| Washington, D.C. - Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today that would transfer four federally-owned parcels of land in the Auger Falls area for the creation of a community park and recreation area. Simpson has been working with the City for several years to secure federal funding and support for the creation of the park.
Simpson’s legislation would transfer to the City of Twin Falls four parcels of land (approximately 165 acres) scattered throughout the Auger Falls area and owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The bill stipulates that the land must be used for the development of the City’s public park concept and specifically prohibits any commercial or residential development on the transferred land.
“I believe strongly in the City’s vision to make the Auger Falls area accessible to the public and this bill will help the City accomplish that goal,” said Simpson. “The Auger Falls area is a spectacular undeveloped landscape deep in the Snake River Canyon but off-limits to most of the public. By consolidating ownership of the land, we can help facilitate both the preservation and enjoyment of this area for current and future generations. I greatly appreciate the cooperation of Mayor Clow and City staff in preparing this bill and look forward to working with them to make their vision a reality.”
"I greatly appreciate Congressman Simpson’s continued interest and support for the Auger Falls project,” said Twin Falls Mayor Lance Clow. “His introduction of legislation to assist in transferring BLM lands to the City as well as providing federal funding for the project greatly advances the City's efforts to create habitat restoration and recreational opportunities at Auger Falls all while reducing the amount of phosphorus flowing into the Snake River."
Simpson obtained $1.1 million in federal grants for the Auger Falls project in previous years and has secured an additional $500,000 for the project in legislation currently pending before Congress.
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