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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
E-mail

December 5, 2008

State economy
Gov. Otter orders additional 3 percent holdback

Continuing economic uncertainty and a further decline in tax collections prompted Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to order an additional 3 -percent state budget holdback today. He directed state agencies to further reduce their spending in light of forecasts showing the 1-percent holdback that he ordered in September still would leave this year’s revenue significantly short of what was projected last winter.

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– – – Centerline – – –

Economic downturn requires tough decisions

Wednesday Gov. Otter announced additional steps to help lead Idaho through an economic downturn that is producing less revenue than initially expected. The measures he outlined will have an impact on every state agency, all state employees and ultimately all of Idaho’s citizens.

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Budget cuts
ITD slices $9 million, reduces administrative costs
ITD is cutting its budget by $9 million and reducing administrative costs an additional $1.6 million by transferring 18 administrative positions to such critical services as bridge inspection, snow plowing, and road and bridge maintenance.
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Peer review
ASCE team identifies ITD strengths, opportunities for improvement

A team of engineers from business and government, assembled from throughout the country, recently completed a thorough review of ITD’s Division of Highways, its organization, function and support systems. The American Society of Civil Engineers peer review team found ITD employees are committed to their profession and service mission and are dedicated to improvement.
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Transportation board
Workshop to focus on strategic plan, outdoor signs

The Idaho Transportation Board will discuss the status of ITD’s strategic plan when it meets in an all-day workshop Wednesday, the day before its monthly business meeting at Headquarters. A staff presentation to the board will focus on the four focus areas of the plan: Investing in Our People; Leading through Agency Performance; Improving Customer Service; and Expanding and Enhancing Partnerships.
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Holiday messages
Remember those serving far from home
By U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo

For more than 200,000 military men and women in and around Iraq and Afghanistan, and tens of thousands deployed elsewhere around the world, the 2008 holidays will mean celebrating far from home.  It is important to find ways to reach out to them and demonstrate our gratitude for their service to our nation.

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Purchasing
Changes give districts responsibility for IT purchases
Effective this Monday (Dec. 1,) all district supply operations are allowed to purchase and receive all IT- (information technology) related items listed on the ITD-711 form. The district supply operations also are allowed to purchase and receive all IT-approved products as long as the ITD-709 form is completed and approved by the CTO or his designee.
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Gift ideas
Historic marker guide, sample plates make great gifts
Finding a quick present or unique gift idea can be challenging as the holidays approach so the Idaho Transportation Department offers a few suggestions. The historical marker guide offers a fascinating glimpse of Idaho’s rich history through the state’s 244 historical signs and their descriptions. The guide connects Idaho’s history with the state’s scenic geography, tying events and colorful personalities to specific places. To make a Christmas gift more personal, the transportation department offers sample license plates that can be customized with an individual’s name or other message.
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In Memoriam

Joseph Peagler

Joe Peagler, who was responsible for ITD’s railroad crossing program and worked at ITD for about a decade, died recently in an automobile-motorcycle crash. The linked obituary appeared in the Idaho Statesman Thursday (Dec. 4).
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Highway safety
I-84 injury crashes reduced by 50 percent
Injury crashes have been cut in half by increased work zone patrols in the I-84 corridor between the Garrity and Meridian Interchanges, ITD announced this week. The Idaho State Police (ISP), through an agreement with ITD, has increased patrols for several months in the 12-mile work zone.
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Employees
Don't let stress rob you of holiday spirit
Stress isn’t going away especially with the holiday season. Here are a some things you can do to lighten the stress load on your mind and body
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Holiday safety
Safety urged for outdoor lights, indoor cooking
Once again the season is upon us when we gather together to stay warm, cook large meals, enjoy the beauty of candle light and decorate the home with all kinds of  pine wreaths/trees, ribbons, lights and other   decorations. All of this helps to set the mood for enjoyable holiday times with friends and family. All of it  done safely  ensures that the holidays remain happy.
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Holiday shoppers warned to guard personal information
While you're busy shopping for that perfect holiday gift, criminals are also searching for a one-of-a-kind item -- your identity. Holiday shoppers should take special care to protect their identities from thieves, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). The increased spending during the holiday season provides more opportunities for criminals to steal your identity.
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ITD Mailbox
• Thanks for striping highways
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Published previously

Transportation board
Board approves requests for 'Safe Routes' funding
In 1969, 50 percent of children living within 1 mile of school walked or biked to school. In 2001, only 15 percent did. The federal Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program was established to reverse that trend, according to program representatives who spoke last week to the Idaho Transportation Board. The Safe Routes to School program was created to encourage children to walk and bicycle to school and to make that option safer
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Improved traveler services system awaits motorists
ITD introduced a number of enhancements to its 511 Traveler Services system the past year that will help motorists safely navigate changing highway and weather conditions. As part of the system upgrades, ITD also unveiled a new campaign that encourages motorists to check 511 B4 U GO, by going to the Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dialing 511 toll-free from within the state.
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Enhancements made to Web, phone systems
In an effort to continually improve the 511 Traveler Services system and respond to public needs, the Idaho Transportation Department added a number of new features to the Web site and telephone system this year. The interactive Web site – 511.idaho.gov – along with new mobile Web options and the voice-response telephone system (dial 511 within Idaho) is the primary source for winter driving conditions and provides access to similar systems in adjacent states.
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511 information available on Mobile Web devices
The Idaho Transportation Department introduced a new application of 511 Traveler Services specifically for motorists who can access the Web from their mobile device, including newer cell phones that include Web browsers. To reduce download time, and associated charges, ITD limits information available through Mobile Web to route reports and camera images.
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More cameras provide views of Idaho highways
The increasing popularity of Web cameras as a source for winter driving conditions led to major improvements of the Idaho Transportation Department’s Idaho Traveler Services system the past year.

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Winter travel in Idaho

Remember last winter? Use extra caution on highways
The harsh winter of 2007-08 provided a vivid reminder about the importance of preparing for winter travel conditions. Snow, blowing and drifting snow, winds, poor visibility and ice can make winter driving difficult in Idaho. ITD reminds drivers to use extra caution when traveling the state's highways this winter.
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Service and prepare vehicle for emergencies
Motorists can prepare for safer winter travel by keeping a simple emergency kit on hand, ITD advises drivers to carry some helpful items in the car in case of an emergency and to have vehicle in top condition for tackling winter conditions.
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Tips offered for safer winter travel
As Idaho motorists take to the roads this winter, ITD reminds drivers that a few extra precautions can make winter journeys safer.
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Studded tires legal, but highway damage can result
Motorists traveling on Idaho highways this winter can use studded tires to improve vehicle handling. The use of studded tires is legal from Oct. 1 through April 30. While it is legal to use the tires the transportation department advises against it unless extreme conditions warrant.
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HRD training schedule

  Dec. 9-11 Introduction to Supervision
  Feb. 3-5 Introduction to Supervision
  Feb. 24-26 Intermediate Communication
  March 10-12 Basic Communication
  April 14, 15 Situational Leadership
  May 12, 13 Managing Performance
  June 9-11 Intermediate Communication
This schedule represents training classes available at Headquarters. For schedules at specific districts, please contact your EST or refer to the training calendar.