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Board to consider right-of-way preservation
study for Idaho 44 and 16

The Idaho Transportation Board Wednesday will consider a request from District 3 staff to add a project in FY05 to the State Highway Development Program.

The board will meet in the auditorium at ITD Headquarters beginning at 2:30 p.m. The meeting will run through the afternoon. Thursday’s agenda includes an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by regular board items and a concluding luncheon at noon.

District 3 is conducting corridor planning studies for both Idaho 16 from Eagle to Emmett and Idaho 44 (Interstate 84 to Star). Originally, an interchange was contemplated where the highways intersect, however its configuration was unclear. That led to discussions of an at-grade intersection.

A significant increase in growth and development near the proposed intersection has occurred, and significant commercial development is expected to follow. The commercial improvements would preclude future development of an interchange.

Because it is believed that construction of an interchange or at least the preservation of right-of-way for a future interchange is necessary, District 3 staff will request a right-of-way preservation study, anticipated to cost $378,000.

Other board agenda items:

Snake River Crossing Environmental Impact Statement, District 4
Twin Falls area officials are pursuing the concept of an additional Snake River crossing. The local organizations were successful in securing a $1.49 million federal Bridge Discretionary award for an environmental study to select a route for the proposed crossing. However, identifying the needed match for federal funds has been difficult.

The Greater Twin Falls Area Transportation Committee asked the transportation board in July for assistance with the matching funds.

The board’s Subcommittee on Adjustments to the State Highway System considered the request at its November meeting. The subcommittee recommended approval of $250,000 of state funds for the remaining match.

Collection of Past Due Accounts
Each quarter, the board reviews the list of returned checks, and is asked to approve write-off for those accounts over $1,000 that are considered uncollectable. To help the board understand the overall process, Revenue Operations Manager George Walter will explain to the board the process for collecting past due accounts.

Motor Carrier Advisory Committee
For some time, the Board has ended the year with a joint luncheon meeting with the Motor Carrier Advisory Committee. These meetings provide opportunities for board members to learn about issues and challenges in the trucking industry and to visit informally with the members of the advisory committee.

The luncheon will begin at approximately noon.