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Board to consider budget request, STIP

The Idaho Transportation Board will begin its monthly meeting in Rigby next week by reviewing the department’s FY '08 budget proposal. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday (June 20). Federal funds for the next fiscal year are estimated at just over $300 million, and state revenue is forecast at $226.5 million.

Extensive discussions also will be held on the Connecting Idaho Program (GARVEE bonding) and Capital Investment Program as part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) update. The draft FY07-11 STIP, a five-year planning document that provides a tentative construction schedule – will be available for public review and comment between July 7 and Aug. 8.

Other board discussion

Business meeting (Wednesday, District 6 Office, Rigby)
ITD staff considered potential legislative concepts to advance during the 2007 session. Those ideas will be presented to the board at the Wednesday business meeting.

Legislation will be needed to implement the federal REAL ID Act, which addresses documents required for federal recognition of a state-issued driver’s license or identification card. Non-complying driver’s licenses or ID cards will not be recognized for any official federal purpose such as entry into airports or federal facilities. Other legislative proposals relate to variable load suspension axles, permanent registration options for trailers and driver education program permits and fees.

Late last year, District 6 Engineer Tom Cole was asked to chair a team to consider installing call boxes statewide where cell phone service is not available.

The initiative was precipitated by concerns from the Bonneville County Deputy Sheriff because cell phone coverage is unavailable in a number of locations in the district. ITD has installed call boxes on U.S. 12 and on U.S. 93.

Cole will provide an update to the board on the team’s activities. The next step will be to identify other locations and funding possibilities for additional call boxes in District 6 with the intent of making the plans and specifications available for use in other districts.

District 6 tour
Board members and ITD staff will tour the greater Idaho Falls area on Thursday (June 22). They will visit the I-15, Sunnyside Interchange construction site, travel U.S. 26 to the Clark Hill Rest Area and return to Idaho Falls on county roads and U.S. 20.

The board will conclude its District 6 visit with a public meeting on the Forum on Transportation Investment in Idaho Falls Thursday afternoon.