01/31/05 Simpson to try Central Idaho bill again

Mike Simpson's bill to create a Central Idaho economic and recreational plan is about to get a second chance in Congress. After meetings last year with Custer County commissioners, ranchers, outfitters, snowmobilers and others Simpson presented Congress with compromise legislation. Simpson says he put the bill up for debate and discussion last year knowing that Congress wouldn't have time to vote on it. SIMPSON "We'll be reintroducing that bill probably I'm guessing maybe March as soon as we make some of the changes that have been proposed." Simpson's proposed legislation isn't the first attempt to solve the management of the Boulder-White Clouds. Former Senator Jim McClure and Governor Cecil Andrus tried to work out a compromise but couldn't. Neither could then Congressman Richard Stallings and Mike Crapo. Custer County that is larger than three states but only has four thousand people needs an economic development opportunity says Simpson. The federal government administers 95 percent of the county's 3.4 million acres. SIMPSON "I'm optimistically confidant that we can get something done in this Congress and hopefully get this issue resolved." The bill also ensures ranchers, outfitters and others that they can continue to maintain a livelihood on federal lands. It has recreation and motorized user provisions and it deals with wilderness issues in the area. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott