IDAHO NATIONAL
Idaho
Transportation |
The Joint Appropriations and Finance Committee Monday approved ITD’s $496 million budget for fiscal year 2008 with one notable adjustment. The Legislature’s budget-setting committee reduced ITD’s capital equipment request by $3.5 million. That amount will be added, at the transportation board’s direction, to the Statewide Transportation Investment Program and used on Idaho’s highways. JFAC’s appropriation includes a combination of federal (56 percent), state (43 percent) funds and local/other funds (1 percent). “The transportation department appreciates the
willingness of JFAC members to listen to what the important issues are
affecting our budget,” said ITD Director Pam Lowe.
“We respect the committee’s overall understanding and appreciation of the important role of transportation in Idaho,” Lowe added. “The department works hard to present a budget that will deliver the products and services the public expects. We also respect how equally hard the committee works to ensure this as well.” Lowe said the department values the questions JFAC members asked about ITD’s request, both during and outside of the committee meetings. “The department was disappointed its equipment budget was reduced by $3.5 million. We need to better demonstrate what we will do with the equipment and why investing in new equipment will make us more efficient,” she said. Published 3-16-07 |