[Vision2020] Idaho's highway system among the nation's most cost-effective

[ttrail at moscow.com]

Constituents:

I thought this report from Mollie McCarty, ITD, about Idaho highways
would be of interest to you.

I recently attended an ITD Regional Meeting in Lewiston.  Stimulus
monies this year accounted for $150 million for Idaho highways and also
created 2,880 jobs.  Funding from Garvey Bonds totaled about $200 million
and regular state funding $300 million.  Over $50 million was saved
on stimulus funding with low bids and these savings are going to be
used to improve more roads in the state.

This year no increases in the gas tax will be asked for nor any
increases in registration fees.  Revenues are projected to be down
by about $5 million and some staff will be reduced because of the
5% holdback.  Idaho may qualify for $175 million in new stimulus
funds this coming year and if successful about $40 million would go
to local highway districts.  We also learned that the airlines
industry in Idaho is a $2.1 billion dollar operation and accounts
for more than 20,000 jobs.

Rep. Tom Trail