Board to consider merits of GARVEE bonding
The Idaho Transportation Board will assemble for a one-day
workshop Thursday (Oct. 7), concentrating most of its discussion on
Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds as a possible tool
to fund construction projects.
The board will study GARVEE bonding and consider whether
the concept could be applied in Idaho. If approved by the Legislature,
the financing tool could provide authority to use federal-aid highway
funds to pay the principle, interest and other costs associated with
borrowing by the state to finance eligible highway projects.
Other information the board has requested for review on
Thursday, as a way of better understanding ITD programs, includes drivers
training, Logo and Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs and surplus real
property.
The board will convene in regular session on Friday (Oct.
8) to address the following topics and consider other business:
Approval of additional hearing officers
The board appoints hearing officers to receive testimony at public hearings.
These officers are ITD employees who have full-time jobs in addition
to serving as hearing officers. With the approaching retirement of Gaye
Hunsberger, the department will need more hearing officers. The board
will be asked to consider the appointment of two Division of Motor Vehicles
employees Maggie Ransom and Pat Carr as additional hearing
officers.
New Internet web site
The board will receive a preview of the newly-designed ITD Internet
home page. New features and formats have been designed to address the
needs of an increasingly sophisticated public, to meet the technology
demands of our customers and to promote ITD and state programs.
Proposed Legislation for 2005
Since the September board meeting, the Governors Office has approved
an additional legislative concept that the department submitted earlier.
With the concurrence of the Governors Office, staff drafted legislation
for GARVEE bonds. The legislation will be submitted to the board for
approval.
Employee Service Awards
In addition to recognizing numerous employees for their years of service
at ITD and congratulating recent retirees for reaching that significant
milestone, a number of other special awards will be presented during
the semiannual employee service awards program. Board member John McHugh
and Ekern will provide comments. The board looks forward to the opportunity
to recognize employees for their contributions to the department and
to the state.