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Governor's transportation funding task force
creates public transportation subcommittee

As the Governor’s Task Force for Modernizing Transportation Funding works to build a clear picture of transportation needs across Idaho, public transportation will now have the opportunity to be a main topic of discussion. On February 8th, Lt. Governor Little announced the Governor’s Task Force for Modernizing Transportation Funding is creating a Public Transportation Subcommittee.

The Public Transportation Subcommittee will report to the full task force on the current challenges, strategies and goals of the public transportation system in Idaho. Subcommittee members are: David Bennion, Senator Shawn Keough, Senator Chuck Winder, Representative Marv Hagadorn, Representative Bill Killen, Representative Leon Smith, and Valley County Commissioner Gordon Cruickshank. David Bennion will act as the Chair of the Subcommittee.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the mobility plans that local networks have developed to be shared,” said Heather Wheeler, Executive Director of the Community Transportation Association of Idaho (CTAI)

“Strategies outlined in the 17 local network plans clearly demonstrate where the priorities lie in each transportation district. CTAI will work to ensure that local mobility needs are presented to the subcommittee as they work to find long-term solutions to Idaho’s transportation funding challenges.”

Across the state providers, citizens, agencies, and advocates are partnering, collaborating and finding ways to more efficiently use existing resources through the local planning process. Improved funding options will allow the strategies outlined to take shape and the vision of a truly multi-modal system of connected travel options in Idaho will become reality.

“Creation of the subcommittee demonstrates that Governor Otter and Lt. Governor Little are placing an importance on improving public transportation options, which is very encouraging,” said Wheeler.