News Release

Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announces the City of Downey in southern Bannock County will receive more than $2 million in federal funding to upgrade its water system. Most of the combination of loan and grant dollars for the improvements will come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program.

“Improvements in infrastructure are critical to a city’s health and well being, as well as the ability to welcome new residents and attract new business and commerce,” noted Crapo, who is the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry and Credit. “The pioneer spirit of the residents of Downey will continue to spur development with these upgrades to the city’s water system.”

Mike Field, Idaho Director for USDA Rural Development, said, “Downey prides itself on preserving its past and building its future. These improvements to the city’s water system will help them do just that, and USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with them as they achieve their goals.”

The City of Downey is receiving a $1,365,000 direct loan and a $460,000 grant from USDA Rural Development to upgrade its existing water system. The remaining funds will be supplied by the City of Downey, which is also supplying $100,000 in local funds for the project and utilizing a Community Development Block Grant of $500,000.

The present distribution system will be replaced with larger pipe to improve water flow and pressure. The transmission lines from the springs serving the system will also be replaced and the source at the springs will be redeveloped to increase supply. The improvements will bring the added benefit of protecting water quality, preventing leakage, and improving fire protection in the area.