Water Infrastructure Essential For Rural Idaho, Governor Notes

While there may be few pieces of agriculture specific legislation, that doesn’t mean farm country isn’t a topic of discussion this legislative session in Boise.

Idaho Governor Brad Little recently underscored the importance of agriculture when highlighting a host of water infrastructure investments projects he said are essential for Idaho ranchers, farmers and the rural economy.  For Little, one of the top concerns is the $30 million in ongoing funding passed by lawmakers last year. 

“We're not touching that because, there's so much of the economy that it's dependent upon irrigated agriculture in Idaho," Little said.  "You know, if you add Ag and food processing, it's close to 30% of our state, it's a big.  And food processing doesn't work if they don't have crops to process.”

This legislative session, there is a new Chair of the House Agricultural Affairs Committee, as Republican Jerald Raymond, replaced former state representative Kevin Andrus.  Andrus left the Idaho House after he was appointed by the Trump Administration in June to serve as the state FSA executive director.

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