7/6/2012

Highways
Dedication signals near completion of Sand Creek Byway
State and local officials and ITD staff joined more than 300 Bonner County residents Friday (June 29) in Sandpoint to dedicate the Sand Creek Byway, which is nearing completion.
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Retirement
Doug & Joan Benzon - It's all about relationships
When Doug Benzon and wife Joan jointly bid farewell to their colleagues this afternoon (July 6), the memories they will carry are all about people. And while both will miss their co-workers, it will be easy to stay connected, Doug said. “It’s easy to text, e-mail and call, so it should be easy to keep in touch,” Doug said.
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Brown-bag lunch
Service dogs demonstrate abilities
Service dogs from Companion Training recently showed how they change people’s lives during a recent demonstration at Headquarters Auditorium as part ITD’s brown-bag lunch series. The five local dogs also enjoyed a homecoming of sorts, having trained together at the Boise-based facility.
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Highway safety
Embracing MADD's to impaired driving campaign
This last week (late June) an event called “Walk like MADD” was held in Boise. I am sure most know, but MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and was founded in 1980. The primary mission of MADD is to aid victims and families, raise awareness, and support advocates to stop drunk driving.
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Surplus
Computer equipment reborn at CWI
ITD extends the life of computers by removing data from hard drives and passing them along to worthy recipients. For the last few years, the College of Western Idaho in Nampa has become a prime beneficiary of the department’s surplus computers and technology equipment.
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Mobility
CTAI receives grant to assist veterans with transportation needs
The Community Transportation Association of Idaho (CTAI) has selected Idaho-based M2 Traffic Management, LLC to develop a one-click transportation resource that will assist veterans, human service agencies, and others in finding the best transportation options within their community and when traveling throughout Idaho.
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Fire danger
Conditions through much of Idaho make danger high
Noting the recent destruction of homes in Pocatello, Idaho officials are concerned with the hot, dry and windy conditions observed across parts of Idaho. It is increasingly important for Idahoans to take serious care as they recreate in Idaho’s outdoors.
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Preparedness
Interactive map shows Boise River flood threats
Another great tool has been added to the hazard awareness toolbox in the Boise area. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an interactive one must be even better; and that is exactly what is now available for examining potential flooding issues along the Boise River.
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TIGER grant
Encore (6-29-12): Lewiston port to receive $1.3 million federal TIGER grant
The Port of Lewiston – Idaho’s only seaport – will receive a $1.3 million federal grant to expand its dock and increase its cargo-handling capacity. It was among 47 transportation projects in 34 states selected to receive the latest round of TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) funds.
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ACE Academy
Teenagers given opportunity to look down on their world
Teenagers from throughout the state and two from Spokane learned aviation from the ground up and the sky down this week as part of the annual Aviation Career Education academy sponsored by ITD. Most students agreed the academy highlight was a flight to several rural airstrips.
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Educational outreach
Encore (6-29-12): Students learn advantage of school during ITD tour
ITD’s Headquarters complex looked much like a school campus recently when more than 100 young people from Canyon County’s 2C Science Camp spent a day learning about the importance of school. Department volunteers guided small groups through the East Annex where they watched chemistry, geotechnical and structure demonstrations.
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Educational outreach
Encore (6-29-12): Boy Scouts earn badges, plow virtual snow during ITD visit
Earning a new traffic safety merit badge was on the minds of 24 Boy Scouts last week, but the opportunity to take a spin in the snowplow simulator also caught their interest.
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Girls State
Encore (6-29-12): Student takes unofficial reins of ITD for a day
Alyse Hull of Rockland was one of several hundred girls from across Idaho participating in the annual Girls State program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary last week. The one-week summer activity introduces young women to basic principles of government. Hull served as ITD director during the session.
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Mobility
Encore (6-29-12): Public asked to weigh in on freight transportation
ITD wants suggestions from the public on improvements that would strengthen the state’s freight transportation network and improve the economy. Potential improvements to the freight system are part of the transportation department’s strategic goals to improve safety, mobility and economic opportunity.
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