ITD budget
Revenue review a continual process
Budget holdbacks announced last week by Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter will not directly impact the transportation department because its revenue is not derived from the state’s general fund. But the economic conditions that prompted Otter to ask most state agencies to reduce their budget 1 percent similarly affect ITD.
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Highways
Two overpasses tumble in one evening
A big, and necessary, step in the eventual expansion of Interstate 84 between the Garrity Interchange in Nampa and the Meridian Interchanges occurred with a crash Friday (Sept. 26) when crews demolished both the Robinson Boulevard and Black Cat Road bridges over the freeway. Initially, only Robinson was scheduled to be removed Friday night , but the work was accomplished in one night to maximize public convenience.
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Wind turbine base crashes into overpass
Components of a wind turbine tower being transported on Interstate 86 recently failed to clear an overpass near Pocatello, resulting in significant damage to one of the structure’s stringers. The crash occurred at about 4:50 p.m. on Sept. 25, about 40 miles east of the junction with I-84.
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New foremen attend Maintenance Academy, Level 3
New ITD maintenance foremen from throughout the state recently participated in department training designed to help them better navigate maintenance policies, procedures and reference materials. The Maintenance Academy Level 3 training was an intensive three-day program offered in Boise that featured 18 presenters and covered 16 different topics.
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Project development
Two-day conference scheduled for April
ITD announced last week the 2009 Project Development Conference (itd.idaho.gov/pdc09) will be April 7, 8 at the Boise Centre on the Grove. It will focus on practical solutions for growing transportation needs. The conference is a two-day symposium covering a variety of topics appropriate for individuals responsible for planning, designing, constructing and maintaining Idaho’s roadway systems.
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Employees
ITD team defeated in softball championship
Saturday proved to be a good day for Road Warriors, but an even better one for a band of delinquents. One of ITD’s two teams competing in the 2008 Fall State Employees Softball Tournament advanced to the championship game where they lost to the “Delinquents” from Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.
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The time to be generous
In many cases, the faces are not familiar. They represent parents, grandparents and children; unemployed and under-employed; home owners, renters and the homeless. Their needs often are simple, yet overpowering. The time to help them take a step toward a better life is never more important than during the current economic downturn.
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Accolades
Scenic Byways Web site claims national honor
Idaho’s 27 scenic byways tell a story of the varied history, terrain and beauty of the intermountain northwest in Idaho. The transportation department and its Scenic Byways program needed an equally impressive way to promote the byways. Their solution, the department’s graphically enhanced Web site (www.idahobyways.gov ), gained national recognition recently, capturing first place at the National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop in Nashville.
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Partners
NIATT's Michael Kyte to step down
Dr. Michael Kyte, director of the National Institute for Advancement of Transportation Technology, based at the University of Idaho, recently announced plans to leave the position next year.
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Highway safety
Campaign urges driving safely to and from work
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, a national advocacy organization, promotes Oct. 6-10 as Drive Safely Work Week. In its 12th year, the national campaign encourages public and private partners to promote safe driving to and from work as well as at work.
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Who are you sharing the highway with?
While you may be alone in your car, you’re never alone on the road. Motorists share the road with a wide array of vehicles -- cars, bicycles, vans, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and buses.  Motorists also share the road with a legion of fellow travelers who have a range of driving skills, experiences, personalities, habits and idiosyncrasies.
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In memoriam
Lane in Hailey named for late ITD foreman
The short street leading to ITD's Hailey Maintenance Station isn’t anything significant. In fact, it’s probably better known for also leading to an Idaho Power Company facility. But it now bares the name of an ITD foreman killed by a drunk driver in 1974.
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Our sympathy
Members of the ITD community wish to express their condolences to Transportation Board Chairman Darrell Manning and his family following the recent death of their son.

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The bottom line
• Weight a minute… help is on the way
• Dates announced for flu shots in Boise
• Mammography services offered Nov. 7, Dec. 9
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Published previously

Idaho and the economy

Governor calls for 1 percent agency holdbacks
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter ordered a 1-percent state budget holdback today (Sept. 26), directing state agencies to reduce their spending immediately – just three months into the new fiscal year – in response to forecasts indicating revenue may fall more than $174 million below what was projected last winter.
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PERSI funds said to be stable
The Board of Directors for the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) wants to reassure members and retirees that despite recent market volatility, it remains a stable and secure fund. “Although the stock market plunge has shaken the stability of the financial system and hurt many public pension funds, including PERSI, I want to assure our members that their retirement is safe,” says PERSI Retirement Board Chairman Jody Olson.
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Transportation board
Report outlines potential effects of ozone 'non-attainment'
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Toni Hardesty presented a report on potential fallout from increasing ozone levels when she spoke via teleconference to the Idaho Transportation Board, meeting last week (Sept. 17) in Pocatello. Her report focused on the Treasure Valley’s three-year ozone average that may force the region into non-attainment status under federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
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Modernism in architecture
Conference explores architectural treasures
Imagine discussion surrounding a Wal-Mart building’s historic and cultural value. For Dan Everhart, architectural historian with ITD, it is no longer if that discussion will ever happen, simply when.  About 100 participants began preparing themselves for such a time by attending a two-day conference on mid-20th century architecture held Sept. 4-5 at ITD Headquarters.
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Employees
Two administrative rules implemented, explained
Two temporary administrative rule changes were implemented in August related to the length of time that state agencies can retain employees after extended illnesses and state policy on time away from the workplace for medical appointments. The Division of Human Resources announced the changes Aug. 20. They became effective four days later under emergency status and will be reviewed by the Legislature next year.
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Eight-week health assessment offered
Health Matters, the State Employee Wellness Program, will launch an eight-week campaign next month encouraging participation in an online personal health assessment (PHA). Also known as a health risk appraisal PHA is a confidential, simple health questionnaire that gives employees a free, customized report about what they are doing that is health wise and where they could make beneficial changes.
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HRD training schedule
	Oct. 28-30	Basic Communication
	Nov. 18-20	Intermediate Communication
	Dec. 9-11	Introduction to Supervision
This schedule represents training classes available at Headquarters. For schedules at specific districts, please contact your EST or refer to the training calendar.