Superhighways transform nation, state

This year we mark the 50th anniversary of the federal law that brought America the Interstate Highway System. This 46,508 mile web of superhighways has transformed our nation and our economy.

President Dwight Eisenhower, the founder o our nation’s Interstate System, once said “Together, the united forces of our communication and transportation systems are dynamic elements in the very name we bear – United States. Without them, we would be a mere alliance of many separate parts.”

That same sentiment holds true for Idaho today.

With the Idaho Legislature’s approval of the “Connecting Idaho” highway improvement program last year, all of Idaho’s 44 counties will benefit from a united Idaho where north, south, east and west are more than just compass points.

“Connecting Idaho” will enhance Idaho’s highways, improve safety and expand commerce to each and every region of our state. Who would have thought that in our lifetime we could be talking about a safe, multi-lane highway from the Capital city, all the way to the Canadian border?

Building the infrastructure for the state is extremely important. We’re bringing Idahoans closer together – whether it’s connecting them on the information superhighway or via our state’s scenic and critical transportation byways.

Former Governor
Dirk Kempthorne
(Message appears in the 2006 Idaho State Government Telephone Directory