6/8/2012

Transportation board
Board to review draft appropriation request
The Idaho Transportation Board will start its June activities with a Wednesday workshop on the draft FY14 appropriation request and draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program. Revenue from state sources is expected to grow slightly next fiscal year. The forecast for gas tax revenue, which comprises almost half of the state revenue, is projected to increase 1.6 percent.
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Partnership
ITD scans will help preserve Lewiston landmark
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again -- probably because they didn't have ITD's scanning technology. ITD will do a three-dimensional scan of the historic Thompson/Miranda cabin that has been a cultural icon at the city park in preparation for its relocation and restoration.
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Education outreach
Snow plow simulator awaits Canyon County teens
They're too young to drive on Idaho highways, but a group of young teens from Canyon County will learn how to operate a snow plow next week. Seventh graders will take a spin in ITD's’s snowplow simulator when the department hosts the 2C Science Camp Wednesday (June 13) at Headquarters in Boise.
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Emergency training
ITD to participate in emergency training adademy
Eight ITD employees who have been assigned to positions in the department’s emergency program will participate in a federal training academy next week at Boise State University. Organized and presented by Idaho’s Bureau of Homeland Security, the academy provides specialized training for All-Hazards Incident Management Teams.
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Aeronautics, partnerships
National Guard stages exercise at Smith Prairie airstrip
ITD's Division of Aeronautics opened the aerial gates to the Smith Prairie airstrip May 31-June 2 for tactical training by the Idaho Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB)for ground and air training.
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Public input
Public input sought on revised State Management Plan
ITD's Division of Transportation Performance (ITD-DTP) announded this week the public comment period is open on its revised State Management Plan. The plan is a required Federal Transit Administration (FTA) document that details how the state administers and oversees program funds to assure compliance with federal regulations and requirements.
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Accolades
Hunter receives national honor for service to IRP
A long-term commitment to excellence paid off for ITD’s Jerri Hunter recently. She received the Richard L. Reeves IRP Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding service. The IRP is an international registration reciprocity agreement for commercial vehicle registrations, adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada provinces.
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Employee fitness
Transformation and the road to better fitness
Chris Branstetter didn’t like what he saw, so he decided to do something about it. He embarked on a new, healthier lifestyle – spurred on by his wife and the 2012 Capital Mall fitness challenge. Here, in his own words, is his story about the road to fitness that appeared in "Health Matters," the online newsletter of the Idaho State Employee Wellness Program.
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D-3 roadeo
Freeman finishes in familiar place
Among the 110 people (including judges, coordinators, cooks and managers/supervisors) and 43 competitors at the District 3 Equipment Roadeo last week, was one familiar face. In fact, he has been at the top of the podium eight times.
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Highways
Light traffic kept Memorial Day cars moving on Idaho 55
Whether it was the weather, or the economy, or careful planning, Memorial Day was a little less chaotic for travelers on Idaho 55 this year. Unseasonably cool weather probably deterred campers, and high gas prices might have limited activities to shorter trips, according to Brian Inwards, maintenance foreman at ITD's Banks/Cascade shed.
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Highway safety
Idaho motorcycle fatality rate counters national trend
Idaho is one of the top five states that reduced motorcyclist deaths in 2011 with a 48 percent reduction rate, according to a study conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). In contrast, the report reveals that, nationwide, no progress was made in reducing motorcyclist deaths in 2011.
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Preparedness
Dial into emergency preparedness
It may have started years ago as just a cell phone, but it becomes increasingly closer to a personal pocket computer with each new model. The added abilities of smart phones give the user access to more tools to be prepared for emergencies.
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Accolades
Encore (6-1-12): Central-issue driver's license campaign wins national AAMVA award
ITD’s concerted effort to inform the public and county partners about changes in issuing driver’s licenses received an international award recently. The media campaign and ensuing public exposure earned first place in the 2012 PACE award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
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Unsung Champions
Encore (6-1-12): ITD permits office helps keep Idaho commerce moving
The next time you see an electrical generator, windmill blade or oversized piece of construction equipment being transported down the highway, think of a small group of ITD employees who make it happen. ITD’s overlegal permits office, normally a quiet player in the state’s economy, rose to prominence in 2010-2011 when contract haulers transported large loads for ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobile in north-central Idaho.
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Accolades
Encore (6-1-12): ARTBA presents Sand Creek honor
The American Roadbuilders and Transportation Association formally presented a national award for Idaho's Sand Creek Byway community relations efforts this week. Dave Butzier of Connecting Idaho Partners accepted the award on behalf of URS Energy & Construction and ITD Wednesday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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Highways
Encore (6-1-12): D-4's Dana helps remove impact of highway crashes
It’s not that Dave Dana minds getting his hands dirty, but one part of his job is a bit distasteful. It’s roadkill, and the Idaho Transportation Department’s Twin Falls maintenance foreman occasionally has to wade right in. Animals accidentally killed by motorists on state highways range from raccoons, porcupines and coyotes to deer and elk.
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Mobility
Encore (6-1-12): ITD awards grants for 107 pedestrian ramp repairs
Pedestrians in seven Idaho communities will find surface transitions smoother and easier to navigate after completion of the 2012 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Pedestrian Curb Ramp Program next year. Maureen Gresham, of the Division of Transportation Performance, announced that 107 new curb ramps will be constructed at a total cost of $348,244.
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