Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility

WASHINGTON-Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,000,000 in funding for the Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility Modernization for Rural Access and Safety Project in Salmon, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

"As Idaho continues to grow, it is essential that medical centers expand and modernize throughout the state, particularly in rural regions," said Rep. Simpson. "Investing in Steele Memorial Medical Center's proposed facility will enhance patient care and keep rehabilitation services local. This project is critical for Salmon and the surrounding communities, and I am proud to support it."

"This project is about far more than expanding rehabilitation services," said Preston Becker, Chief Executive Officer of Steele Memorial Medical Center. "Our rehabilitation team is providing outstanding care, but they are doing so in a space that has been outgrown. Today, some patients receive therapy in hallways or in shared areas with limited privacy. This project would be transformational for our hospital and our community. It would create a more modern, private, and functional healing environment for patients, improve safety and patient flow, and help us better use space across the hospital to support other departments that have also outgrown their current footprint. At a time when rural hospitals are working to meet growing healthcare needs with limited space and significant financial pressure, investments like this are difficult to accomplish alone. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Simpson for recognizing the importance of this investment in rural healthcare and in the future of our community."

This funding will address a core rural healthcare infrastructure needed in Lemhi County's geographically isolated frontier region by ensuring timely, medically necessary rehabilitation services are available in a safe, private, and ADA-accessible setting.

As Idaho's only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho's priorities and ensure Idahoans' hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.

The Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility Modernization for Rural Access and Safety Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.