Untitled Document

ITD Mailbox

Thanks for promoting organ donor program

Pamela Lowe,
Director, Idaho Transportation Department

Pamela,

It was great to meet you on April 1 when we had our media event at ITD Headquarters. I thought it went off very nicely and I really appreciate all of your help and kind comments.

I would like to take this opportunity to compliment Ed Pemble and Jeff Stratten for all of their help in making this happen. Because of their assistance, the organ donation message got out to a huge number of people that day. On a regular day-to-day basis, everyone I have the pleasure of interacting with at ITD has always been great. You truly have a wonderful staff throughout the organization.

Thanks again for all you do! If you ever have any questions, or if I can be of assistance in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Alex McDonald
Director, Public Education/Public Relations
Intermountain Donor Services

ITD helps address Moscow’s unique transportation needs

Idaho Transportation Board,

Thank you for your commitment to preserving and enhancing the efficiency and safety of Idaho’s transportation system. We appreciate your willingness to include the city of Moscow on your agenda for this District 2 tour. Our community enjoys an excellent working relationship with ITD District Engineer Jim Carpenter and his professional and responsive staff.

As you know, Moscow is unique in District 2. Our interest in non-motorized transportation and public transit amenities is probably greater than most of our counterparts. Moscow is among the top 1 percent in the nation in bike-to-work commuting. University of Idaho Sustainable Transportation Engineering professor Mike Kyte has earned accolades for the National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT) housed there. Our region has put ITD enhancement projects to excellent use as we expand the network and popularity of non-motorized transportation trails, including the recently completed Latah Trail between Moscow and Troy.

Moscow’s unique needs are also apparent as we contemplate our role in Idaho Mobility Access Pathway (IMAP) Region 2A. Ridership on Moscow Valley Transit continues to set records, even as fuel prices have fallen. Residents use the bus to commute to and from outlying smaller rural communities for jobs, medical care, shopping, recreation and entertainment. The transit provider has worked closely with various cooperators, including the city of Moscow, Latah County, rural communities, the University of Idaho, Wheatland Express, ITD, Easter Seals Project Action, federal agencies, grantors and others to stitch together a modest, but functional, patchwork. Still, the demand exists for extra routes, longer hours, more days of service each week, etc., even as funding is short.

Our community transportation needs include:

Completion of the 4-way signalized intersection and pedestrian crosswalk at Peterson Drive and Highway 8 adjacent to the University of Idaho
Reinstatement of Enhancement Projects or equivalent to expand bicycle-pedestrian-wheelchair amenities
Growing the Complete Streets concept, routinely including bike lanes, landscaping, integration with land use planning
LED signal light retrofits
Anticipating transportation needs associated with development of an industrial park, likely in the vicinity of Highway 95 South and Palouse River Drive
Providing pedestrian amenities, including pedestrian-actuated flashing yellow lights at White Avenue on Highway 8 and at Styner Avenue/Lauder Street and Highway 95
Locating a park-and-ride facility to support public transit

As you consider strategic investment of transportation resources, please keep in mind Moscow’s unique and pressing circumstances. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to visit District 2.

Nancy Chaney,
Mayor, City of Moscow