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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Conservation League urges support for enhancements

From the Idaho Conservation League
Bikeways and pedestrian trails should be considered an integral part of transportation planning, more than 20 cities, counties, businesses and organizations around the state have told the Idaho Transportation Department.

On April 16th and 17th, the ITD Advisory Board will meet in Lewiston to discuss an almost $200 million funding shortfall. Among its alternatives, the Board will consider reduced support for the Transportation Enhancement Program.

The Transportation Enhancement Program gives Idaho communities access to funds to support bikeways and pedestrian pathways and preserve historic transportation corridors and structures. Many Idaho communities rely on this money to safely link important destinations using sidewalks or bike paths and to preserve Idaho heritage corridors like the Oregon Trail.

In the last week, 22 Idaho businesses, cities, counties and organizations have come together in support of the Transportation Enhancement Program. The organizations and municipalities include the Idaho Conservation League, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Pocatello, Nampa, Coeur d’Alene and Blaine County, among many others.

“We have successfully completed three projects under this program in the communities of Weiser, Cambridge and Council,” said Shirley Atteberry with Friends of the Weiser River Trail, Inc. “With the Enhancement Program funds we were able to upgrade the recreational trail and thereby improve the quality of life for local residents.”

Since the Enhancement Program was started in 1992, Idaho communities statewide have used almost $60 million to improve or create alternative transportation options or to restore historic corridors and train depots. The Idaho Transportation Department expects an additional $5.5 million to be spent in fiscal year 2009.

“Cities need to start thinking of ways to improve air quality in light of EPA’s new ozone standards,” said Sara Cohn, Idaho Conservation League. “This program funds community projects that give Idahoan’s transportation choices. Commuters have the option to safely ride their bikes to work rather than spend money on increasingly expensive gas. Supporting this program means supporting air quality, safe communities and Idaho’s unique quality of life.”

See related letter

Published 4-11-8