House approves $30 million for water infrastructure to support East Snake Plain aquifer recharge

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House of Representatives on March 27 passed House Bill 4-45, a cash appropriation that includes $30,000,000 targeted to water infrastructure projects such as aquifer recharge, storage and conveyance improvements. The bill passed on a recorded vote of 56 ayes, 13 nays and 1 member recorded absent/excused.

The measure funds projects the sponsor described as aimed at sustaining long-term water availability across multiple basins, with language designating some dollars to support the 2024 settlement agreement between groundwater users and the Surface Water Coalition. The sponsor, Representative, District 32 (sponsor), told colleagues the appropriation will support aquifer recharge and projects “that make water a beneficial use for every citizen in the state of Idaho.”

Supporters said the $30 million is one step in a multi-year, multi-source program of work and that the appropriation includes reporting and an application process. Representative, District 13, who spoke in favor, pointed to the bill text and said the legislation identifies projects on “page 2, lines 39 through 47” and requires an annual report on funded projects. “These projects are also under review in terms of an application process,” the representative said, adding that applications must show a project is viable before funds are released.

Opponents urged more specificity and legislative safeguards. Representative, District 12 said she could not support a $30 million ongoing request without an itemized, prioritized list and clearer oversight. “We’re just handing over a blank check,” she said, adding that the legislature should see an itemized list so it can exercise effective oversight.

Several speakers placed the appropriation in historical and regional context. Representatives from Eastern and Southern Idaho described decades of irrigation development and argued for…