Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Repeater Site on Black Mountain

WASHINGTON-Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $525,000 in funding for the Black Mountain Project 25 Repeater Site Project in Caribou County, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

"The Caribou County Sheriff's Office has made it abundantly clear that expanding coverage in Caribou County and in areas of Bingham and Bonneville counties will enhance law enforcement communications, which are currently limited in certain areas. Adding a repeater site will help close coverage gaps and strengthen first-responder communications. I will always advocate for funding in any way, shape, or form to support Idaho's finest doing their jobs," said Rep. Simpson.

"The Caribou County Sheriff's Office is excited to participate in the CJS FY27 repeater site project to improve and update the communication infrastructure at the Black Mountain Communications Site. Because Caribou County is a fairly large rural county, emergency services communication can be difficult and sometimes nonexistent. The Black Mountain project will greatly increase communication capabilities for all aspects of emergency services in southeastern Idaho. We are grateful for the efforts of Representative Simpson and his staff in making this project possible," said Sheriff J Adam Mabey, Caribou County Sheriff's Office.

This funding would be used to add a Project 25 repeater to an existing tower on Black Mountain. The proposed project would establish an additional simulcast receiver to expand critical two-way radio coverage in areas that currently lack reliable 700 MHz trunked radio service. This would significantly improve communications coverage for the Caribou County Sheriff's Office.

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 Black Mountain P25 Repeater Site Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.