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Board considers highway district's efforts
to identify alternative funding

Like the majority of state transportation agencies, Ada County Highway District (ACHD) does not have sufficient resources to address all of its infrastructure needs. So ACHD, according to Wayne Forrey, Funding Facilitator, is exploring funding options.

Forrey outlined for the Idaho Transportation Board this week some of the options ACHD is considering to continue operating the county-wide transportation system in southwestern Idaho. The board held its December meeting at ITD Headquarters in Boise Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

Not only is it looking for innovative revenue sources, but it is also in the process of an agency-wide efficiency audit. ACHD wants to improve efficiency and project delivery.
Some funding alternatives the district is considering include bike fees, public/private signage, and toll facilities, which were proposed by a Capital Investment Citizens Advisory Committee.

Additionally, citizen input indicates support to increase vehicle registration fees, establish reversible lanes, expand Commuterride, pursue alternate franchise funding and establish a local option gas tax.

ACHD is placing a strong emphasis on partnerships, including private foundations because transportation is a vital component of a healthy economy, Forrey said. He also acknowledged the importance of working with ITD on funding initiatives and thanked ITD Director Dave Ekern for providing leadership in identifying alternative transportation funding.

Accounts to be written off
Revenue Operations Manager George Walter explained ITD’s procedures for uncollectible accounts. The majority of accounts that are written-off are from damage claims, permits, audit fees, old mileage tax, new payment plans and returned checks. Accounts that are 90 days in arrears are submitted to a collection agency.

ITD averages a 25 percent collection rate on those past-due accounts. Generally, .25 of 1 percent, or just over $140,000 of ITD’s accounts, is submitted to collection agencies annually. After four years, accounts of less than $1,000 are submitted to the Administrative Services Division Administrator for write-off. Accounts exceeding $1,000 require board approval to be written-off.

Funding projects
The transportation board also approved funding for two highway projects. The first is an interchange study at the intersections of Idaho 16 and Idaho 44 in District 3. This project will address future traffic issues at that location because of anticipated growth and development.

The board also approved funding assistance for the Snake River Canyon Crossing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in District 4. The department is collaborating with several public organizations in the Twin Falls area by providing some of the match requirements for the federal Bridge Discretionary funds locals receive for the EIS.