Crapo To Discuss Amtrak, Health Care, Flood Plain Issues

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will join with Boise Mayor David Bieter to update Idahoans about the potential return of Amtrak's Pioneer passenger rail service during a meeting Monday at the Boise Depot. Boise-based Motive Power's division of Wabtec will drive a working locomotive to the Boise station for the first time in many years to mark the event.

Earlier Monday, Crapo will join with Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas and Canyon County Commissioners David Ferdinand, Steve Rule and Kathy Alder to update efforts on keeping parts of Canyon County out of a new flood plain designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Crapo has worked with the cities and county and FEMA to find a compromise that would not result in sharp increases for insurance and the potential slowdown in commercial development that could result if the areas are designated in a flood plain.

Tuesday Crapo will discuss health care reform during a demonstration of a popular public-private health and education program at Saint Alphonsus Medical Group - Boise Pediatrics, near the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. The Reach Out and Read Program has proven successful in improving the literacy of children. Area physicians work with parents and patients under the early-reading program.

Crapo's Treasure Valley schedule for August 10 and 11 includes the following events:

Monday, August 10th:

10:30 a.m., Caldwell

Joins Caldwell and Canyon County leaders to announce developments regarding flood plain mapping in Canyon County related to development and insurance cost issues. Along the banks of Indian Creek in downtown Caldwell, near the corner of Blaine and Kimball.

12:00 p.m., Boise

Meets with train enthusiasts, Boise Mayor David Bieter, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Connors and others to discuss developments in the potential return of Amtrak passenger rail service to Idaho. Motive Power is supplying a locomotive to visit the Boise Depot for the event. At the Boise Depot, south end of Capitol Boulevard, 2603 Eastover Terrace.

Tuesday, August 11th:

10:15 a.m., Boise

Participates in a reading demonstration for the Reach Out and Read health care and education program at the offices of Saint Alphonsus Medical Group - Boise Pediatrics, 999 Curtis Road. Crapo will be joined by Dr. Naya Antink of Saint Alphonsus Medical Group - Boise Pediatrics, parents and patients participating in the program, as well as representatives from Reach Out and Read and Saint Alphonsus CEO Sally Jeffcoat.