News from Congressman Mike Simpson - For Immediate Release - Contact Nikki Watts - (208)334-1953
Press Release Contact:  Nikki Watts
September 27, 2006 208-334-1953
Senate Subcommittee Holds
Hearing on CIEDRA
Washington, D.C.  -  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s legislation, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIERDA), H.R. 3603, had a hearing in the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests today. The Subcommittee is chaired by Idaho Senator Larry Craig. Simpson released the following statement; to read his entire testimony, please visit his website at www.house.gov/simpson/ciedra.shtml.

 

“It is historic that both Senator Crapo and I testified today on separate wilderness bills that were developed in Idaho by Idahoans. Many Idahoans traveled back to Washington to testify on behalf of CIEDRA and I appreciate them taking the time to do so. Custer County Commissioner Cliff Hansen provided priceless insight on why the land transfers in my bill are so desperately needed. Rick Johnson expressed the need to preserve the Boulder-White Clouds and I appreciate Senator Crapo lending his support to my efforts.  

 

“CIEDRA meets the needs of today’s users and secures the future for generations of Idahoans who want to continue using and enjoying our beautiful Boulder-White Clouds.  We have a rare opportunity to control our own destiny by crafting legislation that fits the needs of the people who live and recreate in central Idaho while creating substantive wilderness. It may well be another 25 years before we see this chance again.  By enacting CIEDRA, we can put to rest many long standing conflicts and move ahead to a stronger, more secure economy in the rugged, beautiful and productive heart of Idaho. 

 

“I appreciate Senator Craig holding today's hearing and am hopeful that we will have time for a Senate markup after the November election.”

 

Highlights in H.R. 3603:

Three Wilderness Areas: Total 315,215 Acres

·         Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness (110,415 acres)

·         White Clouds Wilderness (73,100 acres)

·         Jerry Peak Wilderness (131,700 acres)

CIEDRA Considers All Users

·         Authorizes the First-Ever Wheel Chair Accessible Trails in Wilderness

·         Locks in existing Motorized use for ATV and snowmobiles.

·         Protects 315,215 Acres as Wilderness

·         Provides Much Needed Economic Assistance to a County that is over 95% Federal Land

Federal Land Transfers:

·         Transfer of BLM land on which the Clayton cemetery sits to Clayton.

·         Transfer of BLM land on which the Clayton water tower sits to Clayton.

·         Transfer of a parcel of BLM land to the City of Clayton that will clear up a trespass issue with the fire hall and provide for a possible city park.  

·         Transfer of BLM land to the City of Clayton to be used for sanitation development.

·         Transfer of approximately 160 acres in the Pahsimeroi area to Custer County.

·         Transfer of BLM land on which the Challis Gun Club sits to Custer County.

·         Transfer of BLM land south of Challis to the City of Challis.

·         Transfer of BLM land east of Challis near the horse corral to Custer County.

·         Transfer of 1280 acres of BLM land near Willow Creek to Custer County for potential future wind generation.

·         Transfer of 640 acres of BLM land East of Grandview Canyon to Custer County for potential future wind generation. Transfer of BLM land on which a rural volunteer fire station sits to Custer County.

·         Transfer of land adjacent to Mackay Reservoir to Custer County.

·         Transfer of two parcels at approximately 360 acres each located east of Mackay to the City of Mackay and Custer County.
 
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