Time is running out for public comment on the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which identifies and allocates approximately $1 billion in transportation-related projects. The program lays out project prioritization for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
Idaho Transportation Department will accept public comment through Wednesday, Aug. 3.
"We are most interested in public comment on new projects," said Patti Raino, Intermodal Planning Manager for the Idaho Transportation Department. "However, comment on prioritization of current projects or suggestions for new projects is also welcome."
Most of the proposed projects will not affect Blaine County residents on their daily commutes. Rather, the projects would significantly alter highways connecting the Wood River Valley with Twin Falls and Boise.
The four main proposed projects are slated for the Interstate Highway 85 corridor outside of Glenns Ferry. The projects seek to resurface and remark the roadway because of moisture infiltration damage within the asphalt. If approved, the projects will begin in 2009. To help mitigate the effects on traffic, the projects would be phased in over four years, costing just under $2 million and culminating in 2012.
Several additional projects are slated for state Highway 75 in and south of the Wood River Valley as well as on U.S. Highway 20 between Carey and Mountain Home.
The production of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is a year-round process that relies on extensive public involvement and input from transportation stakeholders, including municipal planning organizations, elected city and county officials, constituent groups and concerned citizens, said Sonna Lynn Fernandez, senior transportation planner for ITD.
A comprehensive list of proposed and ongoing transit projects is available on the Idaho Transportation Department's Web site, as is a comment sheet and contact information for Blaine County citizens.
In addition to project-related information, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program documents also provide information on the Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Program (GARVEE), a construction program that will rely on bonds paid by future federal allocations. The GARVEE program enabled ITD to expedite projects in key Idaho corridors.
The five-year planning document also provides information on transportation funding and conclusions of the Forum on Transportation Investment, an independent initiative to identify alternatives
The Idaho Transportation Department will review the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, public comments and recommendations, and will make a final decision this fall.
Copies of the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program are available at itd.idaho.gov. From there go to "Get Involved," then to "FY 2008 DRAFT STIP."
