Rep. Simpson Fights for Burley’s Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant

WASHINGTON-Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a longtime member and former Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, recently highlighted new federal funding for renovations of Burley's industrial wastewater treatment plant. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, which is funded through the annual appropriations process, included funding for this project in its Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan.

"I am pleased to see the Army Corps of Engineers include critical funding to upgrade Burley's industrial wastewater treatment plan, authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 at my request" said Rep. Simpson. "This funding will improve water quality in the Magic Valley and support Burley's economic growth. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee on Energy and Water Development, I have worked closely with the Army Corps of Engineers and have expressed how necessary this renovation project is for rural Idaho communities."

"We sincerely appreciate Congressman Simpson's pivotal role in securing federal support for Burley's Industrial Wastewater Treatment Project, including his leadership in including a $20 million authorization for the project in WRDA 2024. By advocating for project funding in the FY26 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan and requesting additional investment in FY27, Congressman Simpson has done essential work to move this project forward. These efforts to improve Burley's wastewater treatment capacity are essential for the health and development of our local agricultural community and small businesses," said Burley City Administrator Brett Boyer.

This funding will be used for the design and construction of Phase 1A of upgrades at Burley's industrial wastewater treatment plant, which will improve redundancy in the plant.

Rep. Simpson recently led a letter for the inclusion of upgrades with support from Idaho Senators Crapo and Risch. The full letter is available here.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan is available here.