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Idaho Transportation
Department

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P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
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Panel explores long-term transportation needs

Faced with a tripling in mileage to be traveled within the state's boundaries by the year 2020, 40 Idahoans met in Boise Monday to launch a state Forum on Transportation Investment (FTI). The panel, which is to meet several times over the next year at locations across the state, will explore the state's transportation needs, investments required to meet them, and funding options.

The group, including some of the state's top economic leaders and strategic thinkers, opened its deliberations with a news conference that received extensive coverage. AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley then addressed the panel, followed by demographics expert John Luthy.

"Much of Idaho's future will be written by the decisions made in the next few years – decisions that are hard to make," said ITD Director David Ekern. "They must be made carefully, addressing the state's transportation issues holistically and with a clear understanding of the many elements contributing to our mobility."

"The mountain states are the fastest-growing region in the country," Horsley said. "They're just booming – as a consequence, their transportation needs are going through the roof.

"This grassroots effort is a good model for how to reach consensus on how to meet those needs," Horsley said.

With total car, truck and bus travel expected to reach two billion miles by 2020 – a figure expected to double again two decades after that – the group hopes to address near-term concerns while keeping the long-range view in mind. It expects to explore such questions as:

  • How will the state's transportation system meet that dramatic growth?
  • What kind of investments need to be made to keep Idaho moving?
  • How should the improvements be funded? With more hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles being driven, Idaho's traditional source of transportation funding, the gas tax, will bring in less revenue.

Organizational support for the forum is being provided by the partnership of Tom Warne – a former AASHTO President and former Utah DOT Executive Director – and Dwight Bower, former ITD director.

Warne told forum participants that citizens want to play an active role in planning their own destinies when it comes to transportation. "Openness and listening will be key to this study's success," Warne said.

Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Chuck Winder agreed, and challenged citizens of the state to be prepared for some difficult decisions. "Idahoans have a vision for what they want their transportation system to be," he said. "It is our responsibility to look at new and innovative ways to realize that vision."

The forum will examine highway, rail and transit issues in Idaho. The group will:

  • Examine, document and assess Idaho's transportation needs through 2030 including those already documented by state and local government;
  • Investigate current and potential future transportation finance tools and assess their viability;
  • Recommend actions and policies that will assist Idaho in achieving its future transportation vision; and
  • Submit a final report to the Idaho Transportation Board.

Photos: (Top) The Treasure Valley media turned out in force to learn about ITD's statewide initiative; (bottom) Transportation Board Chairman Chuck Winder answered questions about anticipated outcomes of the forum.

 

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