Public-transit funding, ID-44 corridor study, emergency waivers and employee service milestones to highlight Idaho Transportation Board’s March meeting

Funding of various public transit programs, discussion of a potential ID-44 corridor plan with Garden City, consideration of possibly delegating emergency service permits to staff, and recognition of employee service milestones will highlight next week’s meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board in Boise. The meeting will take place at ITD Headquarters at 3311 W. State St.

The board will meet in the auditorium on March 18, and then will visit each of the districts over the next six monthly meetings.

Public Transportation Funding Recommendations
The Public Transportation Office solicited projects for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, Formula Grants for Rural Areas, Bus and Bus Facilities, and Vehicle Investment Programs. After reviewing applications, ITD-Public Transportation staff provided funding recommendations to the Public Transportation Advisory Council.

Based on the council’s concurrence, staff will present the projects to the board for funding in FY20-22. The projects approved by the board will then be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for final approval.

Some of the providers recommended for operations and maintenance funding include Selkirk Pend Oreille Transit, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Appaloosa Express, Mountain Rides, and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. Other projects include a bus pullout with shelters and restrooms for Lewiston Transit, three medium-duty bus replacements for Treasure Valley Transit, four heavy duty electric buses for Mountain Rides, a 12-passenger van for Three Island Senior Center, and an ADA minivan for the Crisis Center. Total funding available for the two-year cycle is $20 million.

Corridor Plan for ID-44
Staff will request board approval to complete a corridor plan for a portion of Idaho Highway 44, North Glenwood Street, in Garden City.

The department is working with Garden City on the project. The work will help develop partnerships, allow collaboration with stakeholders to identify potential transportation or environmental issues, provide a platform for stakeholders to suggest corridor solutions and planning issues, notify property owners of potential land use for transportation purposes, and increase overall transportation efficiency.

A number of things are occurring in the area, which make this plan important. Ada County established a committee to consider the best use for its property along a portion of Glenwood Street, including the fairgrounds and stadium home to the Boise Hawks minor-league baseball team. 

Waiver of Limitations for Emergency Movements
The board has the authority to waive existing permit policy limitations in the event of an emergency, subject to such limitations or special requirements as the board may impose per specified in Administrative Rules. Generally, requests for these waivers for commercial motor vehicles are due to an emergency and time is of the essence. Because the board meets monthly, the delay in presenting these permit waivers may cause a hardship.

Staff will propose the board delegate the authority to issue these waivers to staff. The Motor Vehicle Administrator and Chief Engineer would review the request and approve or deny it. Engineering and safety criteria pertaining to the movement of these vehicles that exceed the legal size and weight would be considered. Staff would inform the board of these requests and the action taken by staff.

Employee Service Awards
The board will also participate in the Employee Service Awards. Jim Thompson, representing District 1, will provide remarks on behalf of the board. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in the auditorium.

Published 03-13-20