4/13/2012

Transportation board
Annual district tours begin Wednesday in Lewiston
The Idaho Transportation Board will launch its annual visit to each district next week with its tour of District 2 projects and a business meeting in Lewiston. The business meeting will be conducted at the District 2 office, 2600 Frontage Road, on Thursday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (PDT).
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Driver's licenses
ITD, Republic of Korea sign reciprocal driver's license agreement
Recognizing the common skills it required to operate a motor vehicle, Idaho and the Republic of Korea signed a reciprocal agreement Friday (April 6) eliminating the need for a new road (skills) test to obtain a driver’s license.
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Accolades
Sand Creek Byway garners ARTBA award for community outreach
As the project nears completion, the U.S. 95 Sand Creek Byway project in northern Idaho recently received an award for outreach efforts to the public. Public participation was sought throughout the design, environmental and construction processes. A high level of public input was the hallmark of the $98 million project.
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Organ donor recognition
National Donate Life presentation planned at HQ Friday
Lacey Haye’s selfless decision to become an organ donor will be honored Friday (April 20) during a special presentation as part of National Donate Life month. An event to recognize and promote the gift of life through organ donations will begin at 10 a.m. in ITD’s Darrell V Manning Auditorium.
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Honoring the best of the best
Nomination deadline for Excellence in Transportation awards is April 20
The people and projects that make transportation an integral part of Idaho life will take center stage this summer as part of the 2012 Excellence in Transportation awards program. The window for nominating a project or individual is rapidly closing, emphasizes Bruce Macewan. The deadline of submitting an entry is 4 p.m. Friday (April 20).
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Highway safety
Statewide texting-while-driving law goes into effect July 1
Statewide texting while driving law goes into effect July 1 Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction, and after July 1, it also will be an illegal and costly decision. Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed legislation this month making texting while driving an infraction and Idaho the 37th state to enact a texting while driving ban.
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Highway safety
Are you driving under influence of distractions? Stop!
Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when motorists divert their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity instead. The distractions can be electronic distractions, such as navigation systems, cell phones and texting, or more conventional distractions, such as interacting with passengers and eating.
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Highway safety
Highway Safety Summit registration under way
It’s not too late to sign up for the 2012 Highway Safety Summit Tuesday, May 8, at the Boise Centre. The all-day summit provides highway and traffic safety professionals and advocates with innovative results-oriented solutions to help save lives and reduce serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes.
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Mobility
Mobility council to meet April 24 in Boise
Grant awards will lead discussion when the Idaho Mobility Council (IMC), including members of the Public Transportation Advisory Council and Interagency Working Group, meet April 24 at the Boise Hotel and Conference Center, 3300 Vista Ave. in Boise.
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Employees
Open enrollment scheduled for April 30 to May 18
Open Enrollment this year will be from April 30 to May 18. Information regarding any rate or benefit changes will be posted by April 30. See the state of Idaho Office of Group Insurance website announcement at: http://ogi.idaho.gov/employees/
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Training
Microsoft computer classes offered at HQ
Computer classes on the use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word are among the sessions scheduled for the next month. Classes will be offered at Headquarters in Room 113. Classes will be offered at Headquarters in Room 113.
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2012 Legislature
Gov. Otter gives session 'solid A'
The Idaho Legislature concluded its work on Thursday, March 29. A total of 342 pieces of legislation reached my desk. I want to thank the members of the Legislature for their hard work and dedication as public servants.
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Highway safety
Encore (4-6-12): It's spring and still snowy in D-1
Old Man Winter just doesn’t want to let go of the five northern counties of District One. Snow plows and deicer trucks are still making their rounds on area highways. But one day of good weather, seems to make people forget their winter driving skills.
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511 upgrades
Encore (4-6-12): New 511 options expand personalized access to highway information
A new upgrade to ITD’s 511 Traveler Information website last month takes the delivery of personalized highway information to a new level. ITD began testing technology in late March that enables travelers to receive information about highway conditions, delays and closures through automated alerts from Twitter.
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Accolades
Encore (4-6-12): Overlegal transport hauler praises ITD's Anne Gunn
A representative of Intermountain Rigging and HeavyHaul (IRH) this week publicly praised ITD’s Anne Gunn for her assistance in processing an overlegal permit.
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Highway safety
Encore (4-6-12): Traffic concern prompts addition of separators
ITD crews installed these traffic separators on Tuesday (April 3) at Eagle and Ustick road at the request of local law enforcement officers who expressed concern for safety.
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Preparedness
Encore (4-6-12): Opportunities to volunteer during crises
April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week. The special week is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and joining the volunteer organizations that help make our community a great place to live. There are several volunteer opportunities that support disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
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