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Idaho Transportation Department
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REGULAR
MEETING OF THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION BOARD
November 20, 2008
The Idaho Transportation Board met at 8:30 AM, on Thursday, November 20, 2008, in Boise, Idaho. The following principals were present:
Darrell V Manning, Chairman
Monte C. McClure, Vice Chairman –
District 3
Jim Coleman, Member – District 1
Gary Blick, Member – District 4
Neil Miller, Member – District 5
Pamela Lowe, Director
Scott Stokes, Deputy Director
Karl Vogt, Deputy Attorney General
Sue S. Higgins, Secretary
Member Bruce Sweeney, District 2, participated in the following three items via teleconference.
Board Minutes. Vice Chairman McClure made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on October 14-15, 2008 as submitted. Member Blick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:
December 10-11, 2008 – Boise
January 21-22, 2009 – Boise
February 18-19, 2009 – Boise
Peer Review. Assistant Chief Engineer – Development Loren Thomas said the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was asked to conduct a peer review to help ITD provide better service and become more efficient. The focus was on the Division of Highways, including a review of management, the engineering program, operating procedures, and policies.
Gary Erickson, Chairman of the ASCE Peer Review Team, elaborated on the peer review process, which included evaluating written questionnaires, interviewing ITD employees, and reviewing various documents. The Team visited each District and Headquarters. Positive findings included the dedicated, professional staff; the mission, vision and goals; the new management team; the engineering standards; the public image; the implementation of Practical Design; and communication amongst teams. Improvements could be made in the following areas: team building, communication, decentralization of authority and responsibility, staff resources, professional development, management information systems, and the Practical Design initiative. Additionally, maintenance could be a higher priority, the strategic plan needs to be followed and utilized, and innovations should be encouraged.
Mr. Erickson said a final report should be available next week. He thanked the Department for the opportunity to conduct the review and expressed appreciation for the assistance the Team received with coordinating and organizing the review.
Chairman Manning thanked Mr. Erickson for the report and the Peer Review Team for its effort on the review.
Employee Service Awards. The Board participated in the semi-annual employee service awards. Member Coleman provided remarks on behalf of the Board.
Consent Calendar. Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman McClure, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. NOW
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the
ITB08-49 approves the revisions to Board Policy B-18-02, Personnel Actions, and the certification of receipts and disbursements, and has received and reviewed the July through September 2008 financial statement analysis; the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status report; the contract award information; and the professional services agreements and term agreement work task report.
1) Revisions to Board Policy B-18-02, Personnel Actions. B-18-02, signed in 1999, was reviewed to determine if it is still applicable and current. Minor revisions were made to update the content, including removing the reference to a former Board policy that no longer exists.
2) Certification of Receipts and Disbursements. The certification of receipts and disbursements cash basis, as shown as Exhibit #366, which is made a part hereof with like effect, was submitted for Board approval in conformance with the requirements of Section 40-708, Idaho Code. The Department’s cash balance as of June 30, 2008 was $84,600,639.
3) July through September 2008 Financial Statement Analysis. Federal aid revenue was $28 million behind year-to-date projections. Revenue to the Highway Distribution Account was $418,720 behind the forecast. Expenditures for personnel costs were less than budgeted. Total non-construction year-to-date operating expenditures reflected an 11.7% positive variance. In contract construction, the federal and state programs were behind projections by $11 million and $64,069, respectively.
Federal aid revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund was $39,000 below year-to-date projections. Aviation fuel tax revenue was $27,600 ahead of projections. Miscellaneous revenue was $23,900 ahead of the forecast. Overall expenditures were more than the allotment.
In the GARVEE Capital Projects Fund, $156.7 million of the $213 million, including interest earnings, from Bond Series 2006 and $11.5 million of the $179 million from Bond Series 2008 A have been expended. During September, $207,806 was transferred to the GARVEE Debt Service Fund for the monthly state share.
4) Program and District Obligation Graphs and Tables, Monthly Status Reports. As of October 31, $55.3 million had been obligated for highway projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or 16%. The total amount obligated for construction projects was $25 million, excluding GARVEE projects. Obligation information by program and district and project status reports for 2008 projects were presented.
5) Contract Awards. Key #10591 – US-20, Milepost 253 to Junction US-20/US-26 West, District 6. Low bidder: H-K Contractors, Inc. - $5,623,733.
Key #9027 – Hanley Avenue, Dalton Gardens, District 1. Low bidder: Super Grade, Inc. - $496,316.
Key #9757 – Merrill Park Boise River Bridge, Eagle, District 3. Low bidder: King Excavation - $417,968.
Key #7625 – Ashton to Tetonia Rail Trail, District 6. Low bidder: TMC Contractors, Inc. - $1,036,877.
Keys #9215 and #9216 – I-84, A Canal Bridge, Minidoka County and S Side Canal Overpass, Cassia County, District 4. Low bidder: Cannon Builders, Inc. - $451,965.
Key #11129 – FY08 District 5 Durable Pavement Markings. Low bidder: 3M Company - $302,666.
Key #9368 – US-91, Yellowstone Avenue, Flandro to Hurley, Pocatello, District 5. Low bidder: Braun-Jensen, Inc. - $524,000.
Key #9756 – Pedestrian Path; Sweet Avenue to Blaine Street, Moscow, District 2. Low bidder: Crea Construction, Inc. - $193,551.
Key #5158 – SH-200, Lightning Creek Bridge, Clark Fork, District 1. Low bidder: Sletten Construction Company - $6,374,149.
Keys #8075 and #9991 – Chicago to Franklin, Caldwell and Intersection Franklin and 21st Avenue, Caldwell, District 3. Low bidder: Central Paving Company, Inc. - $2,597,084.
Key #9758 – Eagle Road Underpass Pathway, Eagle, District 3. Low bidder: McAlvain Excavation, Inc. - $184,022.
The low bid on key #8112 – East Fork Road, Blaine County, District 4, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The major differences between the engineer’s estimate and the low bid were in the Emulsified Asphalt for Tack Coat and Plant Mix Pavement including Asphalt and Additives Class II. It appears the contractors and asphalt suppliers are concerned about the price and availability of asphalt for 2009 in Blaine County. Staff does not believe re-advertising the project would result in lower bids. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and project sponsor, Blaine County, will cover the additional costs. Low bidder: Staker & Parson Companies dba Idaho Sand & Gravel - $1,353,968.
Key #9485 – SH-51, Junction SH-67, Mountain Home, District 3. Low bidder: Staker & Parson Companies dba Idaho Sand & Gravel - $514,026.
The low bid on key #11082 – SH-75, FY08 District 4 Durable Pavement Markings, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate. Staff rejected the bids.
6) Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. From September 30 through October 30, $1,359,900 in new professional services agreements and work tasks were issued. The majority of agreements was issued because they were for local agency projects and special expertise was required. Eight supplemental agreements to existing agreements were processed in the amount of $1,144,325 during this period.
Board Items. Chairman Manning said he participated on a panel focusing on energy and transportation at the College of Idaho’s Governor’s Day. He participated in the US-95, Sand Creek Byway ground-breaking ceremony. He was interviewed by the ASCE Peer Review Team and attended the close-out session on the Peer Review. Chairman Manning also met with Senator John McGee and representatives from the Governor’s Office and spoke at the Idaho Association of Highway District’s annual conference.
Member Blick recently traveled I-84 and I-86 in eastern Idaho. He noticed four sand sheds in an approximately 60-mile span. He questioned the efficiency of several smaller facilities versus fewer, larger sand sheds. He suggested staff review the criteria for sand shed locations. He also asked staff for a cost estimate to install a weigh-in-motion system at the Sage Junction Port of Entry. He believes the current Port configuration is inefficient and inconvenient, as truckers need to leave I-15 and travel briefly on SH-33 to access the existing facility.
Vice Chairman McClure said he recently traveled US-95. He questioned the timing of the temporary traffic signal by the landslide between Riggins and White Bird. He sat through three cycles southbound while very little traffic proceeded northbound. He suggested reviewing the timing and making adjustments if appropriate.
When the Board only needs to meet one day in Boise, Member Miller suggested meeting the afternoon of one day followed by the morning of the next day. That would allow sufficient time for out-of-town members to travel to Boise, only have lodging expenses for one night, and have enough time to travel home in day light after the meeting. He also commented that the commercial airline schedule is more conducive to this schedule. Chairman Manning added that Secretary to the Board Higgins did a cost analysis. Although there are variables, the two half-day schedule appears to be slightly more cost effective. The consensus of the Board was to try this schedule in January if the agenda allows.
Director’s Report. Director Lowe was pleased to recognize Mike Allen of the District 2 Bovill maintenance facility and Pete McGuire from the District 4 Fairfield facility. They competed in the 2008 Western Snow and Ice Conference in Colorado. They represented ITD well by placing admirably in a number of contests related to maintenance equipment. Bridge Engineer Matt Farrar has been named chairman of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) subcommittee on bridges, the T-18 Technical Committee for Bridge Management, Evaluation and Rehabilitation. Also, ITD was recognized by the Secretary of State’s Office for its assistance with the November 4 election.
Director Lowe said a public hearing will be held on December 4 on the environmental assessment for the I-84, Karcher Interchange to Five Mile corridor.
Director Lowe highlighted some of the discussions at the recent AASHTO conference, including additional outreach efforts to increase seatbelt usage. Revenue to the National Highway Trust Fund continues to be a concern, as it is below projections. She provided projections on the FY09 funding from the Highway Trust Fund and mentioned that the federal aviation bill has not been approved yet.
After last month’s Board meeting and presentation from Marsing Mayor Keith Green, District 3 Engineer Dave Jones pursued the City’s various concerns. Director Lowe reported that the City of Marsing is not interested in partnering on a safety rest area at its existing city park at this time. The City did not fully understand the requirements for a rest area and is concerned with truck traffic and parking. Mayor Green, however, expressed interest in making improvements to the city park and pursuing Enhancement Program funds in the future.
Director Lowe distributed copies of the employee survey. Employees have
been asked to complete the confidential survey by December 3. The intent is to
assess the strengths of the work environment and identify areas where
improvements could be made. This survey will be used as a bench mark.
Director Lowe also distributed copies of the draft 2008 Efficiency
Report.
Chairman Manning welcomed Representative Phylis King to the meeting.
Surrounding
State Transportation Revenue Comparison. Economics and Research
Manager (ERM) Doug Benzon provided additional information on surrounding
states’ transportation revenue. He confirmed that Oregon’s car registration fee
is $27 per year. Four-year registrations in the amount of $108 are required for
new cars. The two-year registration fee is $54. Currently, there are no local
entities charging an additional registration fee, although Oregon’s statute
allows for local fees.
ERM Benzon said the
information he provided previously did not include mass transit funding. He
explained the State of Utah’s sales and use tax. It deposits 8.3% of the
revenues collected from the approximately 17% of sales and use tax revenues
generated annually by the sales and use tax on vehicles and vehicle-related
products into the Centennial Highway Fund Restricted. He also provided data on
state registration fees only, excluding local taxes.
Chairman Manning
thanked ERM Benzon for the clarification on the surrounding state’s
transportation revenue and for the additional information.
Add Local Asset
Management to the Surface Transportation Program – Local Rural Program. Local Highway Technical Assistance Council
(LHTAC) Administrator Lance Holmstrom said $550,000 had previously been
approved for LHTAC to develop a pavement management system for the local
highway jurisdictions. Significant progress has been made in advancing
scientific pavement management methods for local jurisdictions; however, the
initial scope of the project was not funded sufficiently. Administrator
Holmstrom requested an additional $469,000 in federal aid plus $37,000 match to
complete this project. He said the FY09 increase will be offset through
deobligation of savings on the FY05 Prairie Avenue, Huetter Road to Ramsey Road
project in Kootenai County and the funds in FY10 will be provided from
unprogrammed balances within the three federal programs administered by LHTAC.
Some members
expressed concern with compatibility issues and ITD’s intent with its pavement
management system. Director Lowe responded that the report on ITD’s pavement
management system should be available soon and that the systems should be
compatible. Staff can work with LHTAC to ensure conformity.
Member Blick made a
motion, seconded by Member Coleman, and passed unopposed, to approve the
following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the public’s interest
for the Idaho Transportation Department
ITB08-50 to
publish and accomplish a current, realistic, and fiscally constrained Capital
Investment Program; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Idaho Transportation Board to
effectively utilize all available federal and state highway funding; and
WHEREAS, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) and the
Technology Transfer Center partnered with the Department in FY04 to develop a
Local Asset Management system; and
WHEREAS, the $550,000 of funds committed to this project are
insufficient to complete the development of this system; and
WHEREAS, LHTAC has made significant progress in advancing scientific
pavement management methods for local highway jurisdictions in Idaho under the
auspices of this project; and
WHEREAS, 8,500 miles of pavement information on local roads has been
collected to date with these funds; and
WHEREAS, this data has been collected very economically in comparison
with other organizations collecting such information; and
WHEREAS, LHTAC estimates that the system inventory can be completed
with an additional $506,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the continuation
of funding for development of the Local Asset Management system, key #9267, in
the amount of $506,000, through FY12 of the Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program.
GARVEE
Financing Authorization. Administrator, Division of Administration
(ADA) Dave Tolman said the Board approved authorizing the financing of $250
million in bonds approved by the 2007 legislature in December 2007. In April
2008, $173.1 million in bonds were issued. At the August 2008 Board meeting,
the Board authorized the financing of $134 million in bonds approved by the
2008 legislature. The Bond Counsel asked for clarification on the Board’s
approval to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $210.9 million made
up of the balance of the $250 million approved in 2007 of $76.9 million and the
$134 million approved by the 2008 legislature.
In response to Vice
Chairman McClure’s question on the status of the bond market, ADA Tolman
replied that it has improved, partly due to the fact that a number of bonds are
coming due soon. Director Lowe added that the Department intends to sell
additional bonds in January.
Vice Chairman
McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Coleman, to approve the following
resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation
Department (ITD) strives to make available
ITB08-51 to
the citizens of Idaho the finest transportation system via new construction
projects and management of statewide assets and has authorized the use of a
Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonded program; and
WHEREAS, the use of future federal funds today will save the state
money in the future; and
WHEREAS, Title 40, Chapter 3 and Title 67, Chapter 62, of the Idaho
Code, as amended (the “Act”), authorizes the Idaho Housing and Finance
Association (IHFA) to issue bonds for the purpose of funding highway capital
improvement program (the “GARVEE Program”) for financing all aspects of the
construction of highway projects eligible for federal reimbursement as recommended
and approved by the Idaho Transportation Board (ITB); and
WHEREAS, the ITD, the ITB, and the IHFA have entered into a Master
Financing Agreement with respect to the bonds; and
WHEREAS, issuing such bonds promotes the purposes of the GARVEE Program;
is in the public interest; serves a public purpose; increases commerce;
promotes the health, welfare and safety of the people of the State of Idaho;
and constitutes a proper exercise of the authority particularly set forth in
the Act; and
WHEREAS, the 2007 Idaho legislature has passed and the Governor has
signed House Bill 336 authorizing ITD’s 2007 request for bonding authority under
Idaho Code Section 40-315(4) up to $250,000,000 of bonding authority of which
$173,035,000 has been issued by IHFA leaving $76,965,000 not issued to date,
and the 2008 Idaho Legislature has passed and the Governor signed House Bill 657
GARVEE Bonding Authorization authorizing ITB’s request for bonding authority
under Idaho Code Section 40-315(4) up to $134,000,000 (collectively, the “House
Bills”) and IHFA intends to issue certain tax exempt bonds, Federal Highway
Trust Fund Series, during state fiscal year 2009 in an amount not to exceed
$210,965,000, comprising the $76,965,000 remaining from the authorization under
House Bill 336 and $134,000,000 from the authorization under House Bill 657
(the “Bonds”), in order to provide funds to finance the GARVEE Program for
those projects (the “Projects”) referenced in the House Bills and other related
legislation and this resolution shall serve as evidence of the Board’s
intention to proceed with issue of the Bonds up to the amount stated and to
reimburse its expenditures for the Projects from the proceeds of the Bonds; and
WHEREAS, there has been prepared a Preliminary Official Statement relating
to each series of the bonds and the distribution thereof to potential bond
purchasers and the distribution to all actual purchasers of the bonds of a
final Official Statement will thereafter be carried out; and
WHEREAS, other bonding documents will also be needed to be executed
setting forth the applicable series of bonds.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board as follows:
1. Pursuant to the Act, the Board approves the Projects and recommends to IHFA the financing thereof through the issuance of the Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $210,965,000, $76,965,000 from the bonding authority approved by House Bill 336 and $134,000,000 from the bonding authority approved by House Bill 657; provided that: (a) the ITD and the ITB have entered into a supplement to the Master Financial Agreement relating to the Bonds and previously executed; and (b) the ITD has provided to the IHFA all of the certificates, documents and information required under Idaho Code Section 67-6210(k).
2. The Chairman and/or Director is hereby authorized and directed, for and in the name and on behalf of the ITB, to execute the following bonding documents and any other documents required for the closing of the bonds setting forth the terms of the applicable series of bonds together with such additions or changes in the form thereof as may deem necessary or advisable, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by the execution of said bonding documents as so added to or changed.
Final Official Statement
Supplemental to Master Financial Agreement
Master Trust Indenture
Series Trust Indenture
3. Further, the Board and ITD will keep books and records of all expenditures and will make a reimbursement allocation, which is a written allocation that evidences the use of proceeds of the Bonds for Project expenditures no later than 18 months after the later of the date on which the expenditure is paid or the related Project is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the date on which the expenditure is paid. Finally, that this resolution evidences the Board’s intent and reasonable expectation under Treas. Reg. Section 1.150-2(d)(1) to use the proceeds of the Bonds to pay certain costs of the Projects and to reimburse the Board and ITD for expenditures for the costs of the Projects paid prior to the issuance of the Bonds to the extent permitted by federal tax regulations.
The motion passed
3-1 with Member Blick dissenting.
Fire Response Plan. Assistant Chief Engineer – Operations Greg Laragan commended Emergency Program Coordinator (EPC) Louie Albright for developing an innovative partnership to address the issue of roadway closures and damage associated with vehicle fires. The fire response plan, whereby agreements are established with appropriate fire districts to respond to vehicular fires along highways that are outside of their respective jurisdiction, reduces congestion and delays to the traveling public and has the potential to greatly reduce damage to ITD’s infrastructure as well as non-ITD property.
As a follow-up to the June presentation, EPC Albright reported that Idaho Statute does not allow the Idaho Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction plan to cover the costs associated with routine firefighting procedures. EPC Albright also explained that currently, grass fires within ITD’s right-of-way are not covered by the agreements that ITD has established for vehicular fires. Generally, the Bureau of Land Management or Department of Lands voluntarily responds to these fires to lessen the risk of fire to their adjacent jurisdictional land. Agreements could be established with entities to respond to grass fires that are within the ITD right-of-way but outside the entities’ jurisdiction, but ITD would be responsible to reimburse the entity for costs incurred.
Member Blick questioned ITD’s liability with fires within its right-of-way and believes pursuing agreements for fire coverage may be of value.
Chairman Manning
thanked EPC Albright for the additional information and for his efforts to
address these concerns.
Executive Session on Legal Issues, Section 67-2345(f), Idaho Code. Member Miller made a motion to meet in executive session at 12:05 PM to discuss legal issues. Member Blick seconded the motion and it passed 4-0 by individual roll call vote.
A discussion was held on legal matters related to the US-95, Sand Creek Byway project; the I-84, Orchard Interchange project; the I-84, Robinson Road project; compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and non-compliance with vehicle registration requirements and the illegal use of dyed fuel.
The Board came out of executive session at 1:20 PM. No decisions were made.
September 2008 Idaho Highway Users Survey Findings. Scott Ellsworth, Chairman of the Idaho Highway Users, Inc., said a telephone survey was conducted by the Idaho Highway Users in September. The intent was to assess the impressions of licensed drivers in Idaho as to the condition of the state’s highways, roads and bridges. In summary, over 90% of respondents believe roads and bridges are important to the economy and lifestyle and gave the overall system a grade of C +. Seven in ten said that road and bridge funding should be among the legislature’s top priorities, with six in ten expressing support for additional transportation funding. The favored funding sources are impact fees, local option taxes, and registration fees.
Chairman Manning thanked Mr. Ellsworth for the informative report.
Update on the I-84, Robinson Road Bridge Collapse, District 3. District 3 Resident Engineer (RE) Shawna King said when Graham Construction & Management Inc. was pouring the first of four slabs to form the deck for the I-84, Robinson Road underpass on October 27, the bridge span collapsed. Fortunately, none of the construction workers was seriously injured. She said the investigation into determining the cause of the collapse is continuing. ITD hired two outside firms to investigate the incident in addition to the contractor’s and the Occupational Safety and Hazard Association’s investigations. Work on the deck has been suspended, however, other related work in the area has continued. RE King added that there was no impact to traffic on I-84.
Chairman Manning thanked RE King for the update on this project.
Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program. SR2S Advisory Committee Member Elaine Clegg summarized the intent of the SR2S Program: to encourage children to walk and bicycle to school and to make that option safer. It also reduces congestion and improves air quality. The Department’s SR2S policy uses a guideline of 70-90% of the available funding for infrastructure-related projects and 10-30% of available funding for non-infrastructure-related projects. Projects for FY09 and FY10 were solicited. The available funding for FY09 is $590,000 and $616,000 in FY10. The SR2S Advisory Committee reviewed the proposed projects and recommends funding $420,045 for infrastructure projects and $166,970 for non-infrastructure projects in FY09. It is recommending $465,500 for infrastructure projects in FY10. The Committee will identify the FY10 non-infrastructure projects at its next meeting.
Member Sweeney joined the meeting via teleconference at this time.
SR2S Advisory Committee Member Meg Ryan elaborated on efforts undertaken by the Treasure Valley YMCA and Shadow Hills Elementary School in Boise. Both groups are emphasizing education. She noted that Ada County Highway District residents recently passed an initiative to increase vehicle registration fees. A portion of that funding, estimated at $4 million annually, will be dedicated to safe routes to school projects.
Member Coleman commented that he has encouraged cities in northern Idaho to apply for SR2S Program funding, but they are concerned with the excessive paperwork. Advisory Committee Member Clegg concurred with the cumbersome application process. Part of that is due to the Title 23 requirements. She added that efforts are underway to reduce the application requirements and make the process easier.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Blick, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department adopted Board Policy B-11-07
ITB08-52 to establish a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program for the State of Idaho under Section 404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P.L.(109-59); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the SR2S program is to 1) enable and encourage children in grades K-8, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school, 2) make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age, and 3) facilitate the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools; and
WHEREAS, SR2S funding supports two project categories: 1) infrastructure and 2) non-infrastructure improvements to directly support increased safety and convenience for children to walk and bike to school; and
WHEREAS, Board Policy B-11-07 required establishment of a SR2S Advisory Committee comprised of volunteer representatives from state agencies and private organizations with expertise and knowledge in the fields of education, transportation, law enforcement, and healthcare; and
WHEREAS, the SR2S Advisory Committee adopted the SR2S program guidelines and project criteria under the Secretary of Transportation issued program guidance of January 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Department advertised and accepted applications eligible for SR2S funding for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects through a competitive statewide process; and
WHEREAS, the SR2S Advisory Committee has reviewed and prioritized the list of projects deemed eligible for SR2S federal-aid funding.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves SR2S federal-aid funding for the list of prioritized projects, as shown as Exhibit 367, which is made a part hereof with like effect, in the amount of $587,015 for FY09 and $465,500 for FY10, as recommended by the SR2S Advisory Committee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is authorized to include the approved projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in accordance with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU.
Chairman Manning thanked the SR2S Committee members for the presentation and for their efforts on this important Program.
Chairman Manning welcomed former Board Chairman Chuck Winder to the meeting.
Practical Design for Safety Rest Areas. Highway
Operations and Safety Engineer (HOSE) Brent Jennings said the Practical Design concept has been applied to the Safety
Rest Area Program. Staff reviewed projects to determine what changes could be
made to reduce the project scope and cost without compromising the overall
intent of the project or jeopardizing safety. The process focused on the
essential elements of purpose and need and utilizing simple design standards
that are appropriate to the context of the rest area’s surroundings.
The five rest area projects in the current Program,
totaling over $21 million, were reviewed. Almost $8 million in savings were
identified. Some of the savings come from reducing the landscape features at
the Timmerman Rest Area, performing the majority of design work on the Hagerman
Rest Area within ITD, reducing the size of the Dubois Rest Area, and delaying
improvements to the Juniper Rest Area because the facility will function
several more years at an acceptable level. The recommendation is to apply the
identified savings to the Pavement Preservation Program. HOSE Jennings added
that staff will continue to apply the Practical Design concept to this Program.
Vice Chairman McClure expressed support for the Practical
Design concept. He understands the necessity to fund the Pavement Preservation
Program; however, he believes savings identified in the Rest Area Program
should remain in the Rest Area Program. Due to insufficient funding, the Board had
to reduce funding for the Rest Area Program earlier.
Member Sweeney provided an example of District 2
identifying savings in its projects. He supports directing savings from Rest
Area projects to the Pavement Preservation Program and specifically allowing
the District that identifies the savings to retain the funding.
Vice Chairman McClure concurred with providing incentives
to Districts to save money by allowing it to retain savings, but he also
reiterated that the Board established a statewide Safety Rest Area Program
because those projects were generally the first ones to be cut when Districts
needed additional funding. He emphasized the importance of the Safety Rest Area
Program and would like it to be a higher priority. Member Blick concurred.
Member Miller made a motion, seconded by Member Sweeney, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Board recognizes the need for Safety Rest
ITB08-53 Areas to provide convenient and safe rest and relief from the fatigue of travel; and
WHEREAS, each Safety Rest Area facility shall be constructed and maintained to provide a viable, reliable service to the traveling public, as well as to make a favorable impression about the State of Idaho and the Idaho Transportation Department; and
WHEREAS, the Safety Rest Area must provide safe ingress and egress for all classes of vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the need for Safety Rest Areas to be refurbished or reconstructed to extend service life and improve safety; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to maximize operational efficiency in order to maximize benefit and maintain the basic service functions; and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve this maximum benefit while reducing costs, the incorporation of practical design principals is necessary.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the staff recommendation to implement the principals of practical design and directs staff to redistribute resultant savings into the Pavement Preservation Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board instructs staff to, as first priority, give the District originating the savings first opportunity to utilize said savings, and as second priority, direct resultant savings into the statewide Pavement Preservation Program.
Vice Chairman McClure made a substitute motion to amend the resolution to direct savings into the Safety Rest Area Program, with the District originating the savings having the first opportunity to utilize those savings on its facilities. Member Blick seconded the motion. The motion failed 2-3 with Members Coleman, Miller, and Sweeney dissenting.
The original motion passed 3-2 with Vice Chairman McClure and Member Blick opposing.
Member Sweeney expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in portions of the meeting via teleconference. He also commended DDIR Stokes for his participation in the recent North Idaho Legislative Tour. Member Sweeney ceased participation in the meeting at this time.
New Business. Video footage on the recent ground-breaking ceremony for the US-95, Sand Creek Byway project was shown.
WHEREUPON, the Idaho Transportation Board’s regular monthly meeting adjourned at 2:45 PM.
_______________signed______________
DARRELL V MANNING, Chairman
Read and Approved
December 11, 2008
Boise, Idaho