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ITD outlines budget plan to
'grow' system in FY06

Transportation development and services in Idaho is a big business. More than $760 million will be managed by all levels of government in Idaho during Fiscal Year 2006. ITD will manage almost 60 percent of that revenue in one way or another.

Over the past nine months we have worked with department staff, the transportation board and the governor to craft a strong request for consideration by the Legislature. This request “grows the program,” maintains our commitment to operations and personnel support, and will continue our move to make ITD a leader in the nation as a 21st Century DOT.

The budget presentation outlines an ambitious agenda for FY06 – one that we believe will position the Idaho Transportation Department for a robust and exciting future.

Our request represents an overall investment and service growth of approximately 12 percent from FY05, based on solid projections of sustained growth throughout Idaho – and without raising new state taxes. We are asking legislative approval of $477.8 million, of which approximately 88 percent will be committed to maintaining and improving the state’s highway system (contract construction, right-of-way acquisition and highway operations).

Included in the request is $284 million for highway, airport and public transportation improvement. This represents an increase of approximately $42.5 million over this year’s appropriation of $241.6 million. Funding for highway services and operations would increase from $130 million to $136.9 million.

The governor’s proposed budget for ITD represents:
• $284 million – Contract Construction and Right-of-Way Acquisition
• $3.4 million – Aeronautics
• $4.2 million – Public Transportation
• $136.9 million – Highway Operations
• $21.7 million – Management and Administrative Services
• $18.2 million – Motor Vehicles
• $5.5 million – Planning
• $3.9 million – Capital Facilities

We are pleased that performance of our transportation system remains strong and that ITD continues to be among the national leaders in terms of efficiency. A recent report ranks the department in the top 10 for its stewardship of public funds. That is a positive reflection on each of you and your commitment to providing safe, reliable transportation options for Idaho.