IDAHO NATIONAL TRANSPORTER Idaho
Transportation
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Idaho has secured almost 78 percent of its federal transportation stimulus funding, second only to Oklahoma and well ahead of the national average of 37 percent. States must meet federal requirements to qualify for stimulus funding, one of which requires having 50 percent of funds obligated to construction projects by July 1. Idaho has obligated $148 million of the $182 million it qualifies to receive in stimulus funding. “The transportation department is delivering on my promise to put these taxpayer dollars to work as soon as possible by creating good jobs for Idaho families,” Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said. Seven Idaho projects were advertised for bids in early May. The eighth project – the Twin Falls Alternate Route Phase 2 – will be advertised in mid-June. Contractors’ bids typically are opened 30 days after a project is advertised. The transportation stimulus projects are predicted to create 2,800 jobs. “I challenged the staff to have Idaho’s stimulus projects shovel-ready,” ITD Director Pamela Lowe said. “Not only are we meeting that goal, we are outperforming 48 other states.” Idaho has until the end of this year to obligate its remaining $34 million in transportation stimulus funding. Lowe said the department hopes to be well ahead of that deadline. The $34 million is spread across 55 projects for both state and local highway jurisdiction projects. Funds have been obligated for the following state projects:
After bids are awarded for construction, their progress can be followed at http://www.accountability.idaho.gov/. Published 5-22-09 |