Legislature acknowledges ITD transformation, passes
concurrent resolution praising progress

Director Brian Ness identified several measurements that will mark ITD’s drive to become the best transportation department in the country. One of milestones he identified was acknowledgment by the governor’s office and other state agencies that ITD is the “go-to” organization.

The Idaho Legislature recently added a milestone of its own, passing a concurrent resolution that recognizes ITD’s transformation under Ness’s leadership. The resolution specifically mentioned cost savings achieved through the realignment process, development of a model strategic plan and recognition by other state and federal organizations.

Approved by both legislative chambers – the House and Senate – the resolution concludes “the Idaho Transportation Department be recognized and commended for its service to the people of Idaho and for its achievements in creating an innovative and efficient department that encourages economic growth.”

 

RESOLUTION

In the House of Representatives
House Concurrent Resolution No. 8
By Transportation and Defense Committee

A concurrent resolution stating findings of the Legislature and recognizing the achievements of the Idaho Transportation Department

Be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:

WHEREAS, previously the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) was using an outdated model, layered with bureaucracy, to run its organization; and

WHEREAS, ITD employees were not rewarded or promoted based upon results achieved but based solely upon being a supervisor; and

WHEREAS, ITD chose to realign its organization to provide greater efficiency, greater accountability for its employees, increased customer service and decreased cost; and

WHEREAS, ITD was able to successfully realign by eliminating layers of management and duplicate positions and by clearly defining roles, responsibilities and expectations of its employees; and

WHEREAS, no ITD employees lost their jobs or pay in the realignment; and

WHEREAS, ITD's realignment generated $5.7 million in savings in the first year and another $7 million in the second year; and

WHEREAS, improvements in cash forecasting and project management practices will provide an additional $100 million for highway maintenance and construction projects over the next five years; and

WHEREAS, numerous organizations including the Federal Highway Administration, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials have recognized ITD as a national leader in innovative practices; and

WHEREAS, ITD now has a strategic plan to use its transportation funds to target opportunities for economic growth by expanding existing businesses, attracting new businesses and creating jobs, while at the same time improving Idaho's infrastructure.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Sixty-second Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that the Idaho Transportation Department be recognized and commended for its service to the people of Idaho and for its achievements in creating an innovative and efficient department that encourages economic growth.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives is hereby authorized and directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Idaho.

 

Published 4-5-13