[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1943]
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, July 23, 2009

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and 
standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP 
Leadership, I would like to list the congressionally-directed projects 
I requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report 
of H.R. 3288, the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, 
and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
  Project Name: City of Rocks Back Country Byway Relocation, ID
  Amount Received: $1,000,000
  Account: FHWA/Public Lands Highways
  Recipient: Idaho Transportation Department
  Recipient's Street Address: 3311 West State Street, Boise, ID 83707
  Description: 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.
  Project Name: Custer County Economic Development Initiative in Custer 
County, ID
  Amount Received: $500,000
  Account: HUD/EDI
  Recipient: Custer County, ID
  Recipient's Street Address: 802 Main Street, Challis, ID 83226
  Description: At almost 5,000 square miles, Custer County is larger 
than three states yet has just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is 
burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95% of the 
county's 3.4 million acres administered by federal agencies. The 
county's tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is inadequate 
to support the services required for such an expansive county. This 
grossly disproportionate public ownership causes a severe strain on 
their resources. Funding would be used to construct a community center 
which would serve a number of purposes for the county.
  Project Name: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 Reconstruction, 
Mackay, ID
  Amount Received: $2,750,000
  Account: FHWA/Public Lands Highways
  Recipient: Lost River Highway District
  Recipient's Street Address: 213 South McCaleb, Mackay, ID 83251
  Description: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 runs through the 
Salmon-Challis National Forest from U.S. Highway 93 west to Sun Valley, 
Idaho. The road is maintained entirely by the Lost River Highway 
District and includes 17 miles of unpaved road that is used extensively 
for commerce and recreational purposes by tourists and homeowners. The 
high traffic volume (500 cars per day and expected to grow) and poor 
road conditions cause safety concerns for those traveling along the 
highway. Funds would be used to complete study and design work and 
upgrade the road by paving 5.5 miles of gravel road from the end of 
existing pavement near the West Bartlett Point Road (MP 11.750) to the 
Copper Basin Turn-off (MP 17.250).
  I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally-
directed projects I requested that have received funding in the FY2010 
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my 
support for them.

                          ____________________