August 28, 2009
Schools reopen; Make safety highest priority
 Awareness, caution key to safe returns to school
The rush to fill supply lists and update fall wardrobes is complete for many children across Idaho who are bidding farewell to summer vacation and hello to school classmates. As the annual pilgrimage back to school hits full stride, motorists and children are encouraged to make safety their highest priority. Traffic surges around schools in late August and early September, bringing increased risk of crashes involving cars, bicycles and pedestrians.
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Walk, bike if you can, but use caution
ITD recommends that children walk to school if they live within a reasonable distance and if they can do so safely. The added daily physical activity promotes good health, reduces congestion, improves air quality and saves natural resources while teaching children important traffic safety skills. The National Safety Council also suggests that parents review with their children the correct way to cross a street.
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 Tips for a safe walk, bike to school
ITD recommends that parents and teachers share the following information with children to improve the safety of school commutes...
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 Motorists should use extra care around school buses
Motorists should be keenly aware of the risks that accompany the reopening of schools as more children use sidewalks and bicycle paths. But drivers also need to watch for buses transporting children to and from schools in the morning and afternoon. Buses sometimes stop in travel lanes, requiring approaching vehicles to slow or stop.
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Highways
Stimulus savings allow funding of eight new projects
The Idaho Transportation Board approved funding additional highway construction projects with savings realized from the eight original projects. The new projects were announced during the board's Aug. 20 business meeting in Rigby. More than $50 million in bid savings emerged from the stimulus projects advertised this spring.
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First phase of Idaho 75 corridor nears beginning
The first phase of development for the Timmerman to Ketchum corridor is set to begin. A consulting firm has been selected to design and provide construction plans for the initial project. WH Pacific, an Idaho-based engineering and land surveying firm, was chosen from a group of 13 candidates to develop right-of-way plans and design the first phase of the 26-mile corridor reconstruction project.
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Board
Proposed FY11 budget reviewed, sent to DFM, LSO
Since the June workshop, ITD staff members have been refining the FY11 draft budget request in accordance with instructions from the Division of Financial Management. Very few changes were made to the final budget draft that was presented to the board, and approved, at its Aug. 20 meeting in Rigby. The budget now goes to the Division of Financial Management and Legislative Services Office.
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In Memoriam
Friends provide cherished memories of Bruce Sweeney
A favorite uncle. A fierce competitor. A friend closer than any brother. An inspiration who never missed an opportunity to sing, to laugh or to help someone in need. Such was the tribute Monday to longtime Lewiston businessman and legislator Bruce Sweeney, who died last week at the age of 77.
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Sweeney was a genuine leader
On Monday, family and friends gathered to mourn the passing of Bruce Sweeney, one of Idaho's great statesmen. The services were held in Lewiston, but Idahoans in every corner of our state joined in mourning the loss of this exemplary man ... Sweeney's passing should remind us all not only of the foundational principles of our government, but also of the need to do our part. His life is a remarkable example of full and active participation.
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DMV
Weekend work helps buyers in 'clunker' program
As Idaho car buyers scrambled to take advantage of a federal incentive program and automobile dealers braced for the wave of last-minute transactions ITD worked behind the scenes to help expedite providing registration verification for submittal of requirements by dealers. Division of Motor Vehicles staff in Boise worked through the weekend to help buyers beat the Monday (Aug. 24) “Cash for Clunkers” deadline.
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Employees
Option for supplemental life insurance runs through November
Every September through November, benefited employees have the opportunity to purchase supplemental insurance from American Administrative Group, Inc. The plan is called NCPERS Voluntary Group Life Plan and is underwritten by Prudential Insurance Company.
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Technology
ITD to implement new password standards in January
ITD will implement new standards for passwords on Jan. 4, 2010, to bring the department into compliance with the Information Technology Resource Management Council’s (ITRMC) policies and guidelines related to user and system passwords. The change also supports the governor’s consolidated services initiative for information technology, explains Forrest Anderson, ITD’s cyber security officer.
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Public transportation
New mobility Web site introduced
A new vision of mobility in Idaho has a new Web site where people can identify convenient, cost-effective and green mobility and public transportation options. Mobilityidaho.org offers visitors information about and participate in the design and management of Idaho’s evolving efforts to move people from place to place by using a mix of transportation modes.
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ITD Mailbox
Recompense for lost liter
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News to Share
 On top of the world
When Brian Poole, D-5 assistant district engineer, wanted to rise above the stress of his work world, he looked for a mountaintop experience. He found it on the top of Grand Teton, elevation 13,771 feet. Poole joined a couple of other adventurers on a guided trip to the summit early this month. The five made it to the Enclosure, a ridge on the north face of the rugged peak. The photo of Poole shows him with the summit in the background. The accompanying photo of Poole and his climbing partners was taken at the Enclosure at about elevation 13,250 feet.
Please share information about your accomplishments or those of your colleagues with the ITD community. Send contributions to The Transporter. |
The final hurdle
 Board member Bruce Sweeney loses battle with cancer
Bruce Sweeney, a member of the Idaho Transportation Board since 1998 and a highly revered former Idaho legislator, passed away Tuesday at his home in Lewiston at the age of 77. The past few years became an endurance challenge for an athlete who once was recognized as a world-class hurdler and a contender for the U.S. Olympic track team.
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Former lawmakers respond to loss
Longtime public servant and volunteer coach Bruce Sweeney died in Lewiston Tuesday. He was 77. Sweeney was one of a long line of Democratic legislators who have represented Nez Perce County in Boise. He served two terms in the House, plus eight terms in the Senate, including several sessions as minority leader.
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Sweeney never forgot his passengers
Editorial: The Lewiston Tribune
As a high school and college track star, Bruce Sweeney learned to rely on himself. "The reason I liked it is the only one you had to depend on is you. You're either there or you're not there," he recently told the Tribune's Kerri Sandaine. Of course, if a track star falters, so does his team's overall performance.
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The transportation board Thursday selected member Neil Miller, District-5, Blackfoot, to succeed Mr. Sweeney as board vice-chairman.
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Highways
Construction pays dividends for Idaho economy
Even before the national economic downturn that began in late 2008 and the arrival this spring of federal stimulus funds, highway projects were having a substantial impact on Idaho’s economy. Nearly one-third of the major public construction projects either started or completed in 2008 were ITD projects, according to the Idaho Business Review. The publication presented awards to the top three projects, based on cost, for projects in three categories: government, office/retail and private.
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Stimulus
ITD reporting site ranked well nationally
ITD’s portion of the state accountability Web site devoted to tracking federal stimulus funds fared well in a recent independent study. The July report, “Show Us the Stimulus: An Evaluation of State Government Recovery Act Web Sites,” gave ITD’s stimulus project Web site a score of 53, ranking it in a tie for ninth with Arkansas and Connecticut. The report, prepared by Good Jobs First, can be found at http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/news/article.cfm?id=396
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Environment
ITD wildlife database wins USDOT honor
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently selected an Idaho project as among the nation’s best examples of improving the interrelationship of vehicles and wildlife. ITD’s creation of the Idaho Transportation/Wildlife Database was named a recipient of the 2009 Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives (EHEI) and the Exemplary Ecosystem Initiatives (EEI), awarded in nationwide judging.
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Other award winners
Technology
ITD moving toward SharePoint
The Office of Communication (OC,) with the assistance of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), launched a project to migrate information from the department’s Intranet into Microsoft Office SharePoint Services (MOSS). The expectation is that MOSS eventually will replace the current Intranet structure.
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Employees
Training planned on new evaluation forms
It has been 18 years since the existing performance evaluation form has been revised. Over those years, Human Resource Services has received feedback, both positive and negative regarding the form; making the form easier to use was a consistent request.
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Annual Administrative Workshop planned Sept. 10
Administrative staff will gain new knowledge and understanding about their profession, explore ITD processes and interact with counterparts from throughout the state when they assemble for the 2009 Administrative Workshop in Meridian. This year’s workshop, “Making Cents of It All,” will take place at a new venue, according to organizer Connie Lane-Porter. The all-day event will be Thursday, Sept. 10, at The Courtyard by Marriott, 1789 South Eagle Road, Meridian. Take the Interstate 84 exit and drive south past Overland Road.
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Submit your News/Views to Share
News to Share
 ITD and the Idaho State Police will combine under the umbrella of Road Angels to promote women’s health next month in Boise. Employees and family members from both agencies will participate in the annual St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration, Sept. 24-26. The Saturday (Sept. 26) road event begins at the Grove in downtown Boise and will offer routes of 5 kilometers and 3.1 miles. Participants can complete the distance at their own pace, whether running, walking or strolling.
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Views to Share
Do you have a question related to ITD processes, policies or projects? Has something been puzzling you about why we do what we do? Share your questions using the e-mail link above and let us find the answers. |
