Department's long-range plan, 'Idaho on the Move'
to be presented to board next week
ITD representatives traveled throughout the state this fall to involve and collaborate with as many partners and citizens as possible about the department’s 20-year long-range plan.
More than 950 people participated in the process statewide. A public comment period on the plan in October and November generated the submission of 31 formal comments.
The purpose of the plan is to develop a long-range policy plan that will guide development of the department’s policies, plans, programs and investments. It also establishes three long-range goals: improve safety, enhance mobility and support Idaho’s economic vitality. The plan is not a detailed system plan or list specific projects or investments the department to consider for funding in the future.
Idaho on the Move: a Long-Range Plan to Improve Safety, Mobility, and Economic Vitality, will be presented to the Idaho Transportation Board for approval at its December meeting (Wednesday and Thursday) in Boise. If approved, the plan will be submitted to the governor’s office by the end of this month, in accordance with the governor’s executive order.
Other board discussion
Dealer Advisory Board annual report
The Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) will provide a report on its activities the past year to the to the transportation board.
The DAB increased its membership July 1, as a result of legislative action. The DAB is composed of five members representing new vehicle dealerships, four members representing used vehicle dealerships, one member representing the recreational vehicle dealership, and one member representing new and used motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle dealers. The group meets in Boise at least three times a year.
One of its activities in 2010 included researching and reviewing the dealer bond levels. There was some concern that current bond levels, which have been in place for more than 20 years, are no longer adequate. In researching other states, it was found that Idaho’s bond levels are not out of line with the requirements of other states. Some DAB members believe if bond levels are increased beyond $40,000, it would be cost-prohibitive to some of the independent dealers to remain in business.
Other mechanisms were explored to ensure that consumers can be made whole if a dealership goes out of business without transferring title or paying of previous liens or flooring contracts. A few states provide for and administer a “victim’s compensation fund” for such situations. The DAB is still evaluating that prospect and other proposals to address the dealer bond level concerns.
The DAB also concurred with the department’s recommendation to revoke the license of Auto Access Auto Sales, Inc. in Boise.
Corridor Preservation on U.S. 20/26 and Idaho 44
Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) expressed concerns with the removal of two projects from the proposed FY11-15 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Working together to address the disagreement, representatives from the two entities developed improved interagency communications protocols; negotiated mutually acceptable future financial support to sustain previous investments in those projects; and reached a better understanding on the benefits and formatting options for grouping projects in the STIP.
Staff members from both agencies will summarize the collaboration efforts at the board meeting. They also will present a request to add $50,000 in federal funding each year from FY11 through FY15 for hardship or protective buying of right-of-way for both the U.S. 20/26 and Idaho 44 Corridor Preservation projects in the Treasure Valley.
Published 12-3-2010