10/7/2011

National exposure
Reorganization garners attention from national magazine
Reorganization of the Idaho Transportation Department received more national attention this month when Roads & Bridges Magazine included a news story about the efficiency measure in its September 2011 issue. ITD Director Brian Ness outlined the strategy of reducing nine administrative layers to five, returned decision-making authority closer to the front line where the work is done, and reduced the number of one-to-one supervisory relationships.
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Efficiencies
D-3 Introduces two unique cost-saving measures
In these tight economic times, ITD strives to find new and innovative ways to improve efficiency and stretch available funds. District 3 in southwest Idaho has introduced a number of initiatives that help ITD achieve the most with available funding.
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Technology
Be careful where you go during Cyber Security Awareness Month
The most serious economic and national security challenges we face are cyber threats. America's economic prosperity and competitiveness in the 21st Century depends on effective cybersecurity. Every Internet user has a role to play in securing cyberspace and ensuring the safety of themselves and their families online.
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Highways
ITD equipment operators compete at national event
Two maintenance workers represented ITD at the annual the equipment roadeo portion of the 2011 Western Snow & Ice Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, Sept. 28-30. Mike Rearden Foreman of the District 1 Sign and Striping Crew and Kelley Dick of District 3’s Sign Crew, teamed for the Tandem-Axle and Single-Axle truck competitions.
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Training
Fall computer classes scheduled at HQ
Headquarters Training and Development will offer nearly a dozen computer classes this fall, beginning with Microsoft Excel on Oct. 25. MS Excel includes three full-day sessions. The first series is scheduled for Oct 25, Nov 1 and Nov 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The Excel course will be offered a second time on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
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In Memoriam
WASHTO donates funds in honor of Prahasto
ITD received a Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ tribute in honor of the late Jonathan Prahasto. The Island Park maintenance employee was killed in the line of duty north of Ashton on U. S. 20 last year.
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Highways
Challis Chamber honored for D-6 cleanups
The Idaho Transportation Board, led by District 6 representative Lee Gagner, honored a Challis group for its continuing efforts to keep an eastern Idaho highway free of litter and debris. For the past two decades the Challis Area Chamber of Commerce has maintained the roadside décor of U.S. 93 between mileposts 158 ad 160 as part of Idaho’s Adopt-A-Highway program.
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Mobility
Workshop promotes planning for Safe Routes to School
The Idaho Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program held a national course in Mountain Home in September. Attendees included local stakeholders and community leaders who are working together to make walking and bicycling to school safe and routine for local students.
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Cultural diversity
Perspective has large impact on communication
Individual perceptions have a profound influence on the communication process in a culturally diverse workplace where there is “sameness in difference and difference in sameness,” explains Cherie Buckner-Web, an Idaho Legislator from Boise (D-19). The founder and principal of Sojourner-Coaching gave a recent presentation on cultural diversity and communication at ITD's Headquarters in Boise.
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Preparedness
Earthquake Awareness Month to include Oct. 20 drill
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed October as Earthquake Awareness Month. Throughout October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is working to educate Idahoans about the fact that earthquakes occur in Idaho, and there are simple things that can be done to prepare for them.
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Preparedness
Get ready to 'drop, cover and hold'
At 10:20 a.m., Oct. 20, thousands of Idahoans will all be dropping to the floor simultaneously. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Education, is conducting the Great Idaho Shakeout. The goal of the Shakeout is to familiarize everyone on the “Drop, Cover and Hold” method for personal safety during an earthquake and to practice the technique.
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Employees
Icon opens Meridian branch amid fanfare
Icon Credit Union We really appreciate all of those who could join us for our block party and grand opening on Sept. 10. The event was a tremendous success and we had an excellent time. Hundreds of members came out to enjoy the day with the smoked pork lunch, giveaways and music by the Big Wow.
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Technology
Encore (9-30-11): 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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Employees
Encore (9-30-11): 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
Encore (9-30-11): 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
Encore (9-30-11): 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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