Idaho water systems land $13 million for pipe replacement, storage tanks and mains
(UI) — Communities across eastern and southern Idaho are set to advance major drinking water infrastructure upgrades after Mike Simpson secured $13 million in federal funding for projects in American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall and Rigby.
The funding, included in State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) through Community Project Funding in the FY 2026 appropriations package, will support replacement of aging water lines, new storage tanks, transmission main upgrades and system expansions aimed at improving reliability, fire flow and regulatory compliance.
“During this pivotal time for water in Idaho, I am proud of the resources provided for water infrastructure projects and the impact they will have in our neighborhoods,” Simpson said. “As Idaho's only appropriator, it is my honor and responsibility to advocate for Idaho and ensure our state's priorities are heard.”
Underground infrastructure scope by community
American Falls plans to replace 13 miles of noncompliant water lines, add meters to all city connections and improve fire flow capacity. Local officials say the work is critical to modernizing the system and reducing water loss.
“The City of American Falls is preparing to move forward with a much-needed, citywide drinking water project to modernize aging infrastructure,” said Mayor Gilbert Hofmeister, adding that federal support will help ease the financial burden on residents.
Water Superintendent Scott Dalling said the project will address undersized lines and high per-capita water use, calling the funding essential to keeping pace with growth.
In Bellevue, funding will be used to replace roughly 17,000 linear feet of transmission main, install new diversion and collection infrastructure at Seamans Creek Springs, and replace an additional 2,000 linear feet of watermain along Highway 75 to restore compliance with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality standards.
“The funding will be used to bring the City’s drinking water system back into regulatory compliance,” said Public Works Director Chris Johnson.
Mayor Christina Giordani said the upgrades will ensure “long-term, reliable, and safe drinking water” while keeping rates affordable.
At Fort Hall, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes will construct a 700,000-gallon water storage tank and complete a water loop to address chronic pressure and storage deficiencies.
“The Sheepskin Water Tank Replacement Project addresses long-standing infrastructure needs,” said Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson.
Rigby will use its allocation to build a 1.5-million-gallon storage tank and replace a 6-inch water line with a 16-inch line beneath U.S. Highway 20 and railroad crossings, targeting deficiencies identified in a recent system study.
“The funding will greatly assist in making much needed improvements to the City’s water facilities,” said Mayor Richard Datwyler.
The projects were approved as part of a broader federal appropriations bill that passed the U.S. House by a 397–28 vote.
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