The vetoed bill contained $8 million for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. According to the organizers of the Games, holding the event in Idaho will require at least $28 million in total contributions, with the federal government’s share representing just a portion of the total needs. The event will attract more than 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in seven Winter Olympic-type sporting events. This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho.
“While the International Special Olympics is being held in Idaho, it is our entire nation that will be represented,” said Simpson. “In the past when these events were held in the United States, federal funding has always been made available. I will continue working closely with my colleagues to secure this much needed funding in order to help Idaho host the 2009 Games.”
Another key project that was killed is the Community Detox Center; United Way of Treasure Valley. It is a proposed facility for 24-hour medically monitored alcohol and drug sobering station and 36-bed detox center for indigent patients treated by professionals. The bill contained $400,000 for this much needed project.
“The Treasure Valley’s rapid growth demonstrates an immediate need for the Community Detox Center,” said Simpson. “We need facilities like this in order to keep our communities safe and a great place to live. I am hopeful we can resolve the issues before Congress and get these funding bills passed into law.”
Other Idaho Items in the Conference Report include:
