.
The report contains $150,000 in Save America's Treasures for
Restoration of the Rexburg Historic Westwood Theater. Formerly known as
the Romance Theater, this circa 1917 building was the heart of
entertainment for the rural communities of eastern Idaho offering
vaudeville theater, silent movies, and dance recitals. One of the
fastest growing communities in Idaho, Rexburg lacks a community venue
for the arts. The City of Rexburg is attempting to restore the theater
in order to provide a historical, cultural center for the growing
population. The building requires restoration of the stage and
auditorium and repairs to the roof and brick work. The City has
developed a volunteer citizen committee to raise funding through fund
raisers and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. This request is
consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of
Rexburg, Idaho, located at 12 North Center Street, P.O. Box 280,
Rexburg, Idaho, 83440.
The report contains $2,000,000 in LWCF for Land Acquisition for
Henry's Lake ACEC. The funding will be used to purchase a conservation
easement on the historic Johnson Ranch, on the west side of Henry's
Lake. The ranch sustains an important wildlife migration corridor for
game herds in the Yellowstone region as well as the area's scenic
beauty. Roughly 2 million visitors travel through the Henry's Lake area
every year. This conservation easement will continue existing ranching
and agricultural activities while protecting the land and its wildlife
from the subdivision and second home development that is spreading in
the Island Park/Henry's Lake area. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Bureau of Land
Management, located at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401.
The report contains $500,000 in LWCF for the Upper Snake/South Fork
of the Snake River ACEC. The funding will be used to secure
conservation easements from willing sellers. The BLM has ranked the
Upper Snake South Fork as a top priority for land acquisition. As one
of the nation's premier fishing destinations and recreational rivers,
the Upper Snake/South Fork of the Snake River, which features
outstanding fish habitat, water quality, scenic vistas and one of the
West's most extensive cottonwood riparian forests, is under pressure
from increasing population. The funding will facilitate protection of
key lands in this landscape and will preserve and protect natural
habitat while simultaneously supporting important recreational, and
tourism opportunities in eastern Idaho. Additionally the lands proposed
for protection include important agricultural lands that will remain in
production and private ownership. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Bureau of Land
Management, located at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401.
The report contains $250,000 for the Idaho Sage Grouse Management
Plan. This funding will be used to implement the state's management
plan for the sage grouse population, which is on the verge of being
listed under the Endangered Species Act. A decision by the Fish and
Wildlife Service could come as early as this spring. Idaho is taking
proactive steps to recover this species before a listing is required,
and the Sage Grouse Advisory Committee (SAC) is coordinating
implementation of a statewide management plan for sage

[[Page E470]]

grouse. Contained within the plan are over 100 conservation measures
for stabilizing and increasing populations of sage grouse in Idaho. In
addition, there are 11 Local Working Groups that have completed or in
the process of forming local plans. These funds will aid in
implementing state and local plans and continuing the important on-the-
ground work being done by Local Working Groups, including habitat
restoration, monitoring, research, and education. This request is
consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho Office of
Species Conservation located at 300 North 6th Street, Suite 101, Boise,
Idaho 83702.

DIVISION F--LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION

The report contains $333,000 in the Department of Education
Elementary and Secondary Education account for the Idaho Early Literacy
Project administered by the Lee Pesky Learning Center in Boise. The aim
of the Idaho Early Literacy Project is to educate new mothers on the
importance of early childhood literacy and math skills and providing
them with resources for educating their children to assure that all
children in Idaho are ready to read when they enter school. This
funding will assist with the distribution of the research-based
booklet, Every Child Ready to Read: Literacy Tips for Parents, to
hospital maternity wards across Idaho as well as the training of child
care providers throughout the state of Idaho. The training of child
care providers includes a face-to-face approach in larger population
centers and an on-line approach for remote rural locations. The project
provides that children will receive literacy education at home and in
child care facilities, creating the ``language rich'' upbringing
necessary for success in school. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Lee Pesky Learning
Center, located at 3324 Elder Street, Boise, ID 83705.
The report contains $285,000 in the Health Resources and Services
Administration Health Facilities and Services account for the Idaho
Caring Foundation for Children for dental services for low-income
children. As a dentist, I understand the importance of proper dental
hygiene at a very young age. Serious health and self-esteem problems
can quickly evolve if dental hygiene is neglected early in a child's
development. The project will provide access to needed dental services
for 5,000 low-income, uninsured Idaho children. These services will be
provided by our network of 120 Idaho dentists who provide dental
services for reduced fees and in partnership with the oral health
programs at all seven Idaho Health Districts. Eligible children will be
identified by working in partnership with Idaho schools, health
departments, Head Start programs and YMCA programs. All administrative
costs for this program will be donated by Regence BlueShield of Idaho.
This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho Caring
Foundation for Children, located at 1211 W. Myrtle, Suite 110, Boise,
ID 83702.
The report contains $285,000 in the Department of Education
Elementary and Secondary Education Account for the Idaho Falls Arts
Council ARTKade program for the purchase of equipment. The Idaho Falls
Arts Council is creating a two-story, 5000 square foot interactive
visual arts education center for youth, ages K-12, called ARTkade in
downtown Idaho Falls. This funding will go primarily to purchase
equipment to build the various arts stations. The purpose of ARTkade is
to stimulate and re-awaken young people's interest in the visual arts
by using interactive learning, computer technology and hands on
festival style art projects that capture their imagination and redirect
them to art education. The Council is partnering with area schools in
the development and implementation of this facility (in large part
because many local schools do not have full-time art teachers) and will
be providing users with referral information about other arts education
opportunities in the region. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho Falls Arts
Council, located at 498 A Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
The report contains $143,000 in the Department of Education
Elementary and Secondary Education account for the Life's Kitchen, Inc.
life skills instruction programs for at-risk youth. This program works
to stop the cycle of homelessness and prevent dependence on public
assistance for at-risk, low-income youth (ages 16-20) through hands-on
experience in the culinary arts combined with life skills instruction.
Life skill instruction ranges from teaching students interview skills
to personal financial management, as well as job placement. Life's
Kitchen provides an innovative 16-week educational program of hands-on
work experience training for young people who are at-risk and living on
the fringe of society. These hands-on skills are developed while
working in our three food businesses: cafe, catering and contract food.
Students access the program through high school counselors, employment
agencies, social workers, juvenile correction officers and word-of-
mouth. The funding provided will be used to provide equipment and
supplies needed to run the mentoring and tutoring as well as the
culinary instruction portion of the programs. This request is
consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Life's Kitchen
Inc., located at 1025 S. Capitol Blvd. Boise, Idaho 83706.
The report contains $333,000 in the Health Resources and Services
Administration Health Facilities and Services account for the Idaho
Oral Health Institute at Idaho State University. The Idaho Oral Health
Institute will provide a center for oral health education, research,
and clinical practice in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest region of the
United States. The Institute will promote the highest quality of oral
health care by providing education in contemporary clinical methods to
oral health professionals, innovative continuing education to
practicing health professionals and staff, collaboration among oral
health and health professions researchers across the country and a
state-of-the-art oral health care facility including classrooms,
clinics, and laboratories with leading edge equipment and technology
designed for education and research. This request is consistent with
the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State
University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
The report contains $285,000 in the Institute of Museums and Library
Services Museums and Libraries Account for the Discovery Center of
Idaho for exhibits and outreach. The Discovery Center of Idaho is
collaborating with multiple partners to create a new model of ``hands-
on'' science center to captivate the attention of and inspire
tomorrow's leaders and innovators. The center will be a resource for
the region, with particular interest in serving rural areas to help
break the myth that innovation is an urban phenomenon--and emphasize
the understanding that ingenuity is found wherever and whenever an
observant creative human being has a problem to solve. This is a
tremendous opportunity to create a new approach to bridging the gap in
science and technology education particularly for the underserved. This
request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Discovery Center of
Idaho, located at 131 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702.
The report contains $285,000 in the Department of Education's Higher
Education account for the College of Southern Idaho's Pro-Tech Training
Program. This program will enable the College to partner with other
agencies to identify training needs and to identify potential
candidates for employment. Data provided by Region IV of the State of
Idaho Economic Development Agency indicate that manufacturing will be a
leading employment area in the Magic Valley with over 250 new jobs
expected over the next two years. The College of Southern Idaho has
identified a significant educational demand for hi-tech manufacturing
and engineering and a need for in-depth training in the technological
aspects of the design, fabrication and manufacturing phases of
production. These jobs will require the type of training that the
College of Southern Idaho can provide with great expertise. This
funding would be used to develop curriculum, implement new post-
secondary educational-technical training degrees and programs at the
College. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this
account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is College of Southern
Idaho, located at 315 Falls Ave. Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238.
The report contains $285,000 in the Health Resources and Services
Administration Health Facilities and Services account for St. Luke's
Regional Medical Center's Children Health Services Expansion. The
Children's Health Services Expansion project provides an essential
increase in capacity for Pediatric Medical/Surgical, Pediatric
Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Oncology, and
Pediatric Surgical Suites and support areas, to meet the needs of the
rapidly growing population in the hospital's service area. The hospital
is spending millions on the expansion and federal funds will represent
only a small portion of the project's total costs. This request is
consistent with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is St. Luke's Regional
Medical Center Ltd., located at 190 E. Bannock Street, Boise, ID 83712.
The report contains $381,000 in the Health Resources and Services
Administration Health Facilities and Services account for Madison
County Memorial Hospital. Madison County Memorial Hospital services a
growing area encompassing five counties and quite simply has outgrown
its facilities. Increased capacity for obstetrics (Madison County
Memorial Hospital

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has more births than any other hospital of its size in the State of
Idaho and possibly the nation) and inpatient and outpatient surgeries
is needed. The size of this project is 70,000 sq. feet of new
construction and 85,000 sq. feet of remodeling, with an overall budget
of $49 million and an equipment budget of over $7 million. Federal
funding will be used for necessary medical equipment for the expanded
and remodeled facility and represents a very small portion of the
overall funding for this project. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Madison County
Memorial Hospital, located at 450 East Main, Rexburg, ID 83440.
The report contains $190,000 in the Department of Education
Elementary and Secondary Education account for Idaho SySTEMic Solution
program at Boise State University. Idaho SySTEMic Solution is a
nationally relevant, hands-on, project-based STEM learning system
(science, technology, engineering, & math) designed to spur achievement
and confidence among elementary-age learners and their teachers. Key
project components will include: 1) a comprehensive teacher training
model that includes a one-week summer institute and ongoing site-based
follow-up training to boost the ability and confidence of elementary
teachers; 2) implementation into demographically diverse schools
(grades 1-5/6, urban to suburban to rural, multicultural) of
curriculum-aligned learning lab systems that have been shown to improve
student scores in math, science, and technology; and 3) research and
evaluation of results in accordance with Idaho and national assessment
standards to maximize the effectiveness of transplanting this solution
to other U.S. states. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State
University, located at 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1135.

DIVISION I--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The report contains $285,000 in the HUD/EDI account for the Custer
County Economic Development Initiative in Custer County, ID. Custer
County is overwhelmingly owned by the federal government, creating
enormous financial challenges. The county has a very small tax base
with high costs for maintaining roads and services over a very large
area. Funding would allow the county to purchase and renovate an old
middle school in Challis that would become a government and business
center housing county offices and allowing them to become ADA
compliant. This project received $100,000 in FY08, and funding of this
request would complete the project. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Custer County,
Idaho, located at 801 Main Street, Challis, Idaho, 83226.
The report contains $1,961,750 in the FHWA/Public Lands Highways
account for the City of Rocks Back Country Byway Relocation, ID. This
16.7 mile long project is located on the popular City of Rocks Back
Country Byway in Cassia County, Idaho, which provides the only direct
access to the City of Rocks National Reserve. When fully completed, the
project will pave a 1.0 mile gravel segment, reconstruct 15.7 miles of
deficient roadway, correct deteriorated road and slope conditions,
provide a wider road with shoulders and guardrail, and improve the
road's alignment by reducing the number and severity of sharp curves
and steep grades. These improvements will increase safety for the
driving public and provide safer access for bicycle and pedestrian
traffic. These improvements will also significantly reduce the amount
of on-going maintenance required to keep the route usable. Previous
federal funding, FY 1999 through FY 2008, totals $12,827,000 including
$3.95 million in FY 2008. Full funding of this request in FY 2009 will
complete the project. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho
Department of Transportation, located at 3311 West State Street, Boise,
Idaho, 83707-1129.
The report contains $4,845,000 in the FTA/Buses and Bus Facilities
account for Buses and Bus Facilities for the Idaho Transit Coalition.
Funding for this project will be used to support essential transit
systems in rural and urban areas of the State of Idaho. This project
meets the criteria of the FTA's Section 5209 Capital Program and has
been funded by the Committee since FY 2002. This request is consistent
with the intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Community
Transportation Association of Idaho, located at 10480 Garverdale Court,
Bldg. 4, Suite 804A, Boise, Idaho 83704.
The report contains $475,000 in the FHWA/Interstate Maintenance
Discretionary account for the I-84, Broadway Avenue to Gowen Road
Widening, Boise, ID. Funding will be used for design of the project to
add a third east and westbound lane between Broadway Avenue and Gowen
Road on I-84. With funding, the project will be ready for construction
in FY10 in conjunction with the State of Idaho's Connecting Idaho
projects in the Boise area. Improving I-84 through Boise and the
surrounding area is a priority for the State of Idaho. In FY 2008, $1.5
million was appropriated for the I-84 Interchange at Broadway Avenue
that precedes this project, which is required to alleviate congestion
and safety issues caused by the continued fast growth in the Treasure
Valley. This project is included in the I-84 Boise Corridor Study
adopted by the Idaho Transportation Department and the Community
Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) Boards in October of
2001 and part of the COMPASS Regional 2030 Long Range Transportation
Plan, approved in 2006. This request is consistent with the intended
purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho
Department of Transportation, located at 3311 West State Street, Boise,
Idaho 83707-1129.
The report contains $475,000 in the FTA/Buses and Bus Facilities
account for the Treasure Valley Transit Facilities, Meridian, ID. This
project will fund site location and required environmental analysis for
up to one administration facility and/or up to four bus transfer
centers to improve transit services in western Ada and Canyon Counties,
Idaho. The development of transit facilities is a recommendation in the
regional transit plan which characterizes these transit centers as
crucial to the success of the transit system. These facilities will
support regional public transportation services in the area. $9.5
million was authorized in SAFETEA-LU for the Boise Multi-Modal Center
(MMC). This project is part of the same system and is included, as is
the MMC, in the regional capital facilities plan for transit in the
Treasure Valley. This project is the next phase of development. Funds
to date include $288,000 in the FY2008 Appropriations Bill for site
location and the start of the environmental analysis. Matching funds
for this year total $125,000. This request is consistent with the
intended purpose of this account.
The entity to receive funding for this project is Valley Regional
Transit, located at 830 N. Main Street, Meridian, Idaho 83642.
I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally-
directed projects in my district and an explanation of my support for
them.
(1.) $254,000 for NW Center for Small Fruits in Corvallis, OR
(2.) $650,000 for Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis
Committee
(3.) $176,000 for the Nez Perce BioControl Center
(4.) $926,000 for the Tri-State Predator Control Program
(5.) $514,000 for the Barley for Rural Development Project
(6.) $235,000 for the Cool Season Legume Research Project
(7.) $603,000 for Increasing Shelf Life of Ag Commodities
(8.) $349,000 for Potato Cyst Nematode Research
(9.) $1.037 million for Potato Research (CSREES)
(10.) $8.294 million for Potato Cyst Nematode Eradication
(11.) $1,000,000 for the Idaho Meth Project
(12.) $350,000 for the Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory (BCAL)
Watershed Modeling Utilizing LiDAR; Idaho State University
(13.) $350,000 for the Improved hydrologic modeling of water
resources for snow-dominated regions; Boise State University
(14.) $880,000 for Criminal Information Sharing Alliance Network
(CISAnet); Idaho State Police
(15.) $5,000,000 for Rural Idaho water projects; Eastern Idaho
Regional Wastewater Authority
(16.) $1,427,250 for Boise City Geothermal System Expansion; City of
Boise
(17.) $2,498,639 for the Idaho National Laboratory Center for
Advanced Energy Studies; Idaho National Laboratory
(18.) $951,500 for the Idaho Accelerator Center Production of Medical
Isotopes; Idaho State University
(19.) $200,000 for a research and economic development and
entrepreneurial initiative; Boise State University
(20.) $200,000 for a business development center, Capital City
Development Corporation
(21.) $250,000 for City of Lava, Wastewater Improvement (STAG)
(22.) $150,000 for Rexburg Historic Westwood Theater (SAT)
(23.) $2,000,000 for Land Acquisition for Henry's Lake ACEC (LWCF)
(24.) $500,000 for the Upper Snake/South Fork of the Snake River ACEC
(LWCF)
(25.) $250,000 for the Idaho Sage Grouse
(26.) $333,000 for Idaho Early Literacy Project; Lee Pesky Learning
Center
(27.) $285,000 for Dental services for low-income children; Idaho
Caring Foundation for Children

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(28.) $285,000 for ARTKade; Idaho Falls Arts Council
(29.) $143,000 for Life skills instructions programs for at-risk
youth; Life's Kitchen Inc.
(30.) $333,000 for Idaho Oral Health Institute; Idaho State
University
(31.) $285,000 for The Discovery Center of Idaho exhibits and
outreach; Discovery Center of Idaho
(32.) $285,000 for College of Southern Idaho Pro-Tech Training
Program; College of Southern Idaho
(33.) $285,000 for Children's Health Services Expansion; St. Luke's
Regional Medical Center, Ltd
(34.) $381,000 for Madison Country Memorial Hospital Construction and
Renovation Project; Madison County Memorial Hospital
(35.) $190,000 for Idaho SySTEMic Solution program; Boise State
University
(36.) $285,000 for Custer County to purchase middle school building
(37.) $1,961,750 for the City of Rocks Back Country Byway
(38.) $4,845,000 for the Idaho Transit Coalition for Buses and Bus
Facilities
(39.) $475,000 for I-84 Broadway Avenue to Gowen Road Widening
(40.) $475,000 for the Treasure Valley Transit Facilities

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