SIMPSON WINS $1 MILLION FOR IDAHO METH PROJECT

The anti-methamphetamine program championed by Idaho First Lady Lori
Otter is expected to receive another $1 million, thanks Rep. Mike
Simpson, R-Idaho.

Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured the
money as part of a final year-end bill funding several federal
departments and agencies. The Idaho Meth Project is known for graphic
anti-meth advertising.

Simpson also announced another $1.75 million in federal funds for
Interstate 84, the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Department of
Corrections and children's health services.

"My wife, Kathy, and I have been so impressed by the Idaho Meth
Project and the positive results it is achieving across the state,"
said Simpson in a news release Thursday. "The governor, first lady and
their staff deserve a tremendous amount of credit for establishing
this program in Idaho and making it a top priority. The sad reality is
that meth continues to rob too many Idahoans of their money, their
futures, and their lives."

Lori Otter said in the news release: "The governor and I launched the
Idaho Meth Project in the belief that aggressively educating the next
generation of Idahoans about the dangers of methamphetamine abuse can
significantly change how this dangerous and addictive drug is
perceived. In two short years we have seen undeniable evidence that
the campaign is working and positively impacting the lives of many of
our citizens. Young people along with hundreds of volunteers are
reaching out to friends and family members, discouraging them from
using this drug while spreading the 'Not Even Once' message to every
corner of our state."

The goal of the Idaho Meth Project is to reduce first-time
methamphetamine use in Idaho. To projects focuses on public service
messaging, public policy and community action.

The bill also contains $400,000 for the I-84 expansion project. This
project will add third eastbound and westbound lanes to the freeway
between Broadway Avenue and Gowen Road in Boise.

In addition, the bill contains $350,000 for children's health services
expansion at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center. The project provides
an increase in capacity for pediatric medical/surgical, pediatric
intensive care, neonatal intensive care, pediatric oncology, and
pediatric surgical suites and support areas. The expansion will cover
a service area between Salt Lake City and Portland.

Other Idaho-based projects receiving funding in the bill
include:

- - $500,000 for Idaho State Police participation in the Criminal
Information Sharing Alliance Network.

- - $500,000 for the National Consortium of Offender Management Systems
Sharing Software for the Idaho Department of Corrections.

The legislation is expected to be passed by the House and Senate over
the next two weeks and then be sent to the president for his signature.