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Plans outlined for 2005 internal review

Internal Review will focus on governance and quality assurance when it conducts its review this year, explained Internal Review Manager Carri Rosti. She told transportation board members recently the review will assist management, the board, and other stakeholders in helping to ensure that ITD activities are based on reliable governance and efficient systems and processes.

The board met March 18 at Headquarters in Boise.

Corporate governance refers to the processes by which organizations are directed, controlled and held to account, Rosti explained. It is supported by the principles of openness, integrity and accountability. Governance incorporates the processes for decision-making and the behavior at the top level of organizations. Governance is what an organization does to ensure that its objectives are met.

Rosti also reported on the audits and reviews conducted in 2004.

Some of the internal activities included a review of the internal controls involved in cash receipts at Ports of Entry and vendors; joint reviews with the Federal Highway Administration on construction project payments, which included visiting all six districts; and risk assessment methodology to improve efficiency of internal reviews and audits.

Plans for the current year include a review of internal controls within district administrative functions, the Division of Aeronautics’ grant process and contractors’ construction claims, railroad/utility agreements and audits of two public transportation sub-grantees.

Other transportation board items

Driver license issues
As background on the national Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, Jeanne Purcell, Motor Vehicle unit supervisor, elaborated on the leading crime in the U.S. – identity theft. The issuance of fraudulent documents, including drivers’ licenses and identification cards, creates a significant safety and security concern throughout the country. It has major impacts – financial, economic, personal and emotional. ITD has implemented measures to prevent fraud, both internally and externally.

Driver Services Manager Ed Pemble elaborated on the legislation to address security concerns related to drivers’ licenses. Standards will be established in rule to prevent fraud, for information to be included on the cards, to make cards machine readable and for security. The rule is expected to be finalized in June 2006. No federal agency may accept a driver’s license or identification card if it does not conform to federal requirements

Valley regional transit
Kelli Fairless, executive director of Valley Regional Transit (VRT), summarized the organization’s Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan, which was initiated to develop a comprehensive public transportation service plan and capital improvement strategy for the Treasure Valley.

The plan was shaped by regional economic and population growth. Impacts of economic growth and immigration to the Treasure Valley have increased pressure on transportation systems and spurred housing, commercial and institutional development.

Many residents are concerned with the rate and impact of growth in the Treasure Valley and with increasing traffic congestion, despite efforts to expand roadway capacity and improve functionality.

The fundamental goal of the short-range plan is to increase ridership. Toward that end, the plan emphasizes creation of a system that is more frequent, faster, simpler and easier to market.

The long-range plan is based on two service scenarios representing different levels of funding. The Low Growth scenario assumes a small increase in available revenues, $15.5 million. The high-growth scenario assumes an additional $44.5 million.

Scenarios include substantial service expansions to previously unserved areas and employ “flex routes,” a delivery method that combines attributes of fixed schedule and demand response services to serve large areas where demand is dispersed.

Fairless also asked the board to explore opportunities for partnerships on projects of mutual benefit, including rail preservation, intermodal facilities, VRT board participation and transportation system funding.