Celebrating 75 Years of Jacobs in Idaho: A Legacy Built in Boise

In 1950, just four years after CH2M HILL was founded in Corvallis, Oregon, the company opened its second office in Boise, Idaho. What began small has grown into a hub of innovation and service, woven into the fabric of Idaho's infrastructure and economy. Today, Jacobs, which acquired CH2M in 2017, celebrates 75 years of continuous presence in the Gem State - honoring a legacy of engineering excellence, community collaboration and forward-thinking solutions.

"This anniversary is more than a milestone - it's a celebration of the people, partnerships and purpose that have defined our journey in Idaho," says Jacobs Boise Office Lead Jeff Hodson. "We're proud of our legacy and energized by the opportunities ahead to continue building a more sustainable, resilient future for the communities that we serve."

As Idaho has grown, so has Jacobs. The Boise office now serves as home to more than 300 professionals across a diverse portfolio of services. From water and transportation to buildings, energy, environmental consulting and advanced facilities, Jacobs has helped shape Idaho's progress project by project, decade by decade.

A recent example of our impact is the City of Nampa's $182 million new wastewater treatment plant, delivered a year ahead of schedule and within budget through a progressive design-build approach. The Water Renewal Facility stands as the largest water reuse and design-build initiative in Idaho history. Designed to protect rivers and streams in the Treasure Valley, it also provides up to 15% of Nampa's summer irrigation needs - an innovative step toward long-term water sustainability. This fall, the project will receive the Pacific Northwest WateReuse Association's 2025 Award for Excellence, recognizing its leadership in water reuse and its impact on the region's environmental future.

"Jacobs' 75-year history in Idaho is built on trusted relationships and transformative projects - and the City of Nampa's Water Renewal Facility is a perfect example," says Jacobs Idaho Client Account Manager Erin Cox. "It's been an incredible journey working with a forward-thinking city to deliver one of Idaho's most ambitious water reuse programs. Seeing our work translate into real, lasting benefits for the community is what makes working at Jacobs so meaningful."

The Water Renewal Facility is a far cry from the Boise office's very first project: a water system study for the Village of Heyburn, which earned a $400 fee. Today, Jacobs continues to build on that legacy, helping communities and agencies of all sizes across Idaho - like the West Boise Sewer District - thrive through resilient infrastructure and smart water solutions, with the same commitment to quality and impact.

On another transformative effort underway, Jacobs is leading upgrades at the City of Boise's Lander Street Water Renewal Facility - advancing the city's sustainability goals and protecting vital natural resources. Being delivered through a collaborative construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) approach in two phases spanning from 2017 to 2030, the project requires keeping the 75-year-old facility fully operational throughout construction. Jacobs has provided design expertise and technical guidance to replace aging infrastructure, expand treatment capacity and upgrade systems to meet new permit requirements - all while maintaining seamless service to the community.

Jacobs has long supported Idaho's transportation system, working with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County Highway District and the Local Highway Technical Council. Some recent projects include the US-20/26 widening between Star Road and Middelton Road and the SH-16 greenfield highway, being delivered with Parametrix. In many small communities across Idaho, Jacobs serves as city or district engineer - guiding projects of all sizes and helping connect people through smarter infrastructure. Jacobs also played a key role in the historic GARVEE Program (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle), which enabled Idaho to invest nearly $857 million in highway improvements across six major corridors.

Today, Jacobs is working with Valley Regional Transit (VRT) as prime contractor on a design-build project to install bus charging infrastructure - advancing the agency's transition to battery electric buses. Funded by a Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Vehicle Program grant - which Jacobs helped VRT secure - the project supports VRT's decarbonization goals while expanding access for the communities it serves.

Jacobs is also helping shape the future of air travel in Idaho. At the Boise Airport, Jacobs serves as the owner's representative for the multi-year capital expansion program, supporting planning, design and initial operations for Concourse A and Concourse B improvements. This work is critical to accommodating an 81% increase in passenger demand and advancing the region's economic development through modernized aviation infrastructure.

Additionally, Jacobs is helping shape spaces that serve communities in deeper ways - through placemaking efforts that enhance how people live, work and heal. The company has also supported St. Luke's Health System, providing structural, electrical, environmental, traffic and geotechnical engineering, along with construction management services, to enhance healthcare environments across multiple campuses.

"Being part of Jacobs in Idaho for so many years has been more than a career - it's been a front-row seat to the state's transformation," shares Betsy Roberts, a longtime project manager at Jacobs. "Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of contributing to vibrant communities - supporting infrastructure growth that has improved lives, and also witnessing the personal journeys of client staff as their families grew and their children became adults. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the trust our clients place in us."

Beyond design and construction projects, Jacobs provides operations, maintenance and facilities solutions for municipal clients. In Twin Falls, Jacobs has operated the city's wastewater treatment plant for more than 40 years and signed a new 10-year agreement in early 2025. In nearby Ontario, Oregon, our team even serves as the full public works department - reflecting the breadth of Jacobs' capabilities for integrated public services.

Jacobs' commitment to the Treasure Valley shines through the passion our teammates bring to volunteerism and civic engagement. From keeping Idaho's highways beautiful through Adopt-A-Highway, to pitching in during Rake Up Boise, to supporting organizations like the YMCA, Rotary, Boise State, Leadership Boise, and the local refugee and Basque communities - our Jacobs team is dedicated to making a lasting impact.

"As someone who grew up in Idaho and has witnessed the growth in population and infrastructure demands, this milestone is deeply personal," reflects Jacobs Executive Director of Sales for the U.S. Northwest John Barker. "For 75 years, Jacobs has been more than just an engineering firm in Boise - we've been a trusted resource for communities across the state. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built together and excited for what the next 75 years will bring."