9/30/2011

Board
D-6 tour reveals rapid growth in Rexburg area
Idaho Transportation Board members learned first-hand last week the impacts of rapidly expanding Rexburg on eastern Idaho’s future transportation needs. Board members spent Wednesday touring Rexburg as a prelude to Thursday’s (Sept. 22) monthly business meeting in District 6.
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Technology
New 'PASS' process to streamline access approval
A new solution should be in place next month that will streamline the process and reduce the number of steps required to complete access requests. The joint effort involved ITD's Project Management Office (PMO), Business and Support Management, Finance, Payroll, ETS and Human Resource Services.
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In Memoriam
ITD, aviation community lose valued friend
ITD and the Division of Aeronautics join the Idaho aviation community in expressing condolences to friend, pilot and advisory board member Scott W. Patrick. Scott, a long-time pilot and member of the Idaho Aeronautics Advisory Board, passed away Sunday (Sept. 25) of natural causes at a Boise hospital at the age of 59.
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Walk to school
Students to hit the sidewalks Wednesday
Many schools throughout Idaho will tell their students to take a hike next week, advocating walking or bicycling to school rather than riding in passenger vehicles or school buses. Like their counterparts throughout the world, a number of Idaho schools will participate in the annual International Walk to School day Wednesday (Oct. 5).
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Walk to school
Idaho schools schedule walking events Wednesday
Imagine your morning commute if kids were able to walk or bike to school? Almost 25 percent of morning traffic is attributed to parents driving kids to school. International Walk to School Day (IWSD) began in the in the U.S. in the 1997, and every year since more schools participating, including Idaho.
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Walk to school
Students benefit from walks to school
Schools throughout Idaho and the U.S. join counterparts in other countries in promoting International Walk to School as a safe, healthy and enjoyable alternative to riding buses or passenger vehices. The benefits are abundant, according to the International Walk to School program.
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Construction
ITD to co-sponsor seminar on bonding, insurance
To protect Idaho citizens and safeguard taxpayer funds, no public construction project takes place without surety bonding and insurance for contractors. ITD and the U.S. Small Business Administration will sponsor a free seminar about construction bonding and insurance Tuesday (Oct. 4) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Boise District Office of the Small Business Administration,
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Government
Workshop planned on doing business with government
Doing business with the government can seem daunting, so state and federal agencies want to make that process easier for Idaho companies. Learn the rules of doing business with the government at a free workshop Wednesday.
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Employees
Celebrate contributions of people with disabilities
Employers are learning that competing in today’s global market requires a highly skilled talent pool from which to draw. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and serves as an annual reminder that people with disabilities have valuable skills and talents to contribute as part of the nation’s workforce.
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Highways
Scaling operation removing hazardous rocks from U.S. 95
A safety project to remove loose and threatening rock from a steep slope next to U.S. 95 is going smoothly, and motorists generally have been patient as they wait for debris to be cleared from the highway. The project to stabilize a rock slope next to the highway about 8.5 miles south of Grangeville, at the top of White Bird Grade, began Sept. 22.
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Admin workshop
Registration accepted for administrative support workshop
A committee of ITD’s administrative professionals is planning the 23rd annual Administrative Support Workshop Oct. 13 in Boise. The theme of the 2011 workshop is “The Color of Change,” focusing on ITD’s goal to become the best transportation department in the country. Sessions will offer ways that support staff can be involved in that journey to become the best, according to Carla Anderson.
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Highways
Encore (9-23-11): Public shows support for closure of on-ramp
After weeks of attempts to improve safety for traffic merging onto Interstate 84 at the Franklin eastbound on-ramp in Nampa, ITD decided to close the ramp Sunday (Sept. 18). The public generally appreciated the precaution, and a number of motorists called and sent e-mail messages to ITD thanking the department for placing their safety above commuting convenience.
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DMV
Encore (9-23-11): Modernization project picking up steam
It’s been a couple of months since our last Garnet Project news update, but the DMV modernization project has not slowed down, instead it has gained speed.
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Contracts
Encore (9-23-11): Series to help navigate contract requirements
Sometimes the small details in a construction contract can lead to big and costly problems. That's what ITD hopes to prevent by introducing a series of free courses for for contractors involved in construction projects. The first course, open to the public, will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in ITD’s East Annex, 3292 Jordan St. in Boise.
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Highways
Encore (9-23-11): New Perrine Bridge signs offer hope to despondent
In a partnership involving the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho (SPAN) and ITD, signs have been posted near each pedestrian entrance to the Perrine Bridge to provide an avenue of hope for the despondent.
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School zones
Encore (9-23-11): ISP, ITD encourage caution around schools, buses
Now that school is back in session in most areas, the Idaho State Police with local law enforcement agencies want to warn motorists of the danger that may be just around the corner as thousands of Idaho school-age children are going to and from school.
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