Funding, Operations during Covid, Redirected GARVEE funding, continuing operations during the Corona Crisis, and District 5’s achievements highlighted the May 21 meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board. The monthly meeting was held via telephone. Safety Share ID-16 Corridor It allocated I-84 GARVEE bond savings of $20 million to right-of-way acquisition and $14 million for design services. It is estimated that the final design can be completed in 18-24 months. The design work will be split into two separate packages. Board Policy 4001 states that all agreements with professional services providers that bring the department’s obligation to more than $1 million require board approval. The board also approved exceeding this amount to proceed with final design through Plans, Specifications, & Estimates of Phase 2 of the corridor, with a total cost for these services not to exceed $14 million. Division of Motor Vehicle Update The board also heard about the Division’s efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, the Ports of Entry have been conducting business as usual. Approximately 130 Headquarters staff are working from home, taking over 1,000 telephone calls from the public and more than 800 calls from county offices daily. As the state and department reopens, staff is expecting to help the counties address a backlog of transactions, including 40,000 driver’s license and identification cards, 50,000 vehicle registrations, and over 10,000 titles. Citizens are being encouraged to complete transactions online. District 5 Report Several partners were also highlighted. The department worked with Bannock County, the Cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck, and the private sector on the I-15, Northgate Interchange. Staff works closely with the National Weather Service, receiving information on the forecast and providing that entity with weather conditions in the field. It is also working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game on wildlife corridors and helped with radio collaring deer. Policy Update Administrative Policy 5508 Smoking Policy was revised to prohibit the use of smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes or other devices that emit a vapor or smoke (vaping) in all ITD owned or leased buildings, vehicles, and equipment, and within 25 feet of an ITD building. Published 05-29-20 |