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From the Desk of the Governor
March 17, 2024
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‘Idaho Works’: Critical funding for water, wildfire response heads to Gov. Little’s desk
Critical funding for water infrastructure and land management is heading to my desk after passing both legislative bodies this week.
Idaho must maintain our water sovereignty and not turn out like other western states in the Colorado River Basin, such as California, where the federal government stepped in to supersede the state’s control of its water.
These investments build on decades of good work and demonstrate that IDAHO, not the feds, can best determine the fate of our water.
Thanks to my legislative partners for their support on the following “Idaho Works” budget recommendations:
- $30 million for water infrastructure projects
- $3 million to help Idaho farmers, ranchers, dairies, and ag produces improve soil, water, and air quality in their communities
- $1 million in bonuses to recruit and retain wildland firefighters.
- $17 million to combat and prevent wildfires that threaten life, property and Idaho lands.
Idaho’s natural resources, especially water, are the foundation of our economic prosperity, outdoor recreation, strong agricultural sector, public health, and overall way of life. I appreciate my legislative partners prioritizing these investments in Idaho’s future.
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‘Idaho Works’ investments in agriculture, parks and recreation clear Legislature, head to Governor’s desk
 On Thursday, we celebrated the passage of two “Idaho Works” initiatives by both chambers of the Idaho Legislature.
Senate Bill 1372 includes $6.6 million to continue the state’s efforts to combat invasive quagga mussels in the Lower Snake River.
Quagga mussels pose a potential threat of widespread and severe damage to Idaho’s economy, property, and way of life. This highly destructive invasive species can clog pipes critical for agriculture, energy, drinking water and more.
Thank you to my legislative partners for prioritizing this investment and helping us eradicate this threat to Idaho water.
Senate Bill 1383 builds on the historic success of my “Idaho First” plan by directing an additional $20 million into Idaho’s great outdoors.
In Idaho, we are making investments in areas that matter most to Idahoans while maintaining a balanced budget. Enjoying Idaho’s great outdoors is a key part of Idahoans’ daily lives – and a significant driver of our economy.
By investing in recreation, we ensure Idahoans have access to our outdoor spaces for years to come.
READ: Lt. governor talks up Launch grants to students
LAUNCH will help Idaho students in every corner of the state access in-demand career training and education. THANK YOU Lt. Governor Scott Bedke for supporting this LIFE-CHANGING investment in our children!
"Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke held an impromptu civics lesson with Middleton High School seniors Monday while discussing the nuances of Idaho Launch.
Senior Samantha Davis, 17, applied and received a contingent award letter for $8,000 to attend nursing school. She is among the 200 Middleton seniors – or 70% of the class – who signed up.
"This would definitely benefit my family. My dad’s a small business owner. They work hard,” Davis said.
Launch is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000."
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USS IDAHO: Idaho's Nuclear Navy
This weekend, I have the honor of attending the christening of the USS Idaho alongside former Governor Dirk Kempthorne and U.S. Navy officials in Connecticut.
The USS Idaho is the first U.S. Navy warship to bear the name USS Idaho in more than 100 years!
On Monday, First Lady Teresa and I joined Idahoans and members of the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee at the Boise premiere of "Idaho's Nuclear Navy." Produced by Idaho Public Television, this documentary tells the story of Idaho's significant contributions to the Navy and nuclear advancement.
Click the button below to watch the documentary and learn more about Idaho's Nuclear Navy.
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Happy 133rd birthday, Idaho National Guard!
 Happy 133rd birthday to the Idaho National Guard! Idaho is grateful to the thousands of men and women who have bravely served our nation and defended our freedoms. Thank you, Idaho National Guard, and God Bless!
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Idaho's one-stop shop for accessing public meeting information related to nearly 200 State of Idaho agencies and entities.
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Idaho State Capitol
700 W. Jefferson Street
Boise, ID 83720
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