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Rep. Simpson Secures Funding for New Shelley-Firth Fire Station

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $4,304,000 for a new fire station for the Shelley-Firth Fire District in Firth, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

“Thanks to swift responses and diligent work, Shelley-Firth firefighters serve and protect our communities every day,” said Rep. Simpson. “However, without an adequate fire station and resources, lives, property, and response times are at risk. Our firefighters play a crucial role in tirelessly safeguarding our communities. I am proud to see this project move forward and support our brave first responders.”

“I truly appreciate the work done by Congressman Simpson and his staff in obtaining funding to help build and equip a fire station that will serve our growing area,” said La Var Jolley, Firth Battalion Chief. “Without these resources, our community simply couldn't build the type of station currently needed - let alone address future growth. In emergency response, time matters. Congressman Simpson has responded admirably to our emergency need for a new fire station and equipment. His work in Congress on our behalf will benefit our area for decades to come.”

“After serving as a Fire Commissioner for the past year and one half, I have seen the importance of a fire station in Firth. It affects response times which increases the service we can offer to the community. I do appreciate the efforts of Congressman Simpson to help us to get a replacement for our station,” said Kenneth Johnson, District Fire Commissioner.

“The Firth Fire station provides a key service to our community. In Fire and EMS, response seconds make a difference. Given the distance to the nearest station, without the fire station, the lives and property of our citizens would be in greater danger. We appreciate Congressman Simpson and his efforts to bring this federal funding to our community,” said Firth Mayor Brandon Jolley. 

This funding will be used to construct a new fire station for the Shelley-Firth Fire District. An electrical malfunction caused a fire in the Firth Fire Station, and the station lost most of its equipment. The volunteer firefighters now operate from a rented space in a vacant potato warehouse using donated, surplus, and salvaged equipment. This situation severely impacts the ability to provide the health and safety services needed. 

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars to return to Idaho. Rep. Simpson was the only member of the Idaho delegation to vote in favor of funding for the new Shelley-Firth Fire Station.