4/14/2006
REMINDER: GOVERNOR'S BILL SIGNING CEREMONY TODAY AT 11 A.M.
Editors & news directors: We would like to remind you that Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne will join Legislators, community leaders and the public today at 11 a.m. in Nampa to formally sign a bill approved by the 2006 Legislature authorizing funding for the first year of Connecting Idaho. Please see the following news release for details and directions to the ceremony site. We hope you won't miss this opportunity. Connecting Idaho will have a far-reaching impact on every region of Idaho and all travelers.
ITD Public Affairs Office
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BOISE - Gov. Dirk Kempthorne will sign legislation into law Friday that provides the first link in his highway construction plan to connect Idaho.
The formal bill signing ceremony will take place near the Karcher Road Overpass on Interstate 84 in Nampa. The 11 a.m. ceremony will include southwestern Idaho legislators, community leaders, citizens and school children.
The governor introduced the Connecting Idaho plan during his State of the State address to the 2005 Legislature. His plan calls for $1.2 billion in highway construction projects in all regions of the state using Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds. The program leverages future federal funds to expedite construction projects.
Legislators approved the Connecting Idaho program in 2005 and concluded this years session by authorizing bond sales of $200 million as the first stage of funding.
"Signing this legislation is an important step in the process to change transportation in Idaho for future generations," said Idaho Transportation Department Board Chairman Chuck Winder. "Gov. Kempthorne's leadership and vision established the framework for Connecting Idaho and for that, we are truly grateful."
The Karcher Interchange is an appropriate venue for the historic signing since it is the first project that will make possible the expansion of I-84 to six lanes between Meridian and Caldwell. Expansion will help ease congestion and significantly improve safety on the state's most crowded commuting corridor. The Karcher Interchange will also provide a better connection between I-84 and Idaho 55 and U.S. 95.
Directions to the ceremony site:
From Boise - Exit I-84 at Nampa Boulevard (Exit 35) and turn right onto Northside Boulevard (toward the sugar beet factory). At Karcher Road (in front of the sugar beet factory) turn left. Karcher Road is closed to through traffic and the general public, but flaggers will be there to guide you to the ceremony site.
From Nampa - Use Karcher Road from the sugar beet factory only. This road is closed to through traffic and the general public, but flaggers will be there to guide you to the ceremony site. Do not use Karcher Road from Midland or Nampa-Caldwell boulevards.