Idaho Legislative Transportation News

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Governor Little's Transportation Plan

2023 State of the State Address

On Monday, January 9, Governor Brad Little proposed another strong commitment to addressing the needs for local infrastructure as a part of his Idaho First plan.

Gov. Little stated, “Investing in local roads and bridges IS property tax relief. Last year, we put nearly half a billion dollars into local roads, bridges, and airports… And we did it without raising taxes or fees. That buys us not just property tax relief but safer roads, less drive time, and less congestion.”

The Governor’s proposed budget includes:

$200 million | Local Idaho Leading Bridge Program
$206 million | Maintenance needs (60%/40%, state/local)
$100 million | Economically significant local transportation projects
$96.8 million | Safety and capacity improvements (60%/40%, state/local)
$10 million | Children Pedestrian Safety Program

We are looking forward to collaborating with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and our state and local partners to continue improving strategies and investments that will have a positive and lasting impact on Idaho’s transportation system.

Click Here to View the Idaho First Plan Budget Highlights

Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program

In 2022, the Idaho State Legislature appropriated $200 million for the Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) Program, to repair or replace bridges 20’+ in length on the local highway system. To be eligible, bridges had to be in poor condition or posted for load weight limits. As of spring 2022, a total of 404 bridges were eligible for the LILB Program.

The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is responsible for administering the program and received 221 applications for the LILB Program. In total, 95% of the jurisdictions with eligible bridges applied. The LHTAC Council and Idaho Transportation Board reviewed and approved rankings of the applications, you may click here to see the rankings and projects that have been approved for funding.

Currently, 130 high priority projects have been approved for funding to begin construction and development. LHTAC estimates that an additional $520 million is needed to bring the remaining 274 bridges on the local system into fair condition without weight restrictions.

The Governor’s proposed FY23-24 budget includes an additional $200 million for the LILB Program to further improve Idaho's local highway system by repairing and replacing bridges that are in dire need. Continuing to fund these bridge projects will improve public safety and ensure commerce can be transported throughout the state for generations to come.

Mormon Road Bridge, Camas County

Crews replaced the heavily deteriorated timber bridge with a pre-fabricated steel bridge and added guardrails for safety in the fall of 2022. This construction-ready bridge was funded thanks to the

Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program.

National Transportation News

Building a Better Transportation Future -

USDOT RD&T Strategic Plan

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) released the Department’s priorities and strategies for the next 5+ years. The plan focuses- on safety; economic strength and global competitiveness; equity; climate and sustainability; and transformation. Click here to review the fact sheets.

Traffic Crashes Cost America $340 Billion in 2019

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new report, “The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019” estimated that one year of crashes killed 36,500 people, injured 4.5 million, and damaged 23 million vehicles – costing the American society $340 billion. Click here to review the study.

Idaho's Transportation Committees

After the recent election, there are many new members of both the Senate and House Transportation Committees. Click on the buttons below to view the current committee members, download meeting agendas, virtually tune into meetings, and much more.

Senate Transportation Committee

House Transportation Committee

How to Contact Your Legislator

There are several ways to contact your legislators!

Click the button to find out who your representative is. It's easy, just put in your address and receive their contact information.

Find My Legislator

Send them an email directly, or contact the Legislative Information Center. They will take a message to your legislator.

E-mail: idleginfo@lso.idaho.gov (session only)

E-mail must contain the sender’s name and address. To help us forward your message appropriately, please include your legislator’s name and/or legislative district.

Phone Numbers: (session only)

Local: 208-332-1000

Toll Free: 800-626-0471

Hearing Impaired: 800-626-0471

Upcoming IAHD Events

IAHD's 5th Annual Day at the Capitol Event

February 2, 2023 | Capitol Building

Idaho's Local Transportation Convention

October 31 - November 2, 2023 | Boise Centre

Questions about legislation?

Contact IAHD's Executive Director, Nick Veldhouse

(208) 602-2578 or nickveldhouse@iahd.com