Cloverdale, Camas County, airports, ITIP highlight June
Idaho Transportation Board meeting

An update on the Cloverdale Road Overpass, review of federal aid airport improvements, recognition of zero fatalities in Camas County, and budgetary considerations related to the draft ITIP highlighted the monthly meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board in Shoshone June 20-21.

Board tour
The board tour June 20 focused on the greater Twin Falls area and a couple of major employers, highlighting the importance of a good transportation system to the economy. One of the stops was at Eagle View Dairy near Castleford. The family-owned business operates two dairies with more than 8,300 head of cattle. It also has a farming operation that supports the dairies. The organization has over 100 employees.

Workshop
The board started its business meeting June 21 with a workshop on the draft FY20 budget and draft FY18-25 Idaho Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP).

The draft FY20 appropriation request is for $771.7 million and 1,648 full-time positions. Some highlights include $23.6 million for replacement equipment, $425 million for the construction program, $5.4 million for capital facilities, and $67 million for GARVEE debt service.

Highway funding in the draft ITIP is estimated at $524 million annually for the seven-year program plus $74.5 million for GARVEE debt service. The average annual funding levels for pavement and bridge projects are $127.8 million and $88.6 million, respectively. The Safety and Capacity Program averages $80.9 million annually, and the rest of the funding will go to Planning, Statewide Competitive Programs, Local Programs, and more.

Toward Zero Deaths
The Office of Highway Safety commended Camas County for recording zero highway fatalities in 2017. The Camas County Sheriff, Camas County Commissioners, Idaho State Police, and District 4 maintenance staff were recognized for this amazing feat.

This was the first time ITD maintenance workers in the zero-fatality county were also on hand for the recognition, which is only appropriate since our workers play such a vital role in keeping the roads clear and safe for the traveling public.

I-84, Cloverdale Road Overpass Bridge Repair
The Interstate 84, Cloverdale Road Overpass sustained major damage during a crash June 16. A resulting fire caused major damage to the span in Boise. The Cloverdale Road overpass will remain closed, although it is safe for vehicles to travel on I-84 under the structure.

The board approved a resolution to replace the structure at an estimated cost of $6 to $8 million. District 3 will replac the two-lane structure, built in 1966, with a four-lane bridge with pedestrian facilities.

FY19 Idaho Airport Aid Program
The board approved the $1 million FY19 Idaho Airport Aid Program. Some of the projects that will be funded include land for development and approaches in Aberdeen, runway rehabilitation in Caldwell, an environmental assessment at Rexburg/Madison County, fencing at St. Maries, and planning studies at Downey/Hyde Memorial and Mackay.

Published 06-29-18