Idaho invests $100 million in local transportation projects

Idaho will commit $100 million in state funding to help pay for 48 upcoming transportation projects through a state program designed to improve local roads that have been affected by state highway projects.

Half the funding will go to large urban areas, with the rest going to small urban or rural areas of the state.

Many of the projects are ready to begin construction in 2024, according to a statement published Tuesday by Governor Brad Little’s office. The projects received grants through the state’s Strategic Initiatives Program, which state lawmakers created earlier this year.

The program directs $100 million in grants to help local jurisdictions defray local property taxes by mitigating the impact of state highway projects on local roads or economically significant local projects that require Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) help.

Topping the list of projects recommended for funding include $10 million for intersection improvements to Ustick Road in the town of Nampa west of State Highway 16. The ITD is constructing a limited-access extension of SH-16 between SH-44 and Interstate 84. Notable recent work to Ustick Road includes the construction of an overpass to support recent improvements made to I-84.

Other projects include:

$8.3 million to the town of Twin Falls for improvements to Eastland Drive, which intersects with US-30.
$8.1 million to Bonneville County Road and Bridge for corridor improvements to Iona Road near Idaho Falls. The road intersects with SH-20 and SH-26, which are slated for upcoming safety improvements.
$4.8 million for intersection improvements to Government Way in the town of Couer D’Alene.

The state received 127 applications from local governments totaling more than $293 million.

^{Strategic Partnerships, Inc.}^{can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact}^{research@spartnerships.com}^.