10/12/2012

Transportation board
Reports planned on contracts, classification study, GARVEE
After spending the past six months touring and meeting in each district, the board will return to Headquarters next week for its monthly meeting. Meetings will be in Boise until the district tours resume in April. The agenda Wednesday and Thursday includes an annual report on contracts and procurements from Business and Support Management.
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Preparedness
ITD, state agencies prepare for 'hacktivist' attacks
A dozen ITD employees discovered the challenges of restoring computer systems after a major “hacktivist” attack last week. They participated in Idaho’s first Cyber Storm mock disaster exercise, Wednesday and Thursday that was based on a cyber terrorist attack on the state’s computer system.
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Maintenance award
Lenz recognized for ingenuity, dedication
When it comes to keeping the wheels turning on ITD’s vehicle fleet in District 1, Pete Lenz is the critical first gear. And sometimes the last gear. He is the district’s lone surviving mechanic, the result of the district’s move to become more efficient.
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Safety award
Thompson models safety on road, at maintenance facilities
A veteran of three decades in District 2, Blake Thompson has distinguished himself as a model for safety both in vehicles and the facility he calls home during the day. His leadership by example earns him the ITD Safety Person of the Year award, to be presented Thursday during the Idaho Transportation Board's monthly meeting in Boise.
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Collaboration
ITD helps solve challenge to market state parks passes
Sometimes satisfaction comes not from doing the impossible, but the difficult – such as recent collaboration involving ITD and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
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Highway safety
Kids give safety messages in calendar art
Sometimes car tires look too big and people resemble sticks, but the highway safety messages young Idaho artists prepare each year for ITD’s Highway Safety Kids Calendar are serious, life-saving reminders.
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Preparedness
Shake, rattle, roll — or drop, cover and hold
Idaho prepares to shake, rattle, roll — or drop, cover & hold Throughout the month of October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is encouraging Idahoans to take action in earthquake preparedness and personal responsibility. Preparing for earthquakes is prudent as they are a part of Idaho’s geology, and it is a matter of when – not if – the next earthquake strikes.
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Highways
Project reduces risk of flooding along Idaho 78
Property owners along Idaho 78 are breathing a little easier and a nearby creek is running a little smoother because of a recent ITD maintenance project. District 3 crews restored Hard Trigger Creek design flow volume, and in the process, reduced the risk of flooding on clearing an obstruction near Givens Hot Springs.
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Good neighbors
Compromise reached on neighbor's pristine view
Nancy Armstrong lives in the scenic mountains of south-central Idaho and enjoys the picturesque view – with a noticeable exception – ITD’s Lowman maintenance yard. Initially she asked ITD to remove two trailers it located on the grounds so her view could be restored. Logistical challenges eliminated that option, so she and ITD’s District 3 arrived at an amiable compromise.
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Idaho business
CNBC calls Idaho 'most improved' for business
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter: Last week, CNBC released its annual report on the "Best States for Business." It found what we already knew: that Idaho is America's "most improved state for business." The report cited Idaho as having extremely low costs, a great work force and a business-friendly regulatory climate. It did cite some room for improvement on taxes, and I wholeheartedly agree.
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Efficiency
Encore (10-5-12): FHWA administrator praises ITD response to federal audit
ITD staff members worked with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) this summer to reduce the number and outstanding balances of inactive construction projects. The quick response is evidence of ITD's commitment to operating efficiently and providing taxpayers with the best service for their investments.
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Employees
Encore (10-5-12): Board to acknowledge professional milestones Oct. 18
The board will recognize 44 Headquarters employees and formally bid farewell to colleagues who reached the final milestone in their professional career – retirement. The fall 2012 Service Awards ceremony will begin at about 10 a.m. in the Darrel V Manning Boardroom and Auditorium.
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Aeronautics
Encore (10-5-12): Aviation Hall of Fame inducts Boyington, Rutan
Two individuals who helped shape air travel nationally were inducted into the Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame Saturday night (Sept. 29) during a ceremony in Sagle. ITD’s new Aeronautics Division Administrator Mike Pape participated in the ceremony at the Bird Museum south of Sandpoint that honored aviation legends Burt Rutan and Gregory “Pappy” Boyington.
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Employees
Encore (10-5-12): Astorga, climbing partner reach new heights in record time
District 3 avalanche forecaster Chantel Astorga spends most of her winter watching for avalanches that could cascade onto Idhao highways. Her summer pursuit is just the opposite -- how fast can she climb steep mountainsides. In September she and climbing partner Mayan Gobat-Smith rewrote the record on an ascent of The Nose of Yosemite's El Capitan.
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Highways
Encore (10-5-12): Highways ITD 'roadeo' team competes at national event in Colorado
Mike Rearden might have felt at home if he were jockeying a four-wheeler through a mud bog. But in Colorado, the four-wheeler was a front-end loader and the mud bog was part of the national finals “roadeo” for heavy equipment operators.
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Public transportation
Encore (10-5-12): ITD seeks public comments on public transportation measures
ITD’s Division of Transportation Performance is developing Statewide Performance Measures for sub-recipient public transportation providers in Idaho. The purpose of the measures is to provide a statewide snapshot of all providers who currently receive federal funding through the division.
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