6/14/2013

Philip E. Batt
Building dedication a tribute to Gov. Phil Batt
Freedom Idaho” flowed from a well-used clarinet played by a well-practiced musician Thursday morning. They obviously were old friends – the instrument and master. Words and music captured a love of Idaho, its rugged geography and rich history. It also underscored Gov. Phil Batt’s commitment to the place he calls home.
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Gov. Otter announces naming of ITD's Headquarters
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter formally dedicated the Idaho Transportation Department Headquarters in Boise today (Thursday, June 13) in honor of Philip E. Batt, Idaho’s 29th governor. Past governors, legislators, elected officials and friends joined Governor Otter to formally name the building.
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A Governor's Gallery
Building dedication, naming captured in images
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A chronology of leadership
Gov. Batt’s personal and political milestones
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Governor Philip E. Batt – In Other Words
Batt’s transportation bona fides are unquestioned in Idaho. In his career as a legislator and governor, he helped push through some of the most important and politically risky transportation laws in decades. Jim Kempton, an Idaho Transportation Department board member and former legislator, credited him with helping with the passage of a bill that relaxed restrictions on heavy truckloads.
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Transportation board
Board workshop to focus on budget, ITIP
The Idaho Transportation Board will review the department’s proposed FY15 appropriation request and a draft of the FY14-18 Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP) Tuesday at a workshop in the District 3 office in Boise.
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Preparedness
ITD maintenance prepares for air ambulance need
ITD’s maintenance crews are often the first – and in rural areas, sometimes the only - responders to incidents requiring an air ambulance. In those cases, ITD is called on to establish designated “Landing Zones” on or near highways to facilitate a rescue.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Nick Jones understands value of customer service
Nick Jones knows customer service. He delivers it on a daily basis … usually one-on-one, under less than ideal circumstances and never with the intention of public commendation. Yet, the people he serves as one of ITD’s District 3 Incident Response responders will never forget his help.
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Outstanding Customer Service
District 3 foreman recognized for 511 reporting efforts
The 511 Traveler Services system is an invaluable tool for the state’s motorists, offering timely updates on the highway conditions, detours and closures they may encounter while on the road. KNOW B4 U GO is not just a catchy 511 slogan that rhymes, but it is a sage piece of advice for drivers.  
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History
Steam shovel included on list of 150 Boise icons
An iron and wood monument to construction history that greets visitors to ITD's Headdquarters is among Boise's top 150 icons. The Idaho Statesman's list of historic gems includes the Bucyrus-Erie B3 that was moved from the URS plaza to ITD las year.
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Employees
Generic drugs can stretch health-care budget
Blue Cross of Idaho Two words to the wise: Go generic Everyone is looking for ways to save more money. When it comes to your health, one of the safest ways to save money is to switch to generic prescriptions.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Encore (6-7-13): Recent avalanche season was one for the records
Despite 230 inches of snow and 45 individual avalanche/debris slides, a 12-mile segment of Idaho 21 was closed a record-low of just 8.5 days during the 2012-13 avalanche season. Historically, “Avalanche Alley” is closed more often and for longer periods because of threats to the highway from steep slopes nearby.
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Highways
Encore (6-7-13): ITD responds to Idaho 52 rockslides
A pair of rockslides on Idaho 52 between Emmett and Horseshoe Bend last weekend forced closure of the highway. The route remains restricted in the area of the slide while crews try to determine the cause and whether an irrigation canal 90 feet above the highway might have been a contributing factor.
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Highways
Encore (6-7-13): Sinkhole on Eagle Road south of State closes right lane
Potholes sometimes are more than skin deep, and there's more to them than appears on the surface. Crews responded to reports of a pothole on Eagle Road in Boise Wednesday afternoon. Upon inspection, however, ITD’s District 3 maintenance crew declared the depression to be a sinkhole that needed immediate repair.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Encore (6-7-13): County official learns from peer exchange at ITD
ITD recently opened the doors to Internal Review and welcomed delegates from several states for a peer exchange. Dawn Burns, an internal auditor from Ada County, was among the guests, and she was impressed by what she saw, according to a letter from Phil McGrane, chief deputy for the Ada County Clerk of the District Court.
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