11/11/2011

Board
Board to review Strategic Plan at workshop
The Idaho Transportation Board will conduct a workshop in the Aeronautics Conference Room on Tuesday (Nov. 15) as a prelude to its regular business meeting at Headquarters on Wednesday. The workshop will include discussions on ITD’s draft strategic plan.
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Public transportation
ITD awarded $543,658 grant to help veterans
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced this week the award of $543,658 to ITD and several public transportation partners to increase mobility options for veterans. ITD submitted a grant application for the “Idaho Statewide One-Click Transportation Information for Veterans,” proposal in September.
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Highway safety
ITD encourages drivers to prepare for winter driving
ITD encourages drivers to prepare for winter driving Idaho is rugged country with a diverse geography and natural beauty. Travel between communities will take you along scenic rivers and beneath towering peaks, across mountain passes, through high desert plains and fertile valleys, and over rolling hills. The qualities that invite exploration, recreation and commerce also can make winter driving a challenge.
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Employees
Board to present Headquarters service awards
The Idaho Transportation Board will honor 44 employees and 13 retirees next week during its November business meeting at Headquarters in Boise. The semiannual Headquarters Service Awards program is planned for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the auditorium with a reception, sponsored by DoRolCo, to follow in the lobby.
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Aeronautics
Generous groups, individuals help Idaho airstrip system
General aviation in Idaho is blessed with wonderful back country opportunities. We also are fortunate to have active and generous non-government organizations and individuals, who contribute to the maintenance and development of these recreational airstrips.
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Highways
District 3 embarks on equipment training
Snow already has made scattered appearances in southwest Idaho, and District 3 is preparing for sequels that inevitably will arrive in the weeks ahead. The district recently conducted its first formal equipment training, with an emphasis on winter maintenance. A dozen new maintenance employees went through the first training. 
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Contractors
Workshop to focus on payments for change orders
Learn how to document and get paid for extra work performed on a construction project at a free workshop hosted by the ITD from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the department’s East Annex at 3292 Jordan Street in Boise. It is sponsored by the department’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Supportive Services.
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Highway safety
Sleepy drivers create safety problems for others
Drowsy driving is often difficult to identify as causing a motor vehicle crash because drivers can be reluctant to admit they simply fell asleep at the wheel. Much like distracted driving, drowsy or fatigued driving involves taking a driver’s attention away from the task of driving while that vehicle travels over highways and through traffic with no one in real control.
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Federal funding
Senate committee approves 2-year highway reauthorization
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, in a unanimous 18-0 vote this morning, approved a two-year reauthorization of federal highway programs at current funding levels. The bill now moves to the Senate floor calendar, where it will wait for three other committees to approve funding, transit, and safety components that will eventually be merged into one piece of legislation.
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Safety
Encore (11-4-11): ITD drivers reminded of cell phone, texting policy
I have been getting reports in the last couple of weeks regarding ITD employees on their cell phones or texting while driving. I’d like to remind everyone that any use of cell phones or other messaging devices – including hands-free or text messaging, for any reason – is prohibited while operating a moving ground vehicle or off-road motorized equipment.
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Trucking
Encore (11-4-11): Volunteers sought for new trucking advisory board
The Idaho Transportation Board seeks volunteers for new trucking advisory board The Idaho Transportation Board is looking for seven people interested in serving on a trucking advisory council. The council would advise the board on laws and rules that affect Idaho trucking operations, safety issues, and would recommend highway improvements.
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Preparedness
Encore (11-4-11): Guard against over exposure, frostbite
Soon freezing temperatures will occur during the daytime when many people will be working or recreating outdoors. Exposure to these conditions can lead to frostbite. Frostbite can be a serious medical condition if not treated correctly. More important, it is a preventable condition when the proper steps are taken to prepare for outdoor activities in cold weather.
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