April 25, 2008

Guardian of the skies, symbol of freedom ITD's Ron Dexter was in the right place at the right time to capture the majesty of a bald eagle outside of Beauty Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene earlier this month. Dexter said the national bird typically has a wingspan of about seven feet. "As you can see, the wings are also broad from front to back," he said. "This large area gives the power needed to lift heavy fish.. They are indeed a magnificent bird and a great choice as our national bird."

Transportation Board
Funding approved for scenic byway projects
The Idaho Transportation considered and approved at its April 17 meeting in Lewiston a funding proposal that will enhance informational signs statewide as part of the scenic byway program. Scenic byway funding is available on a nationally competitive basis for routes that have been designated as a state scenic, historic, or back country byway and All American Roads and National Scenic Byways.
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Public Transportation/mobility
Draft plan focuses on customer service, mobility, leadership
Customer service, mobility and local leadership are the focal points of a public transportation plan recently approved by the Idaho Transportation Board. Idaho's Mobility and Access Pathway (IMAP) outlines a vision for achieving efficient and effective mobility networks for Idahoans and describes the scope of the effort necessary to achieve it.
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Three-day conference explores mobility options
Idaho is somewhat an anomaly – many of its citizens remain geographically separated, yet at the same time they are highly mobile and depend on that mobility to remain connected. A three-day mobility summit planned next week in Boise will explore the future of public transportation and how it will meet the demands of Idaho citizens. “Mobility Idaho 2008,” will begin Tuesday at the Doubletree Riverside Inn, 2900 Chinden Blvd.
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Highway Safety

Video PSA approved for mature audiences at theaters
Moviegoers won’t see ITD’s national award-winning motorcycle safety PSA on theater screens showing “Prom Night,” a PG-13 remake of a 1980 slasher film. They won’t see it in theaters showing the martial arts action film “The Forbidden Kingdom” or prior to any James Bond movie – also rated PG-13.

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Awards
ITD nominated for plethora of honors
ITD might have to designate a room – or perhaps build some new trophy cases – if it is success in bringing home transportation-related awards continues. A recent report to the executive outlined a plethora of nominations and pending awards from regional and national competition.
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Administration

Tolman accepts position with Department of Labor
Dave Tolman, administrator of ITD’s Division of Administration, announced this week that he has accepted a similar position with the Idaho Department of Labor. His last scheduled day at ITD will be May 16.

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In Memoriam

LeRoy Meyer passes away at age 72
A highly revered and respected former ITD district engineer Leroy Meyer passed away recently in Boise. He concluded a 38-year career by retiring as District Engineer in District 3.

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Employees
Fitness challenge begins Monday, register by May 2
In honor of the Summer Olympics, during 1996 ITD had the “Road to Atlanta;” in 200 it was the “Decathlon Down Under;” and in 204 we had the “Journey to Athens.” With the Olympics in Beijing, China, this year’s annual exercise challenge will take us to the Great Wall of China.
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ITD Mailbox
• Training proved very valuable
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Highways

Magazine writer travels scenic byways
From the air, it is hard to appreciate the virtues of highways that slice through Idaho’s vast southwest corner. Jet trails don’t do justice to the terrain and the beauty found along the network of scenic highways. But Spokane writer Linda Hagen Miller translated the visual cornucopia into words that meander through a 13-page spread in Horizon Air.
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Young child, long-time friend honored for cleanups
Cooper and John are separated by nearly five decades, but they’re united by a bond of friendship and a common concern – keeping highways free of human discards. The two neighbors were honored Thursday as the Idaho Transportation Department’s Adopt-A-Highway “group” of the year for north-central Idaho’s District 2.
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Employees
HRD announces training schedule
Human Resource Development this week announced training opportunities for ITD employees in the Treasure Valley.  The schedule will be incorporated in future editions of the Transporter as a service to employees who want to take advantage of additional training. A format will be developed that will provide better access to the schedule.
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Environment

May in Motion encourages alternative transportation
ITD employees in the Treasure Valley have an opportunity to conserve finances as well as energy by participating in the annual May in Motion campaign. Organized by the Ada County Highway District, Commuteride and Valley Regional Transit, the event encourages commuters to try alternative transportation.
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