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Transportation board approves 22 Community Choices projects

The Idaho Transportation Board voted to fund 22 projects under the Community Choices for Idaho program when it met in Boise last week. Of those approved, 18 are for infrastructure improvements.

The Community Choices initiative was introduced earlier this year as a way to manage the funding of programs that are administered and managed through the Division of Transportation Performance. It provides assistance to local communities in applying for funds and established a competitive project-selection process.

Projects approved for funding are for infrastructure improvements.

Some of the projects include traffic “calming” in Harrison, sidewalk enhancements in Potlatch, a school zone crossing in Rathdrum and Americans with Disabilities Act pedestrian ramps in Idaho Falls. All of the non-infrastructure projects are intended to fund Safe Routes to School Coordinator positions.

24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program Act
A delegation presented proposed legislation known as “Idaho 24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program Act”.

The legislation would provide another tool to reduce the number of repeat offenders for offenses in which the abuse of alcohol or dangerous drugs was a contributing factor in the commission of a crime.

Under the proposal, the offender would be ordered to be tested twice a day to ensure there is no alcohol or dangerous drugs in his or her system. Representatives from some counties expressed interest in implementing the project on a pilot basis. ITD could be responsible for the sobriety and drug-monitoring program if it is implemented.

Although the board offered some support for the proposal, it also raised concerns, including housing the program in ITD. It asked staff members to review the draft legislation and report on its analysis next month.

Trucking Advisory Council
The Trucking Advisory Council (TAC) reported on its activities during this past year.

The council was established in 2011 to advise the board on issues and policies concerning freight transportation, trucking safety and services in Idaho. It is composed of six members, one from each district, with the immediate past chair of the Idaho Trucking Association as an ex-officio member.

In 2013, the TAC discussed concerns with highway de-icing procedures in District 1, the federal hours of service rule, agriculture exemptions in the state and medical requirements for commercial drivers’ license holders. The council members also reviewed legislative changes related to 129,000-pound vehicle weights and talked about the lack of education about the state’s transportation needs and funding.