NEWS RELEASE
USDA Invests $36.5 Million to Support Southern Idaho Solid Waste District Project
BURLEY, Idaho, Nov. 26, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director Richard Rush today announced that the department is providing $36.5 million in loan for the Southern Idaho Solid Waste District that will help with essential upgrades and modernizations to continue protecting the public health of south-central Idaho residents.
“Landfills are no longer just a place to haul trash. They are now sophisticated facilities that not only take waste, but produce electricity from methane, deal in numerous chemical and water quality issues and hire a large professional staff.” said Idaho State Director Richard Rush. “Southern Idaho Solid Waste is one of the most innovative facilities in Idaho. Seven County Commissioners have come together to make it all happen. Congratulations, and I am so glad that USDA Rural Development could help.”
The Southern Idaho Solid Waste District (SISW) will upgrade landfill infrastructure, enhance safety measures, replace outdated equipment and waste transportation containers that will provide a long-term solution to manage solid waste efficiently and cost effectively. SISW plays a vital role for surrounding communities by managing over 320,000 tons of waste annually and diverting 40,000 tons of recyclables. The district serves more than 220,000 residences across the seven South-Central Idaho counties in Blaine, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls. Current and future residents will benefit from this essential project.
“This funding is a significant step forward for our communities.” Said SWIS Executive Director and CEO Nate Francisco. “It allows us to improve our facilities, enhance safety, and manage waste more efficiently, all while keeping costs low for our customers. We are grateful for USDA’s support in helping us continue to serve the growing needs of South-Central Idaho.”
Read the full Southern Idaho Solid Waste District project story.
 USDA Program Background:
This project is funded through USDA Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
About USDA-Rural Development USDA-Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for millions of rural Americans. This support includes infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
For more information on how USDA investments impact rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway or the Rural Development Idaho website.
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