Untitled Document

Transportation board travels to southeast Idaho for May 18-19
monthly meeting

A tour of southeastern Idaho, Public Transportation’s annual report, recognition of Shelley High School and a presentation regarding a proposed planned community in Pocatello were on the Idaho Transportation Board’s agenda when the group met May 18-19 in District 5.

On Wednesday, the board toured southeastern Idaho, visiting the Dingle Ponds near Montpelier. This is a wetlands mitigation project in partnership with the Department of Fish and Game. The goal is to create a recreation facility with fishing ponds and walking trails.

The board also visited the Bear Lake County Airport. The facility supports two jobs and has a total economic impact of $165,000. It has a variety of users, such as private pilots, agricultural spray operators, emergency medical services and firefighters.

Public Transportation Annual Report
The annual report from the Public Transportation Office was provided to the board at its business meeting on Thursday in Pocatello.

The office emphasizes customer service. A message posted in the office asks “What Have You Done for the Public Today?” Staff understands that its policies and actions have a direct impact on Idahoans’ lives.

Some of the Public Transportation activities highlighted in the report focus on the department’s mission: Your Safety. Your Mobility. Your Economic Opportunity.

ITD partnered with Idaho State Police on a vehicle inspection program. The Federal Transit Administration requires that inspections be performed every two years, although if major deficiencies are found on vehicles, those vehicles are to be inspected the following year. The Asset Management Program tracks the condition of the statewide public transportation fleets. About 600 vehicles in the program are tracked for age, mileage, condition, make and model, among other things.

An Economic Development Program is being launched this year: Idaho’s Workforce Transportation Initiative. This program provides outreach, education, and training to employers and employees on commute options.

Shelley High School Recognition
The Office of Highway Safety presented a certificate of achievement to Shelley High School students.

The high school won a national seat belt competition in 2015. Students planned and implemented various activities during the weeklong campaign. They involved the community and got good participation from businesses and law enforcement. For example, police officers would stop cars and if the driver and passengers wore seatbelts, they would get $5. Another activity involved timing students as they got into cars and buckled their seat belt to see who could do that the fastest. The intent was to show students that it does not take long to buckle up.

Before the “Home for Dinner” campaign, 75 percent of motorists were observed wearing their seat belt. After the campaign, 85 percent were buckled up.

NorthGate Development
A representative from NorthGate summarized a proposal for a planned community on the east side of Interstate 15 north of Pocatello. It includes over 10,000 residential units, a technology park expected to provide more than 6,000 jobs, and a supporting retail and commercial village.

Access is key, however, and currently, there is not adequate access. NorthGate requested a partnership with ITD on a new I-15 interchange at Siphon Road. NorthGate would reimburse ITD 67 percent of the costs as residential lots are sold. The interchange is estimated to cost $15 million. The development’s timeline includes constructing the interchange in 2017.

The board did not make a decision at the meeting.