Untitled Document

General Fund surplus, law enforcement liaisons, salt contract
highlight July Idaho Transportation Board meeting

Approval of a transfer of General Fund surplus for projects, review of the Law Enforcement Liaison program and the statewide salt contract highlighted the Idaho Transportation Board’s July 20-21 meeting in eastern Idaho.

Tour
The board toured District 6 on July 20.

While traveling the U.S. 20 corridor east of Idaho Falls, the board stopped in Rigby to discuss concerns with the U.S. 20 Business and Stockham Boulevard intersection with city officials. After studying possible solutions, a roundabout appears to be the favored option.

The board also met with Madison County officials in the Rexburg area to hear about the growth occurring in the university town.

General Fund Surplus transfer
At its business meeting in Rigby July 21, the board was briefed on the 2017 legislation that extended the General Fund surplus transfers by two years.

The surplus funds are being dedicated to transportation, with 60 percent of the funds going to ITD and the other 40 percent for local projects to be administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC).

ITD’s portion is estimated to be $16.5 million and LHTAC should receive about $11 million. The money will be transferred to the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund, with a sub-fund for local projects. Eligible projects are road and bridge maintenance and replacement, including right-of-way acquisition, and child pedestrian safety.

ITD and LHTAC have been discussing options to implement the child pedestrian safety projects, including a joint-solicitation process. The final details have not been determined; although the agencies intend to target $2 million to these projects.

Highway Safety presentation
The board heard about the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) program. Two representatives each from Idaho State Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement agencies make up the Team, with one officer from each of the six districts. They provide support to the Office of Highway Safety.

The LELs meet with other regional law enforcement agencies to share ideas and best practices, and work cooperatively on highway safety campaigns. They focus on enforcement and education. One example of their activities is: the District 2 LEL organized an impaired driving mobilization over Memorial Day Weekend. There were several Washington law enforcement agencies that participated, noting that borders don’t matter when it comes to highway safety.

An update on the 100 Deadly Days of Summer Campaign was also provided. The summer months, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, are generally when the most highway fatalities occur. Halfway through the campaign, there have been 56 fatalities, including 11 motorcyclists in June.

Note: That total is now 62 through July 25, and 17 motorcyclists during the 100 Deadly Days

Statewide salt contract
The board was also briefed on the recent statewide salt contract.

The Idaho Division of Purchasing contracts when the dollar amount is more than $100,000. It issued a Request for Proposal for a statewide salt contract and awarded the bid in May. The seven bids ranged from $12 million to $29 million. The delivery price varies. Because the source is from Utah, the closer the sand sheds are to Utah, the cheaper the overall price.

The initial order is to be delivered by October 1. The contract is for unlimited quantities. The department has four one-year renewal options, although the price may adjust with each renewal.

Pictured at right: D6 District Engineer Jason Minzghor celebrated his birthday July 21 during the board meeting. It was also Engineering Manager Wade Allen's birthday.

Jason likes to tease his employees, so they decided to tease him back.