9/4/2015

Idaho drivers
Idaho scores top spot as best state for drivers nationwide
Idaho is ranked number one as the best place for drivers, according to recent analysis conducted by the website Bankrate.com. Gem State drivers spend less on their driving than all other drivers nationwide.
Continue

Culture
Headquarters employees take initiative to increase constructive culture
Six foundational keywords exemplify the Idaho Transportation Department’s efforts to enhance its culture – Results, Respect, Development, Support, Teamwork and Accountability. Each word is the focus of an individual workshop designed to help employees better relate to key components of ITD’s evolving constructive culture, explained Kristina Zahnter-Yocom.
Continue

Driver Services
AAMVA tabs Kiyoshi and Palomera for committee appointments
Drivers Services employees Chris Kiyoshi and Santiago Palomera have been tabbed to join a pair of AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) committees on behalf of ITD. Kiyoshi will be on the Vehicle Standing Committee and Palomera will be on the Law Enforcement Standing Committee.
Continue

District 5
Blackfoot businesses express thanks to ITD for paving
Businesses in Blackfoot have let ITD know how they feel about the recently completed paving project through town – the first warrantied paving project in the state. The project began around Aug. 10 and wrapped up Aug. 27. As you can tell from the sign, the speed and quality of the work has been noted.
Continue

Cyber Security
ITD cyber-security initiative announced as finalist in national awards
A department cyber-security initiative has been selected as a finalist in the national State IT Recognition Awards. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) selected Idaho as one of four finalists, joining efforts by Colorado, Michigan and Pennsylvania in the final group.
Continue

Department History
ITD Vault: 23 Years Ago (Dec. 1992/Jan. 1993): Wounded owls and hawks find a friend in Monte Tish
About a year and a half ago, Monte Tish and a friend were out hunting when they spotted a Sandhill Crane struggling on the ground not too far out in front of them. Monte and his hunting partner decided to go on hunting, and return to help the bird once they were done. But when they came back later, it was too late.
Continue

U.S. DOT
Federal agencies forecast growing need to find new transportation workers
A new employment report from three federal departments says growth in transportation system demand is creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, while replacement of departing workers means millions of existing jobs in this sector will need to be filled as well.
Continue

Traveler Services
Encore (08-28-15): Idaho's 511 traveler services site adds new features, improvements
Recent changes to Idaho Transportation Department’s 511 Idaho Traveler Services website are meant to enhance a user’s experience when the popular website is accessed for current highway and travel information. “We’ve updated and improved the quality of what we have been delivering for the past 10 years,” said Tony Ernest, ITD's traveler services coordinator.
Continue

Travelers
Encore (08-28-15): Cost of Congestion: Seven billion hours, $160 billion
SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - A strong economy and cheap gas have put more motorists on U.S. roads, leading to the worst-ever traffic congestion and forcing the average urban commuter to waste about 42 hours a year stuck in traffic jams, a report released on Wednesday said.
Continue

Dstrict 5
Encore (08-28-15): Bridge strike on I-15 overpass near Blackfoot closes lanes
The Riverton Road overpass, about a mile south of Blackfoot, was struck by a track hoe riding on the trailer of a semi-truck in the morning Aug. 20. Riverton Road crosses Interstate 15 at that location. The overpass remains closed pending repairs later this fall/winter.
Continue