8/24/2012

Emergency program
Director explains how ITD realignment improves preparedness
ITD Director Brian Ness explained to a national audience this week how realignment has transformed his agency into a model for emergency preparation, planning and response. Ness, who became ITD’s director in 2010, is chairman of the AASHTO (American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials) subcommittee on emergency management.
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U.S. Transportation Secretary
LaHood pledges support for Idaho transportation, announces grants
For farmers and other businesses in the West, the Port of Lewiston, provides a critical link – through the Snake and Columbia rivers – to the Port of Portland and the Pacific Ocean. In 2011, cargo exported from the port reached 17 different countries, including 85 percent of the soft white wheat, peas and lentil grown in the region.
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School zone safety
New school year prompts warning for extra caution
The advent of another school year brings a significant increase in pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic near schools. ITD encourages motorists to be especially careful when driving through school zones, encountering school buses on the highway or while delivering and picking up children.
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School zone safety
Tips for improving safe school commuting
School zone safety is everyone’s responsibility – from parents and school officials to children and motorists, ITD advises. Increased awareness of the risks and safety measures will ensure safer commutes. ITD has compiled safety tips from a variety of sources, including the National Safety Council, and encourages parents or guardians to review them with children.
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Labor Day
Highway labor to take holiday for summer's last big weekend
Work that could impact travel next weekend will be suspended on all highway construction projects statewide Sept. 1-3 for the Labor Day holiday, except in special circumstances. ITD requires contractors on highway construction projects to postpone work on any highway, except for normal maintenance operations, during the extended holiday weekend if activities could delay travelers.
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Labor Day
Choose to drive sober this Labor Day
ITD and law enforcement officers throughout Idaho are partnering in a high-visibility impaired driving education and enforcement campaign beginning Saturday (Aug. 25) and continuing through Sept. 8.
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Project funding
Idaho projects eligible for unobligated funds distribution
An Obama Administration decision will enable ITD to reallocate unobligated funds for two highway projects that were "earmarked" by Congress between 2003 to 2007, according to Matt Moore. The two unobligated projects total $2.7 million.
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Transportation Board
Workshop focuses on highway safety plans
The Idaho Transportation Board traveled to District 6 for its monthly business meeting and a tour of state highways last week. The meeting included a Thursday (Aug. 16) workshop on highway safety. Efforts are under way to encourage and support a culture of traffic safety throughout Idaho.
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Idaho wildfires
Victory over Idaho fires still on distant horizon
Gov. Butch Otter rubbed his watery eyes after flying through smoky skies to tour two fires by helicopter. He said he's confident that firefighters and equipment are well-positioned to save homes and businesses in Featherville, Idaho City, Sunbeam and other communities across the state. He also said to prepare for a long season.
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Idaho wildfires
Regional report of fire impacts
Regional report of fire impacts: Information as of Aug. 22 from Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
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ITD Mailbox
Correspondence
* Accident assistance appreciated * Keeping up a good appearance
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Technology
Schumacher appointed IT security manager
Craig Schumacher has accepted the position as ITD’s Information Technology Security Manager, succeeding Forrest Anderson. 
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Leadership
Encore (8-1712): Summit receives great reviews
ITD’s Leadership Summit, held recently at Boise Centre, gave participants a wide range of learning experiences and the opportunity to hear from proven leaders, both in government and in the private sector.
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Maintenance
Encore (8-1712): ITD saves nearly $8,000 by doing work in-house
ITD maintenance crews in Hammett recently saved state taxpayers money by practicing the DIY (Do It Yourself) principle on a project to replace some 436 linear feet of broken-out concrete panels in the Cold Springs Creek Canal under Interstate 84.
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