AGP Executive Report

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear finished a fueled zero-power criticality test of its Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory, a first for DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program and a step toward defense and energy deployments. Local Water Infrastructure: Minidoka and Burley irrigation districts will replace the South Side Gravity Canal F-Waste Structure over three off-seasons starting this fall, aiming for a functioning new structure by the 2029 irrigation season. Boise Business Growth: BoiseDev is inviting eastern Idaho companies to apply for its “43 fastest-growing” list, with an October event featuring interviews and profiles. Idaho Energy Costs: AAA reports gas prices are easing nationally, with Idaho-area weekly lows still showing up in county-by-county GasBuddy data. Community & Workforce: North Idaho College student Zoe Hunt won bronze at the SkillsUSA national competition in Automotive Refinishing Technology, highlighting Idaho’s career-tech pipeline. Food Assistance Policy: USDA says Idaho is among states restricting SNAP purchases of certain non-nutritious items like soda/candy, with implementation dates varying by state. Housing Pressure: A Crapo office survey finds Idaho renters and homeowners struggling with affordability, pointing to fees, deposits, and limits on local action.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear says it hit zero-power criticality for its Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory, advancing DOE’s reactor pilot push tied to Army microreactor plans. Semiconductor Workforce: Boise State University leads one of four CHIPS & Science Act regional nodes expanding the National Network of Microelectronics Education to align training with industry needs. Mining & Metals: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining highlights its Sunshine Mine restart plan in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene district, touting a mine-to-mill-to-refinery setup and permits for silver and antimony production. Local Energy & Industry: Electra Battery Materials is advancing a study for a potential battery-grade nickel refinery in the U.S., building on its cobalt sulfate work. Housing Pressure: Idaho’s housing survey from Sen. Mike Crapo’s office points to renters’ immediate affordability strain and homeowners’ long-term worries, with local action constrained in some cases. Food Safety: Idaho health officials are investigating a raw milk outbreak linked to 60 illnesses, warning consumers again about unpasteurized dairy. Policy & Culture: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language to block voters from legalizing marijuana via initiative, while a separate fight over transgender student bathroom access heads to federal court. Business Real Estate: A roundup of recent Boise-area leases shows steady movement across industrial, office, and retail space. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show premium and diesel prices varying by county, with several Idaho counties posting the week’s lowest premium or diesel rates.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, the first privately developed non-light-water reactor to reach that milestone under a DOE pilot program—aiming for electricity production in 2027 and power to the warfighter in 2028. Food Safety: Idaho health officials say raw, unpasteurized milk from two dairies is linked to a bacterial illness outbreak that has sickened 60 people, with campylobacteriosis confirmed in at least 45 cases. Local Business & Services: Boise’s Zen Pet Care Services won global honors for GPS-tracked dog trail runs and personalized fitness plans, adding to a string of local and national awards. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show Idaho midgrade and diesel prices easing in the week ending May 30, with multiple counties posting low points (midgrade as low as $4.64 in Canyon County; diesel as low as $5.19 in Bonner County). Workforce & Tech: Micron’s surge story highlights demand tied to data centers and AI memory needs, with an Idaho facility expected to ramp up by mid-2027.

Nuclear Energy: Idaho National Laboratory is in the spotlight again as the U.S. Energy Department says an advanced microreactor hit “criticality,” a key step toward electricity generation in the next few years—another signal that Idaho’s nuclear R&D pipeline is moving from lab work to power timelines. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Boise-area construction and traffic impacts keep stacking up, with Idaho officials urging drivers to be ready for the summer of road work and closures, including major bridge and roadway disruptions. Housing: A new Idaho housing survey from Sen. Mike Crapo’s office highlights affordability pressure on both renters and homeowners, with renters reporting housing costs above the 30% income threshold and homeowners facing long-term tax and insurance strain. Energy Costs (Gas Prices): GasBuddy data shows Idaho fuel prices easing in the week ending May 30, with multiple counties reporting lower regular and diesel rates, including standout lows like $4.47 regular in Minidoka County and $5.19 diesel in Bonner County. Workforce & Tech: Microsoft data points to uneven AI adoption across Idaho’s region, with county-level usage tied to local job mixes—useful context for Idaho employers planning for AI-enabled operations.

Nuclear Energy: The U.S. Department of Energy says Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory reached “criticality,” marking the first privately developed advanced reactor to hit that milestone under the DOE’s reactor pilot program—an early step toward electricity generation in the next few years. Idaho Military & Engineering: Idaho National Guard’s 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion was deactivated in Twin Falls as the Guard reorganizes from an armored brigade combat team to a more mobile structure. Local Industry & Housing: Woodbridge Pacific Group opened a furnished model home at Soaring Feather in Eagle, with prices starting just over $1.02M, signaling continued homebuilding momentum in the Boise metro. Energy Costs: Gas prices in Idaho continue to cool slightly in the week ending May 30, with multiple county-level lows reported by GasBuddy (regular as low as $4.39 in Canyon County; diesel lows also reported across several counties). Public Lands & Recreation: A draft order would expand year-round off-road vehicle access on millions of acres of national forest land, with changes expected to affect large areas in Idaho and Montana. Community & Water Resilience: Idaho officials marked the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam collapse with a commemorative overlook and remarks that tied the tragedy to future water and infrastructure planning.

Nuclear Power Push: Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory hit “criticality,” the first privately developed advanced reactor to reach that milestone in the U.S. in more than four decades, with DOE saying electricity could follow by 2027. Workforce & Training: Idaho State University’s College of Technology rolled out new three-year bachelor’s degree options, aiming to get students into industry faster. Energy & Data Centers: New reports say Northwest utilities in Washington and Oregon are leaning on gas infrastructure and generators to keep up with data center demand, raising concerns about missing emissions targets. Housing: Sen. Mike Crapo’s 2025 Idaho housing survey finds renters and homeowners both struggling, with renters hit by fees, deposits, and rent costs. Water & Flood Risk: FEMA released updated floodplain maps for Blaine County, with residents able to appeal through Aug. 25. Local Infrastructure: ITD ordered an indefinite closure of Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path due to structural deterioration. Public Safety: Idaho Falls approved a citywide kratom sales ban starting July 1.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: DOE says Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Lab hit criticality, a key step toward electricity by 2027 and possible power for remote sites and military installations. Local Energy Costs: A new national map shows residential electricity prices rising fast in many states, with Idaho up about 12% year over year. AI Data Center Fight in Pocatello: Lex Developments is appealing Pocatello’s denial of its conditional-use permit for an AI data center after a packed public hearing. Industrial Wastewater Funding: Burley won $20 million in federal help to overhaul its aging industrial wastewater treatment plant, tied to past Snake River pollution allegations. Public Safety Infrastructure: ITD will fully close Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path indefinitely after inspection reports found significant structural deterioration. Food & Health: Idaho health officials report nearly 60 raw-milk illnesses since May 19, with at least 45 lab-confirmed campylobacteriosis cases tied to two likely outbreaks. Workforce & Training: ISU’s College of Technology showcased new three-year bachelor’s pathways, including BAS degrees in law enforcement management, applied business sales, and intelligent digital systems.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: The U.S. Department of Energy says Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 microreactor hit “criticality” at Idaho National Laboratory, clearing a major step toward electricity generation and accelerating next-gen reactor testing. Energy & Grid Watch: The Mark-0 milestone is tied to the DOE Reactor Pilot Program and the Army’s microreactor push, with follow-on testing expected to speed up. Local Policy: Idaho Falls city council voted to ban the sale of kratom within city limits starting July 1, while allowing possession. Community Development: Post Falls’ Center Point and East Post Falls urban renewal districts generated more than $745M in new taxable value over 20 years. Business & Legal Services: Clark Meyers PC launched a preventive business law firm in Nampa, Idaho and Concord, California, aiming to help growth-stage companies avoid disputes before they start. Workforce/Tech: Idaho Falls esports players earned a shot at a national championship in Florida, highlighting youth gaming as organized competition. Aviation Funding: Boise Airport received nearly $9M in FAA grants for Concourse A support and ADA accessibility upgrades. Energy Costs (Gas Prices): Idaho gas prices dipped in the latest GasBuddy week, with multiple counties reporting lower regular, midgrade, and diesel rates.

Idaho Water Crunch: Idaho water officials warned about potential curtailments for thousands of trust water-right owners as Snake River flows near Murphy could drop below the 1984 minimum, forcing farmers to cut diversions and pumping amid historic drought. Soil Health in Dryland Farming: The Palouse Conservation District and University of Idaho Extension will host a free Soil Health Tour June 17, focusing on crop rotations, cattle + cover crops, and lowering synthetic inputs. Power Demand & Data Centers: Avista disclosed an agreement with an unidentified “large load customer” seeking up to 500 MW by 2032, raising questions about whether the load is tied to data centers and how it could affect regional power planning. Nuclear Tech in Idaho: Idaho National Laboratory is preparing to test fully fueled microreactors for the first time inside its renovated “Dome,” signaling a new phase for small-scale nuclear power. Mining Watch: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining closed a $270M IPO to restart the Sunshine Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley, targeting high-grade production. Gas Prices Roundup: Idaho’s regular gas averaged about $4.62 statewide for the week ending May 30, with notable low points reported across multiple counties. Tech & Manufacturing: Reuters highlights how Nvidia’s push helped Idaho-based Micron surge toward a $1T valuation, while DDR5 prices for PC builders are hitting new highs.

Geothermal Push: The U.S. House approved Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher’s CLEAN Act to speed geothermal leasing on public lands, aiming to cut permitting delays and boost development. Critical Minerals Win: A federal court cleared the path for Idaho’s Stibnite antimony mine to move forward, a major step for a mineral tied to defense and industrial supply chains. Clean Fuel Expansion: Clean Energy Fuels says its eighth dairy RNG plant is now producing in Jerome, Idaho, injecting negative-carbon fuel into the interstate pipeline. Mobile Imaging Deal: Boise-based Heritage Imaging is being acquired by Align Capital Partners, expanding mobile diagnostic services across rural and underserved markets. Construction Impacts in Idaho Falls: Knife River begins utility installation and road work at Hitt Road and Lincoln Road, with a northbound lane closure expected through late August. Drought Pressure: Oregon’s drought is worsening across much of the state, with Idaho also drier than Oregon in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor—another stress test for regional agriculture and water planning. Workforce & Livestock: Idaho is weighing solutions for a growing shortage of large-animal veterinarians, a pinch point for rural ranching and herd health. Energy Reliability Watch: NOAA upgraded northern lights forecasts to strong-to-severe storms, with Idaho in the potential viewing range.

Semiconductor Workforce Pipeline: Boise State was named the lead institution for PINES, a nine-state network meant to build a coordinated microelectronics workforce pipeline for Idaho and the broader region. Power & Data Center Demand: Avista signed an agreement with a “large load” customer seeking 125 MW starting in 2029, with a path to 500 MW by 2032, raising big questions about grid upgrades and who pays. Mining & Capital Markets: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining priced a $270M U.S. IPO to restart production at its Idaho Silver Valley mine, targeting a 2028 restart. Gold Mine Permitting: Idaho DEQ approved a cyanidation permit modification for Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, moving Phase II forward. Water Infrastructure Pause: Boise paused its Southeast Boise industrial wastewater recycling project as labor and construction costs surged, aiming to keep rates affordable. Public Health: Idaho is investigating a campylobacter outbreak tied to raw, unpasteurized milk, with dozens of confirmed cases. Local Buildouts: Caldwell opened the Linden Street/Ward Road roundabout ($1.7M) and Twin Falls began a $1.8M airport ramp rehabilitation.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Boise Airport secured $8.88 million in FAA grants to modernize Concourse A, expand electrical capacity with a new central utility plant, and upgrade ADA-compliant elevators and escalators as passenger traffic surged 81% since 2014. Energy & Utilities Leadership: Idaho’s Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson was elected vice president of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners, a regional group focused on grid reliability, water infrastructure, cybersecurity, and rising energy demand. Nuclear & Supply Chain: Urenco USA plans a major expansion of U.S. uranium enrichment capacity in New Mexico, adding nearly 50% more low-enriched uranium capability to address a widening nuclear fuel gap. Manufacturing & Towing: Andersen Hitches, built in Idaho Falls, is partnering with Meyer Distributing to expand dealer reach for its RV and trailer towing products. STEM Workforce Pipeline: Idaho National Laboratory hosted “My Amazing Future” to introduce hundreds of students annually to hands-on STEM and energy careers. Water & Landscaping: With east Idaho drought pressure building, local voices argue for smarter lawn watering and note agriculture dominates Idaho water withdrawals. Public Lands Recreation: Conservation groups are pushing back after Trump repealed off-road vehicle rules on public land, warning it could harm wildlife, habitat, and water quality. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, prompting consumers to check recalled products. Weather & Fire Risk: A red flag warning and gusty conditions are set to raise wildfire danger across parts of southern Idaho and the Owyhee Mountains.

Industrial Safety & Oversight: Congress is set to debate steep cuts to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s budget as investigators dig into the Longview, Washington pulp mill implosion—raising alarms that Idaho-area manufacturers could face slower, less thorough reviews after chemical disasters. Energy & Power: Idaho Power says growth is outpacing supply and is planning two new natural gas plants near Twin Falls and in Elmore County, targeting 2029 and 2030 starts. Water Infrastructure: Boise has indefinitely paused its southeast recycled-water facility as construction and labor costs climb, aiming to keep utility rates affordable. Mining & Defense Supply Chains: A federal court let the Stibnite gold project move forward, clearing the way for a major domestic antimony source tied to defense needs. Agriculture & Wildlife: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program that helps farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, including Idaho. Tech & Manufacturing: Micron’s AI-memory surge keeps grabbing headlines as the company pushes toward a $1 trillion valuation, fueled by sold-out HBM demand. Local Business Impacts: Caldwell’s Kimball Avenue bridge replacement is frustrating downtown owners as detours and closures squeeze customer traffic.

Road & Logistics: ITD crews are resurfacing U.S. 95 between Fruitland and Payette, with one-lane traffic shifts and utility/curb work; the project is slated to finish this fall. Energy & Cost Pressure: The DNC says gas prices in many states have stayed above $3, with the national average around $4.29 amid ongoing Iran-related impacts. Permitting Fight: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to curb activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before states review projects—an issue that could affect housing, energy, and military timelines. Wildfire Risk: Utah’s closed fire season begins as above-normal fire potential ramps up, including new fires near the Utah-Idaho border. USDA Wildlife & Ranching: USDA unveiled a migratory big game framework across 17 states, including Idaho, aiming to improve landscape connectivity and forage while keeping working lands working. Idaho Industry Watch: Reuters details how Nvidia’s push helped Micron pivot into AI memory demand, driving a jump toward a $1T valuation. Local Business Tools: Treasure Valley Web Guide launched a comparison platform to help Boise-area companies evaluate website agencies and pricing. Manufacturing Expansion: Janicki Industries picked Great Falls for a major aerospace manufacturing facility, with up to 2,000 jobs projected at full buildout. Tech & Education: University of Idaho graduate students toured key potato industry sites, including advanced storage facilities. Security & Finance: A national security group is urging Congress to investigate Airwallex’s ties to China over potential access to sensitive U.S. customer data. Construction & Growth Planning: Ahlquist and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe announced “Peregrine,” a 920-acre mixed-use development intended to push the Treasure Valley’s eastern border.

Fire District Consolidation: Kuna and Nampa fire districts are weighing a merger to keep up with fast growth and strained staffing, with board votes this month and community outreach planned before final fall decisions. Local Planning & Housing: Caldwell leaders are reviewing a “Central Caldwell 2050” blueprint for about 1,700 acres, aiming to attract visitors, add parks and infrastructure, and grow revenue beyond taxpayers. North Idaho Construction & Housing Supply: Kootenai County builders say the region needs nearly 5,000 homes, pushing more diverse options like smaller homes and infill as prices and permitting/impact fees squeeze affordability. Tribal-Backed Development: Meridian developer Ahlquist and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe unveiled the 920-acre Peregrine mixed-use plan in Elmore County, including a large industrial/technology park near the Boise airport and Micron. Mining & Permitting: The BLM is taking public comments through June 29 on DeLamar Mining’s plan to reopen and expand the DeLamar Mine, with a final EIS and decision expected in summer 2027. Agriculture & Food Industry: Weatherbys Scientific says genomic testing is boosting Hereford breeding accuracy and profits, with DNA profiling expanding among U.S. producers. Energy Efficiency Policy: DOE guidance for home efficiency rebates will no longer cover switching from fossil-fuel heating to electricity, a move that drew legal and policy pushback. Workforce & Safety Jobs: A roundup highlights cybersecurity and application security roles available now, pointing to ongoing demand for tech and security talent.

Idaho Water Infrastructure: The Idaho Water Resource Board approved a $3.2 million Minidoka Irrigation District rehab for its F-waste structure, aiming to improve Boise River return flows and reduce operational risk. Tribal Health Facilities: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe won an FY2025 Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program award for a long-term care project—an Idaho first under the new initiative. Mining Update: Bunker Hill Mining expanded exploration at its Cate-8 silver-lead vein near the Bunker Hill mine, reporting high-grade intercepts and potential to grow the deposit with more drilling. Energy & Costs Watch: AAA Idaho says gas prices are dipping, but warns of a bumpy summer ahead tied to Middle East crude volatility. Summer Tourism Shift: Idaho ski areas are launching warm-weather operations—Tamarack’s new Lake Cascade marina and lift-served biking are leading the push. Local Business & Community: Pocatello broke ground on a community garden project, adding to a steady run of neighborhood-focused improvements. Workforce & Operations: Wayne Reese retired after 30+ years running school transportation in Cache Valley, overseeing thousands of daily bus stops and routes.