Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Region staff will soon have a different business address thanks to the efforts of the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation (IFWF) which is funding construction of a new office building just off the Garrity Exit of Interstate 84. The office will be a more convenient location for western Treasure Valley residents to access Fish and Game services, including license sales.
Founded in 1990, the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sustaining Idaho’s fishing, hunting and wildlife heritage.
“Helping support the fish and wildlife management efforts of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is integral to our mission,” IFWF executive director Hilarie Engle noted. “Financing this new Fish and Game office building is one part of that mission.”
The project includes a 27,000 square-foot building with improved office facilities and conference/classroom facilities for hunter education and sport group meetings. The office facility will also include amenities to meet the department’s unique needs such as collecting biological samples for processing and storage of animal carcasses for enforcement evidence.
Assuming no construction schedule delays, the new facility will be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2019, perhaps as early as May.
To fund construction, the IFWF sold more than $8 million in bonds via a public offering on May 3, 2018, which were quickly snatched up by investors. The department will lease the office building from the IFWF, and will assume ownership after paying back the cost of construction in the years ahead.