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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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JFAC recommends approval of $246 million
for GARVEE projects in six corridors

The Joint Appropriations and Finance Committee Wednesday authorized ITD and its bonding agent to issue $246 million in GARVEE bonds to fund transportation projects in six corridors during fiscal year 2008.

Following nearly an hour of discussion, members settled on the middle of three similar proposals. The highest of the three would have funded the department’s request of $264 million and provided an additional $23 million for projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program that would have been affected by GARVEE debt service. The total would have been $287 million.

The other proposal would have authorized $211 million.

During discussions of all three JFAC proposals, members expressed their confidence in the transportation board and department to appropriately administer GARVEE projects.

“I appreciate their comments about the abilities of our staff and the balanced approach our board members take in addressing statewide demands,” said ITD Director Pam Lowe. “We have very capable people in the department, and I believe the discussion showed an awareness of that expertise.”

Funding is limited to the same six corridors that were identified in the 2006 GARVEE legislation:

  • U.S. 95, Garwood to Sagel, Kootenai and Bonner counties, $23 million
  • U.S. 95, Worley North, Kootenai County, $12 million
  • Idaho 16, Junction of I-84 to Idaho 44, $17 million
  • I-84, Caldwell to Meridian, $126 million
  • Orchard to Isaacs Canyon, $28 million
  • U.S. 30, McCammon to Lava Hot Springs, $40 million

JFAC’s approval included a provision that allows the transportation board to shift funds among those projects as necessary, with limitations.

“…the Idaho Transportation Board has the authority to adjust GARVEE bond proceeds allocated among the projects as listed… provided that such an adjustment is necessary due to unanticipated reasons or circumstances or to accommodate federally approved alternative and innovative approaches to the overall project development process,” according to Section 8 of the funding bill.

Other important provisions of the JFAC action included:

  • ITD and the transportation board cannot increase the scope, add specific projects, or extend or enlarge the projects in the six specified corridors.
  • ITD and the board “are urged to establish an extension of the GARVEE Program Management Services agreement.”
  • The GARVEE bonds are to be issued on an “as needed” basis, determined by the transportation board, “in the amount approximately, but not mandatorily, one-half the total amount authorized.” The purpose was to delay debt service on additional bonding until the funds are ready to be expended for construction, right-of-way acquisition or other project-related costs.
  • JFAC listed construction as the highest priority for the use of GARVEE-supported funds, followed by right-of-way acquisition and “other necessary project-related costs.”
  • To the extent possible and practical, ITD was asked to perform project-related work within the department.
  • Bonds authorized for FY08 must be issued no later than June 30, 2008.
  • Approval authorizes the transfer of up to $7 million from the State Highway Account to the GARVEE debt service fund to pay the state’s match for federal funds committed to debt service for FY08.

JFAC’s approval also includes the intent that ITD will submit reports on the progress of GARVEE projects by Sept. 30 each year.

Published 3-16-07