Washington—Today, Idaho State Representative Mike Simpson announced that for the fiscal year 2024, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies will be required to use Community Projects Funding (CPF) to support the Idaho State University (ISU) industry in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It highlighted that it includes $2.875 million for the Cybersecurity Institute. appropriations bill.
Despite claims that CPF projects are “wasted allocations,” Community Project Funding offers legislators like Rep. Simpson an opportunity to bring back Idaho tax dollars for their priorities. is giving. These projects meet a clear and current need in communities across Idaho and have broad community support. Federal dollars earmarked for CPF projects are existing Budget limits. Rather than having that money fund various state projects, CPF projects give Idahoans a significant say in determining where budgeted funds are spent.
“Idaho State University is positioned to become a world leader in cybersecurity with its Industrial Cybersecurity Institute.” Rep. Simpson said.. “In an era where cybersecurity is increasingly needed, it is imperative that students have the opportunity to study this important field. “I am honored to play a role in providing Idaho students with the opportunity to explore cybersecurity research and conduct outstanding research.” ”
“We applaud Congressman Simpson’s leadership in helping secure funding for the joint industrial cybersecurity research program between Idaho State University and the University of Idaho.” said Dr. Robert Wagner, president of Idaho State University. “This collaboration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ISU students and faculty. It will help make Idahoans and our country even safer. We look forward to working with Congressman Simpson in strengthening ISU’s research enterprise. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship.”
The funding will build a shared industrial infrastructure with five discipline-specific cyber-informed engineering research stations, 20 industrial control system component kits, four hardware design and analysis stations, classroom equipment, and private cloud computing. It will be used to establish and equip a cybersecurity laboratory. You can run simulations within your lab or provide remote access to your lab. This project will allow students from multiple colleges in Idaho to research and learn cybersecurity and cyber information engineering skills in a simulated environment that realistically replicates the critical infrastructure and industrial systems that Idaho and the nation depend on. It provides an opportunity.
As Idaho's only appropriator, Congressman Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho's priorities and ensure that Idahoans' hard-earned tax dollars flow back to Idaho. Congressman Simpson was the only member of the Idaho delegation to vote in favor of funding ISU's Industrial Cybersecurity Institute.
