December 19, 2008

The Transporter will not be published on Friday, Dec. 26 but will resume in January.

Have a wonderful, safe and Merry Christmas

Transportation board, chairman wish
ITD employees Merry Christmas, happy holidays

It has been nearly two years since I was appointed chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board and more than 20 years since I served as the ITD’s first director. Much has changed in the past two decades, but I am grateful to see one thing has not – the professionalism and dedication of ITD’s staff... Even during these difficult economic conditions, you remain focused on serving the people of Idaho.

Message from the board chairman

– – – Centerline – – – Looking forward to a more prosperous New Year As we approach the end of 2008, we have an opportunity to reflect on our many accomplishments of the past year and prepare for new challenges that 2009 will bring. I remain optimistic that we are slowly recovering from an economic downturn that stifled the national transportation industry and wreaked havoc on state government budgets across the country. We have already seen a tremendous drop in the price of gasoline, record drops in interest rates and a more stable stock market. Those are good signs. Continue

Pre-winter's cold shoulder

Police officers share tips on safe driving
Kyle Wills and Ken Beckner know too well the impact winter weather can have on driving safely. They see the results on a daily basis – Wills from the seat of a Boise City Police motorcycle and Beckner from behind the wheel of a state police cruiser. The law enforcement officers brought their message of safe winter driving to ITD Headquarters Wednesday where about 50 employees turned out for a presentation sponsored by the Headquarters’ Safety Committee.
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District 3 tour encourages media to promote 511
Before the first major snow of the season touched the ground, District 3 communication specialists Reed Hollinshead and June Sparks hit the road, touting the benefits of the 511 Traveler Services system for Idaho motorists. Their mission in the Treasure Valley was to implore local media to include the 511 logo and links to ITD’s 511 Web site.
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Winter begins piling up in District 1
Winter maintenance operations in northern Idaho are facing some unique challenges as temperatures drop to near record lows, ITD announces. Crews are switching to sanding material as salt becomes less effective in extremely cold temperatures .Motorists are urged to drive with caution at all times, especially during severe weather conditions. Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges. 
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Employee achievement
Jim Wolf competes at 50th annual rodeo finals
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas - unless you win big at the slots, hit the trifecta, roll snake eyes…or compete in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on the 50th anniversary of that great event. Such is the case for Jim Wolf, an inspector on the District 3 Region 1 construction team and ITD employee since the spring of 2001. He recently returned from Las Vegas with a gold buckle from the 50th NFR. Wolf and partner Cody Jail participated in team roping.
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Cyber security
Employees need to take lead in protecting information
The best form of Internet security and preventing computer attacks by information thieves sits in the chair in front of your computer. That simple, yet profound, advice came during a two-hour presentation on cyber security by Terry Probst-Martin, Chief Technology Officer for the Idaho Department of Administration this week at ITD Headquarters.
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Disaster preparation
ITD adds preparedness site to Intranet
Disasters can affect Idaho at any time of the year, swiftly and without warning. Most people don't think of a disaster until it is too late; then they suddenly realize how unprepared they are for the massive changes it makes in their lives. Local officials can be overwhelmed and emergency response personnel may not be able to reach everyone who needs help immediately
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Published previously

Efficiencies
ITD report identifies cost-savings effort
ITD implemented more than 120 efficiency measures, saving millions of dollars in 2008, according to a report issued by the agency this week. The 2008 Idaho Transportation Department Efficiency Report outlines cost-cutting measures completed in 2008 and identifies future efforts.
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Motor vehicles
ITD's Pemble, Rhodes honored by Yes!Idaho
It seems like a simple question.  Do you wish to be an organ, eye and tissue donor? But the answer to that question, in a time of crisis, can be a source of comfort to the donor’s family and a life-saving decision for prospective transplant recipients. More than 100,000 people, roughly twice the population of Idaho Falls, are on a national waiting list for transplants.
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Highway safety
Kids' art, calendar highlight highway safety messages
“Don’t drink and drive,” “Wear a seat belt” and “Don’t speed” are some of the important highway safety messages that elementary school students across Idaho trained their colored crayons, pencils and markers on for ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety. ITD’s 2009 Highway Safety Kids Calendar features the talents of the top 14 young artists whose work was chosen from entries submitted by K-6 teachers from throughout the state.
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Employees
Employee Perks Card can help with Christmas lists
ITD employees who want the best value for their dollar when filling holiday shopping lists might consider starting with their Perks Card. The cards open the door to discount products and services ranging from automotive to travel.
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CADD technology
GPS-based software to help Sand Creek field inspections
The Sand Creek Byway, a new 2.1-mile segment of U.S. 95 that will remove through traffic from downtown Sandpoint, will be the first field test for the On-Site computer program. On-Site is a component of a software suite from Bentley Corp. that ITD introduced in 2007 as part of a major CADD (computer assisted design and drafting) upgrade.
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In over your head?
Bridge inspector Jim Holland
gets lost in his work
Jim Holland sometimes sticks his neck out while looking for trouble spots on Idaho’s bridges. Occasionally he even gets lost in his work, as he did recently while inspecting the Moyie River Gorge Bridge in District 1. He wasn’t actually left hanging from the bridge but was suspended, along with partner Rick Smith, in the bucket of ITD’s ReachAll truck. Smith took the photo while Holland looked inside the lower chord of the truss.

HRD training schedule
	Feb. 3-5	Introduction to Supervision
	Feb. 24-26	Intermediate Communication
	March 10-12	Basic Communication
	April 14, 15	Situational Leadership
	May 12, 13	Managing Performance
	June 9-11	Intermediate Communication
This schedule represents training classes available at Headquarters. For schedules at specific districts, please contact your EST or refer to the training calendar.

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