Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Governor Brad Little joined members of the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee today to highlight new “Leading Idaho” investments to improve water quality and the health of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“Water is the source of life, and North Idaho truly revolves around Coeur d’Alene Lake. We depend on this lake for the health of the surrounding environment. All aspects of the economy go back to the lake, from tourism to recreation to local business,” Governor Little said. “Many of us refer to Coeur d’Alene Lake as the gem of North Idaho, and we all want to keep it that way. That’s why this session my legislative partners and I championed new investments in the lake and for water quality across our state.”

The Governor’s “Leading Idaho” plan directed the following new investments in water quality:

• $80 million to improve water quality throughout Idaho, including at Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will prioritize nutrient reduction projects identified by the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee in overseeing the funds. Grants will also help farmers, ranchers, dairies, and confined animal feeding operations across Idaho implement best management practices to improve Idaho’s priority watersheds.
• Leveraged $450 million from federal funds and invested $44 million in General Fund dollars for safe water systems for our communities. The funds will help improve local drinking and wastewater systems, with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities in need of major infrastructure upgrades.

Another $2 million was allocated in 2021 for water quality projects that will benefit the lake, and Governor Little announced another $20 million over the next few years for these worthwhile projects.

“My goal is to make Idaho the place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay. In North Idaho, that means keeping our lake and its tributaries healthy for future generations. I’d like to thank the members of my Lake Advisory Committee that have been and will continue to be instrumental in distributing these funds,” Governor Little said.

Governor Little’s Leading Idaho plan also made historic investments in water infrastructure and agriculture this year, with $325 million in new funding to ensure clean, abundant water is available as our state grows and continues to face water scarcity.

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