Crapo To Discuss Water Issues, Talk Trains

Boise - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will discuss issues ranging from Snake River water use to federal energy policy during visits to Eastern Idaho this week. At a meeting tomorrow with the Idaho Water Resources Board and the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Implementation Committee, Crapo will discuss plans related to Snake River water use, including funding, recharge and conservation. Crapo worked to include language in the 2008 Farm Bill allowing federal funds to be used in water programs to benefit Idaho water projects and last month the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) announced $7 million would be made available to Idaho through the new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) to address Snake River water programs and other water projects.

Crapo will meet with Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase about a new study concerning the return of Amtrak's Pioneer passenger rail service. He will help promote plans for a new Veterans Memorial at Rigby, and he will help cut the ribbon to reopen Main Street in Victor, which has benefitted from an innovative remodeling project. Crapo will also discuss renewable and alternative energy issues during a tour of Nordic Windpower in Pocatello tomorrow.

Crapo's schedule for August 13-14 includes the following events:

Thursday, August 13:
10:30 a.m. Chubbuck Participates in water policy meetings with the Idaho Water Resources Board and the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Implementation Committee. At the City of Chubbuck Council Chambers, 5160 Yellowstone Avenue.

3:15 p.m. Pocatello Takes walking tour of Nordic Windpower and discusses federal programs on renewable and alternative energy programs with the local manufacturer of wind turbines. At Nordic Windpower, 3770 Poleline Road, Building 38.

5:45 p.m. Pocatello Joins Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase for a discussion on the potential return of Amtrak passenger rail service and participates in a potato promotion effort at the Bannock County Fairgrounds. At the Fairgrounds Breezeway, 10588 Ifft Road.

Friday, August 14
10:20 a.m. Rigby Visits construction site for a new Veterans Memorial proposed at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Meets with local military and elected officials to promote the Memorial. At the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 3914 East 275 North.

11:45 a.m. Newdale Meets with local leaders to discuss water and wastewater issues, including Crapo's legislation to increase federal funding for local water projects. At the Newdale City Building, 355 City Street.

1:30 p.m. Driggs Meets with local leaders to discuss transit and water projects. At the Driggs City Offices, 60 South Main.

2:15 p.m. Victor Participates in ribbon-cutting ceremony opening improvements on Victor's Main Street that include resurfacing and innovative reverse angle parking to improve bicycle and vehicle travel. Along Main Street in downtown area.

2:45 p.m. Victor Tours Grand Teton Brewing Company and discusses legislation he is sponsoring to reduce federal excise taxes on small breweries. S. 1058 could preserve jobs by cutting per-barrel taxes in half. At the brewery, 430 Old Jackson Highway.