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CTAI makes presentation to transportation funding taskforce

Heather Wheeler, Executive Director of the Community Transportation Association of Idaho (CTAI) gave a presentation to the Gubernatorial Taskforce on Modernizing Transportation Funding in Idaho Oct. 8 in Boise. The presentation focused on the value of improved mobility to individuals, communities, and the entire state.

CTAI asked the committee to ensure that mobility options are a top priority when they are assessing the transportation needs of the state and necessary resources to fund those needs. In addition, CTAI stressed that well-maintained highways and roadways are critical to having a safe, cost effective, accessible, and integrated mobility system throughout the state.

Having a coordinated and affordable transportation system is key to the quality-of-life enjoyed in Idaho and vital to the survival of rural communities. While “mobility” includes public transportation, highways, and mass transit, it goes beyond to include things such as car and vanpool programs, walking paths, bike paths, car-sharing, shuttles, light rail, and more – ensuring that people in Idaho have viable options for getting around in their daily lives.

Success stories from the local mobility management network plans were shared and CTAI encouraged task force members to become familiar with their local plans to better understand the mobility needs outlined by their respective communities.

The task force will meet again on December 2nd to analyze data regarding the importance of highways, roadways and mobility to our state’s economy and continued quality-of-life. CTAI will continue to represent the benefits of community-based mobility as the task force moves forward. Information obtained through the local plans will also remain front and center as we clearly demonstrate the great things our communities are accomplishing. We will continue to keep you informed and encourage you to submit your comments directly to the task force at http://itd.idaho.gov/taskforce/ or at http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/WebCommentsTaskForce/