Untitled Document

March 2010

Infrared camera catches sign thieves in act
There’s not a lot of traffic at 11:16 p.m. on U.S. 93, about 44 miles north of Salmon. And if someone wanted to snatch a “Welcome to Idaho” sign from the Idaho-Montana state line, just before midnight might be the opportune time. Or maybe not.
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JFAC approves, recommends passage of ITD budget
The Joint Appropriation-Finance Committee (JFAC) last week approved and forwarded with a “do pass” recommendation an ITD budget of $483,657,200 million for the coming fiscal year. That amount is nearly $20 million less than what Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter proposed as part of the state budget in his January message to the Legislature. Most of the reduction ($18,550,800) came from contract construction to reflect intent of HB 457.
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New software helps simplify vehicle dealer data reports
The Motor Vehicles Division wanted a database – driven solution to track public requests about automobile dealers. What it got was a software solution that far exceeded expectations. A coalition of DMV and Enterprise Technology Services representatives gathered this week to put the finishing touches on a three-month project that streamlines interaction between ITD and auto dealers.
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Federal grant will help train wounded veterans
ITD and the Idaho Department of Labor are collaborating in a project that will help veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan find meaningful employment in the transportation field. Michelle George of ITD’s Human Resource Services office, and Chris Ramos of the Department of Labor wrote the application that resulted in a $99,300 grant from the Federal Highway Administration. Michael Caliendo, a program analyst and civil rights specialist for the FHWA office in Idaho, assisted with the grant application.
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Pilfered sign returned to its home
Idaho has been rediscovered. Or least a welcome sign greeting travelers from Montana has been. The large sign greeting travelers on U.S. 93 headed into Idaho was returned Feb. 23 in much the same way it was removed late last month. Thieves swiped the large reflective sign under the cloak of darkness. Three individuals pulled to the side of the road, removed four bolts holding it to 4-x-4 posts, put it in the back of a pickup truck and drove away.
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New Rideshare Web site improves 'pooling' rides
More than 1,230 Idahoans take advantage of Idaho’s free rideshare program – RideshareOnline.com. This week, the ride-matching experience just got better, thanks to the launch of a new Web site. Both individuals seeking ride matches and organizations managing regional or internal employee programs will be better able to personalize, track and manage their Rideshare matches through the new system.
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Legislative leaders embrace director's vision for ITD
The chairs of the Idaho Senate and House transportation committees praised the vision to improve the Idaho Transportation Department outlined today (Wednesday) by Director Brian W. Ness. “Under the new leadership I’ve seen dramatic improvement already at ITD. I applaud the director’s vision and look forward to working with him to successfully implement it,” said Senator John McGee, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Representative JoAn Wood, who chairs the House Transportation and Defense Committee, said she also has been impressed by Ness’ leadership and vision.
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JFAC recommends new bonding authority
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) recently recommended authorizing the department to sell $12 million in new GARVEE bonds in Fiscal Year 2011. That recommendation goes to the House and Senate for final approval. Legislative approval of continued bonding authority for the GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) Program will allow ITD to move forward with right of way purchase for the Idaho 16 corridor.
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Pavement monitoring experts move to Division of Highways
ITD Deputy Director Scott Stokes this week announced a realignment of several Division of Transportation Planning staff members to support the department’s efforts to improve pavement management decisions. Stokes said five individuals who have a wealth of expertise and knowledge in pavement inventory will be assigned to the Division of Highways
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Transit option available on 511 system
Idaho’s bus riders have a new online source for real-time transit information with the launch of 511 Transit – a new enhancement to the state’s 511 Traveler’s Services System, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The new 511 Transit system, found at 511.idaho.gov, will debut with online schedule and route information for Citylink (Kootenai and Benewah counties), START Bus (Teton County), Pocatello Regional Transit and Northwestern Trailways.
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