Delegation Backs Fire Recovery Request

Idaho’s congressional delegation is urging President Clinton to make sure economic rehabilitation is part of wildfire recovery efforts in Idaho. The delegates, backing Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s request for a disaster declaration, sent a letter to the president Thursday.

“Land-use issues mean tourism has become the top economic standard in some areas, and now even that is threatened,” U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo said. “People must have access to get back into the forest lands as soon as possible - for hunting, fishing, recreating, logging and other uses.”

Crapo said he’s been working with the U.S. Economic Development Administration regarding assistance for fire-damaged communities.

All four delegates signed the letter.