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Draft of STIP available

Limited copies of ITD’s five-year construction guide – the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) are available to preview, although it still awaits federal approval.

The STIP, a spiral-bound publication about the size of a telephone book, identifies approximately $1 billion in transportation-related projects planned for construction through the year 2011, plus those planned for the first two years of the connecting Idaho program as authorized by the Idaho Legislature.

Sonna Lynn Fernandez, who produced the STIP for the Division of Planning and Programming, said the document is substantially complete and expects few, if any, revisions by the Federal Highway Administration. Final approval and full distribution is expected in January.

The STIP lists projects by highway route and location that are planned for each of the department's six administrative districts. It identifies projected years for right-of-way acquisition, preliminary engineering and construction as well as estimated project costs. The document also lists construction projects on the state highway system, highway districts and cities, and includes aeronautics, public transportation and highway safety.

Production of the STIP is a year-round process that relies on extensive public involvement and input from transportation stakeholders, explains Fernandez. Contributors include: metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), elected city and county officials, constituent groups, and concerned citizens. Input helps the Idaho Transportation Board prioritize projects and identify new improvements to meet the needs of Idaho travelers.