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Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
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Ehancement program to be presented
to transportation board

ITD staff will provide a historic overview of the federal Transportation Enhancement Program to board members when they assemble for their monthly meeting next week in Boise.

The enhancement program was established in the federal transportation act in 1992. ITD’s program is intended to preserve and create more livable communities where roads blend with the natural, social and cultural environment, or to “enhance” the transportation experience.

Some of the 12 types of projects eligible for enhancement funding include: pedestrian and bicycle facilities; landscaping and other scenic beautifications; rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities; acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites; and establishment of transportation museums.

The board has approved 176 projects, representing an approximate total of $75 million, since the program was introduced in Idaho. That total includes the commitment of $57 million in federal aid and leverages another $25 million in state and local investment. Most of the Idaho projects have been for bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

The program is popular among local government agencies, which use enhancement funds to improve the quality of life for their citizens.

Other board discussions

Annual Reports
A number of annual reports will be presented to the board Wednesday, the first day of the two-day meeting in the Headquarters Auditorium.

Highlights of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) – External Programs include:

The EEO – Internal Programs report includes hiring goals and employment statistics. In the “professionals” job category, there are 393 employees, with 13 minority males and 95 females currently in those positions. Based on the 2000 census data, three additional minority males and 47 females are needed.

In the “skilled craft” category, of the 469 employees, 18 are minority males and 14 are females. Ten more minority males and three females are needed.

The Internal Programs also include EEO complaint activity. In FY05, there were nine complaints related to gender, religion, disability, age and race. This compares with eight in FY04 and seven the previous year. Additionally, two accommodations were made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Risk Management and Safety team develops and initiates the overall loss control program for the department.

Its objectives include preventing employee injuries and equipment damage; identifying hazardous work sites and practices; thorough investigation of tort claims; informing management of losses and potential losses; and providing supervisors with consultative services. In FY05, there were 809 lost work days attributed to work-related incidents. That compares to 945 in FY04.

An overview on the Wellness Program’s activities in 2005 also will be presented to the board. One of the highlights was record-setting participation in the spring fitness challenge, with 617 employees statewide accomplishing the exercise goal related to the Lewis and Clark challenge.

That represents 111 more people than ever before who completed the challenge.

District 3 won the Districts’ Best Team Participation award with 95 employees or 35 percent of staff reaching the goal. Other accomplishments of the program included employee run/walk opportunities, wellness education and the establishment of a Wellness Program Web site.

Published 3-10-06