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Elected officials, citizens provide input
during series of statewide funding conferences

Elected officials and citizens throughout Idaho expressed a sincere interest in the transportation system and developing additional resources to fund improvements when they participated in a series of statewide conferences the past month.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter called for the conferences to explain the growing local and statewide funding shortfall, estimated to be $240 million annually. Meetings have been held in six Idaho cities – Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls – beginning July 14.

More than 800 people attended the first six meetings. A concluding session is planned Tuesday evening following discussions with U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and national transportation officials in Boise. (See separate story.)

Transportation funding discussions led to the completion of 167 survey forms, 77 comment forms, 85 e-mail comments, 10 formal letters and 46 responses supporting alternative transportation.

The largest of the six statewide sessions was the kickoff conference at The College of Idaho where 233 people turned out for presentations.

As part of the series, staff members from the governor’s office and the transportation department met with legislators to discuss funding needs and options. More than 110 people attended legislative sessions, including most of the state’s lawmakers.

Of the respondents who submitted survey forms, 109 indicated that Idaho’s road and bridge funding problems should be a very important issue in the 2009 Legislative session. Twenty-two respondents ranked transportation funding as one of the top three issues facing the state.

Responding to whether they would support raising additional revenue to fund road and bridge improvements, 160 responded yes, only seven indicated no and three people failed to answer. Of those who support additional revenue, 69 said they favor increasing gas/fuel taxes, one person suggested an additional tax on “gas-guzzling” vehicles, one advocated a recreational vehicle tax, five opposed an increase in fuel tax, and 54 did not comment on a possible fuel tax increase.

Random thoughts from the conferences:

Nez Perce County farmer: “I think the most equitable tax is the gas tax. I would recommend a 10-cent per gallon (increase) tax.”
Moscow resident: “I don’t like an increase in taxes. I think you should consider an increase in the registration fees.”
Coeur d’Alene attendee: “Are trucks paying their fair share? We have two interstates that cross Idaho, Interstate 90 being one of them. Are we getting any fees from these trucks?”
Idaho Falls elected official: “I’d be interested in seeing how much money is spent in this part of the state, versus statewide.”
Idaho Falls citizen: “I think a user-based system makes the most sense to me. I don’t understand the $240 million deficit. I think creating a context would be helpful.”
Idaho Falls commercial truck operator: “We can appreciate what you need to do to fix the roads. We depend on those roadways. We’re very much in support of user-based systems… those who use the highways more should pay more.
Bicycle advocate: “Bicycle and pedestrian projects are not a luxury, as some people imply. The fairest way to raise taxes is to raise the gas tax. It’s a user-tax. Drive less, pay less.”
Pocatello Chamber of Commerce member: “I appreciate your bi-partisan support. The list of potential funding sources needs to be long and comprehensive. We need to make sure we have the money to fund local projects.”
County commissioner: “I’m opposed to an increase in registration fees. An option tax wouldn’t do us too much good. I think using smaller trucks to clear roads (reducing fuel costs) and finding others sources of oil (such as shale).”
Pocatello citizen: “I thought the governor’s $150 registration fee was a good idea. It’s a connection fee.