8/1/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Drivers benefit from law enforcement efforts during GARVEE era
TREASURE VALLEY - Coinciding with the state's use of the GARVEE program on Interstate 84 in the Treasure Valley, law enforcement has helped make the corridor safer for drivers by removing criminals from the highway and sending a message to wayward drivers to comply with traffic laws, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
GARVEE stands for Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds, used by ITD to expedite major highway expansion projects.
The I-84 corridor from Nampa/Caldwell east through Boise is one of the most heavily traveled and heavily patrolled sections of state or federal highway in Idaho. More than 75,000 vehicles per day travel between Nampa and Meridian, and the number jumps to more than 100,000 from Eagle to the Flying Wye.
Captain Steve Richardson, Region Commander for Idaho State Police (ISP) Region 3 (the 10 southwestern counties), said, "The partnership between ITD, ISP and Connecting Idaho Partners has provided tremendous benefits to the citizens of Idaho through enhanced traffic/public safety. There is little doubt that individuals and families are whole today as a result of the considerable work that has been carried out during these projects."
For nearly three years, ISP has been working in conjunction with ITD to provide additional patrols for the many large GARVEE construction projects in this stretch of I-84. Between Aug. 15, 2008, and June 30, 2011, the following results have been accomplished by ISP officers working GARVEE enhanced patrols.
In addition to other activities, the compiled results show:
* 509 DUIs
* 699 suspended drivers removed from the road
* 2,807 motorist assists
* 1,998 agency assists carried out
* 230 warrant arrests
* 249 drug-related arrests made by ISP officers working GARVEE shifts.
There also were:
* 1,775 seat belt citations issued
* 108 child safety restraint citations issued
* 16,803 total citations issued
* 15,144 warnings given
* 20,759 hours of police work
* 301,691 patrol miles carried out to accomplish these activities.