Legislative proposals, I-84B, draft ITIP and zero highway fatalities highlight June board meeting

Discussion of six legislative proposals for next session, the relinquishment of a portion of I-84B to the city of Caldwell, a workshop on the draft ITIP, and commemoration of zero highway fatalities last year in Custer and Butte counties marked the recent Idaho Transportation Board meeting June 19-20 in District 6.

District 6 tour and workshop
After touring the Salmon area on Wednesday (June 19), Thursday’s session started with a workshop on the FY21 budget request and draft FY20-26 Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP).

The ITIP includes highway, aeronautics, and public-transit projects in the first four years: fiscal years 2024 through 2026 only include highway projects. The average available funding in the first four years is $602.2 million annually. The majority of funds are from federal sources.

Following the workshop, the board approved proceeding with public involvement on the draft ITIP during the business meeting.

Relinquishment of I-84B
The board approved relinquishing a portion of the I-84 Business Route to the city of Caldwell.

The department has been working with Nampa and Caldwell for a number of years on relinquishing the Business Route. Caldwell is now willing to assume jurisdiction of the portion of the highway within its city limits, 20 lane miles. The route no longer functions as a state highway and is maintained as a local road.

The transaction includes ITD paying the city $2.3 million. This number is based on staff’s estimate of future expenses on the route plus the city requested additional funding for future maintenance improvements, like striping, replacing signs, and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements.
           
Zero Fatalities Award
Butte and Custer counties were recognized for recording zero highway fatalities in 2018. The respective sheriffs, county commissioners, Idaho State Police, and ITD’s maintenance staff were commended for their partnership and exemplary service keeping the roads and traveling public safe.

The Idaho State Police lieutenant from District 6 emphasized the valuable partnership with ITD and other agencies to promote highway safety. He thanked the board and department for their support and collaboration.

Legislative Ideas
Staff summarized the six legislative ideas to propose for the 2020 session: utilities in highway rights of way, local bridge inspection program cost recovery, remove minimum sales requirement from dealer and salesman license renewal, elimination of validation decals for commercial motor vehicles, commercial driver license reinstatement of lifetime disqualification, and align driver license/identification card fees with administrative process.

Legislative ideas must be submitted to the Division of Financial Management by July 12. Upon Division of Financial Management approval, staff will draft legislation for the Board to review and approve. The board expressed disappointment that its legislative proposal on distracted driving, which it concurred with last month, has since been disallowed by the Governor’s Office, so it will not go forward this year as part of the department’s legislative package.

Published 06-28-19