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Idaho Transportation Department
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE
IDAHO TRANSPORTATION BOARD
January 22, 2009
The Idaho Transportation Board met at 8:00 AM, on Thursday, January 22, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. The following principals were present:
Darrell V Manning, Chairman
Monte C. McClure, Vice Chairman – District 3
Jim Coleman, Member – District 1
Neil Miller, Member – District 5
Lee Gagner, Member – District 6
Pamela Lowe, Director
Scott Stokes, Deputy Director
Karl Vogt, Deputy Attorney General
Sue S. Higgins, Secretary
Bruce Sweeney, Member – District 2, participated via video conference.
Executive Session on Personnel and Legal Issues, Section 67-2345(b), (f), Idaho Code. Member Gagner made a motion to meet in executive session at 8:00 AM to discuss personnel and legal issues. Member Coleman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
A discussion was held matters related to the I-84, Robinson Road and Black Cat Road structures; US-95, Sand Creek Byway project; compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the evaluation of public officers.
The Board came out of executive session at 8:35 AM. No decisions were made.
Board Minutes. Vice Chairman McClure made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on December 10-11, 2008 as submitted. Member Miller seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion to approve the minutes of the special Board meeting held on January 7, 2009 as revised. Member Gagner seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:
February 18, 2009 – Boise
March 18-19, 2009 – Boise
April 15-16, 2009 – District 2
Consent Calendar. Member Gagner asked for clarification on the status of federal obligations, as provided in the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status reports. Assistant Chief Engineer – Development Loren Thomas said $44 million has been obligated for projects to date. Staff has made a concerted effort to get projects ready to obligate, resulting in more funds being obligated than what had been projected to date.
Vice Chairman McClure questioned the appraisal on the Kim and Marcie Andrus administrative settlement. Right-of-Way Manager Jesse Smith said the property owners started developing the land and included the value of the subdivision in its counteroffer. Member Gagner requested pulling the administrative settlement item from the consent calendar.
Member Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Member Coleman, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Idaho Transportation Board
ITB09-01 approves the revisions to Board Policy B-07-01, Entering Private Property; and exempt status approval for rail crossing DOT #910825U; and has received and reviewed the contract award information; the professional services agreements and term agreement work task report; the administrative and legal settlements of right-of-way acquisitions; the Federal Highway Administration approval of 2008 Scenic Byway grants; the annual report on the status of state-owned dwellings; the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status reports; and the July through November 2008 financial statement analysis.
1) Revisions to Board Policy B-07-01, Entering Private Property. This policy was last signed in 1999. It has been updated to remove the reference to Board Policy B-07-03, Tort Claim Action against Employees, which is no longer in effect.
2) Exempt Status Approval for Rail Crossing DOT #910825U. Exempt status of the US-95 railroad crossing in Craigmont, Idaho, DOT #910825U is being requested due to its limited use. To more efficiently accommodate highway traffic and eliminate unnecessary stopping of vehicles, ITD and BG & CM Railroad agree to the exempt designation. The BG & CM Railroad will stop and flag all railroad equipment across the highway when it uses the crossing.
3) Contract Awards. Key #9212 – US-93, Perrine Bridge Joints, Twin Falls, District 4. Low bidder: Cannon Builders, Inc. - $208,010.
Key #9153 – D Street Pathway, Moscow, District 2. Low bidder: Atlas Sand & Rock, Inc. - $699,444.
Key #8835 – US-95, A Street to Rodeo Drive, Moscow, District 2. Low bidder: M L Albright & Sons, Inc. - $1,908,940.
Key #6990 – US-93, Jim Byrne Slough Bridge to Pagari, Lincoln County, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $3,294,713.
Key #6961 – US-93, Falls Avenue to Pole Line Road, Twin Falls, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $4,576,532.
Key #11522 – US-20, Middle Rexburg Interchange, Milepost 333, District 6. Low bidder: Skyview Electric, Inc. - $132,492.
Key #9859 – SH-25, Birch Street to Junction US-93, Jerome, District 4. Low bidder: Staker & Parson Companies dba IS&G - $1,028,941.
Key #7810 – Portneuf River Bridge, Bannock County, District 5. Low bidder: Ralph L Wadsworth Construction Company, Inc. - $1,132,608.
Key #9162 – US-95, Milepost 430.8 to Milepost 436, District 1. Low bidder: Poe Asphalt Paving Inc. - $4,494,914.
Key #7028 – US-20, Gannett Road to Silver Creek Bridge, Blaine County, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $3,360,452.
Key #9979 – US-95, Midvale Rest Area Rehabilitation, District 3. Low bidder: W F Construction & Sales, LLC - $1,436,640.
Key #9762 – US-30, Pedestrian Path Enhancement, New Plymouth, District 3. Low bidder: Diamond Contractors, LLC - $256,759.
The low bid on key #10621 – SH-5, FY08 District 1 Durable Pavement Markings, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate. Staff rejected the bids.
4) Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. From November 29 through December 31, $3,148,035 in new professional services agreements and work tasks were issued. The agreements were issued for local projects and because resources were not available in-house and special expertise was required. Eleven supplemental agreements to existing agreements were processed in the amount of $429,068 during this period.
5) Administrative and Legal Settlements of Right-of-Way Acquisitions. From July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the Right-of-Way Section processed 86 parcels. There were 19 administrative settlements and no legal settlements during this time frame.
6) Federal Highway Administration Approval of 2008 Scenic Byway Grants. In April 2008, four Board-approved scenic byway grants requesting $1,505,864 in federal scenic byway discretionary funds were submitted to FHWA for FY08 funding. Idaho successfully obtained funding for all or a portion of three of these projects. The Statewide Interpretive Signage for 15 byways was fully funded at $540,000. The International Selkirk Loop Corridor Management Implementation project received $114,800 of the requested $116,400. A total of $18,000 of the requested $30,000 was received for the Western Heritage Historic Byway Corridor Management Implementation project.
7) Annual Report on Status of State-owned Dwellings. The status of ITD-owned dwellings was presented, including information on the monthly rental fee, the fair rental amount, and rental status. The Department owns 5 houses, 3 bunkhouses, and an apartment at Johnson Creek Air Strip. There are also 30 trailer pads, five with housing, that are available to employees. ITD also owns 10 trailer pads and 3 houses at rest area locations around the state.
8) Program and District Obligation Graphs and Tables, Monthly Status Reports. As of December 31, $58.4 million had been obligated for highway projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or 17%. The total amount obligated for construction projects was $44 million, excluding GARVEE projects. Obligation information by program and district and project status reports for 2009 projects were presented.
9) July through November 2008 Financial Statement Analysis. Federal aid reimbursement was $33.5 million behind year-to-date projections. Revenue to the Highway Distribution Account was $2.3 million behind the forecast. Expenditures for personnel costs were less than budgeted. Total non-construction year-to-date operating expenditures reflected a 1.7% positive variance. In contract construction, the federal and state programs were behind projections by $21 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Federal aid revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund was $370,000 below year-to-date projections. Aviation fuel tax revenue was $90,000 below projections. Miscellaneous revenue was $12,000 above the forecast. Excluding Trustee & Benefits, year-to-date expenditures were $873,249 against an annual appropriation of $2,215,400.
In the GARVEE Capital Projects Fund, $173 million of the $213 million, including interest earnings, from Bond Series 2006 and $34.4 million of the $179 million from Bond Series 2008 A have been expended. During November, $207,806 was transferred to the GARVEE Debt Service Fund for the monthly state share.
Kim and Marcie Andrus Administrative Settlement. In March 2006, an appraisal and offer of $114,750 was made to Kim and Marcie Andrus for their 19.05 acre parcel for the US-30, Topaz to Lava Hot Springs project, key #7749. A counter offer was made by the Andruses for $750,000. A second appraisal was secured by ITD in May 2007, resulting in an offer of $276,960. The Andruses countered with $800,000. The second appraisal reflects higher land values than the original, but does not recognize the property as a subdivision, as claimed by the property owners. The rules of appraisal do not allow appraisers to value the property as subdivided ground unless all local ordinances and conditions are met, and the plat has been approved. The Andrus’s plat for the subdivision was never approved by Bannock County. Negotiations continued and in November 2008 an acceptable settlement of $600,000, including a $323,040 administrative settlement, was reached. Staff requested approval of the $323,040 administrative settlement.
Member Gagner expressed concern that approving this administrative settlement may set a precedent. The subdivision has not been approved. DAG Vogt said this is a unique situation. ITD has to make an offer based on the highest and best use value. The landowner started the subdivision process and it is reasonable to assume that the subdivision would have been approved. In response to Member Gagner’s question on condemnation timeframes, DAG Vogt responded that ITD could assume possession of the property almost immediately upon condemnation.
In response to Vice Chairman McClure’s question on the timing of the development, Senior Right-of-Way Agent, Acquisition Marv Brown responded that the subdivision has been in the process for several years. Kim and Marcie Andrus were seeking final approval, but Bannock County denied the approval due to ITD’s project.
Chairman Manning asked if delaying this item one month would negatively impact the project schedule. Because there would be no delays to the construction of the US-30, Topaz to Lava Hot Springs project, the Board unanimously agreed to postpone this item one month. Staff is to provide more detailed information on the project and this administrative settlement request.
Board Items. Chairman Manning said he participated in all of the legislative outreach meetings last month and thought they were well attended and well received. The Office of Performance Evaluation’s (OPE) performance audit of the Department was released earlier this week. It emphasizes that transportation is grossly underfunded in the state. Chairman Manning said that Vice Chairman McClure and he attended the audit presentation to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on January 19 and to the joint germane committee on the 20th. Vice Chairman McClure and he also participated in a tour of the I-84 GARVEE projects with some legislators late last month and he spoke at the Pocatello Rotary Club meeting last week.
Director’s Report. Director Lowe distributed the recently-issued 2009 Facts and Figures brochure and also the draft Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee presentation.
Director Lowe provided an update on the proposed economic stimulus proposal, which is anticipated to be enacted by the middle of next month. It is expected to be funded at a higher dollar amount than staff presented to the Board at its January 7 meeting. No match is expected. The projects funded need to be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and metropolitan planning organizations’ Transportation Improvement Plans. Public Transportation Administrator Randy Kyrias is working with Idaho’s providers to identify potential public transit projects.
Director Lowe also shared two letters of appreciation that the Department received. District 5 was recognized for its efforts on SH-34 and District 4 for the assistance it provided in the search and rescue efforts of two children in Blaine County.
Legislative Update. Governmental Affairs Program Manager Mollie McCarty summarized ITD’s proposal to increase various fees. The majority of fees has not been increased in 20 years and is not sufficient to cover the costs of administering the various programs. The additional money would be dedicated to upgrading the Division of Motor Vehicles’ computer systems. The ITD Peer Review report is scheduled to be presented to the germane committees next week. She also provided information on other proposed presentations and the status of the Department’s legislation and other transportation-related legislation.
Proposed FY09 Transportation Infrastructure Economic Stimulus. Since the special Board meeting on January 7, additional federal economic stimulus information has been released. Director Lowe believes ITD will receive more than $100 million. She requested further guidance to prepare for this additional one-time funding. She also emphasized that the guidance is only to prepare projects for construction. Staff will seek Board approval on the final list of projects to be constructed with the economic stimulus funding once the legislation is passed and the final details are known.
Manager, Transportation Investments (MTI) Dave Amick summarized the criteria used to identify potential projects for funding: projects that can be awarded by June 1; projects that provide statewide economic benefits and long-term economic activity or benefits; and projects that involve multiple materials industries and trades. Staff recommends preparing additional expansion projects for contract award. Additionally, any stimulus funding in excess of the cost of awarding all of the unfunded expansion projects should be dedicated to preservation and restoration projects, with the funding directed to the Districts that receive the least funding for unfunded expansion projects. He added that the intent is still to provide local entities with 12.6% of the funding unless the legislation specifically addresses funding for local jurisdictions.
In response to Member Coleman’s question on the efforts needed to prepare the unfunded expansion projects for construction, Chief Engineer (CE) Tom Cole replied that some projects are ready right now. Others need minimal work that staff should be able to complete in-house.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Miller, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress and President Obama’s Administration is
ITB09-02 proposing an urgent economic stimulus funding proposal that emphasizes the acceleration of transportation infrastructure projects across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the most recent U.S. Congressional proposals to date suggest possible nationwide federal funding for highways and bridges ranging in amounts from $10 billion to more than $30 billion; and
WHEREAS, Idaho’s estimated share of such funding may range from $75 million to more than $200 million; and
WHEREAS, it is expected that projects eligible for economic stimulus funding may require as little as 90 to 120 days from funding availability to project contract award; and
WHEREAS, in Idaho, project awards must occur no later than June 1, 2009 to maximize the economic benefits of construction activity during the summer construction season; and
WHEREAS, it can be expected that new highway funding and projects will need to be added to the Idaho Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in order to gain Federal Highway Administration approval of individual project authorization agreements in accordance with the provisions of USC Title 23; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Board provided guidance to staff at a special January 7, 2009 Board meeting to prepare up to $134 million in unfunded expansion projects from a list of $182 million in ready unfunded expansion and safety projects most suitable for economic stimulus funding; and
WHEREAS, staff has clarified to the Board the stronger possibility of much more than $100 million in possible economic stimulus funding; and
WHEREAS, the final selection of projects cannot be determined until the amount of funding and related eligibility and delivery requirements of any economic stimulus proposal are passed in law by the U.S Congress.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that an amount equal to 12.6 percent of the total stimulus funding received may be made available for requested local projects based on project readiness unless any economic stimulus legislation should otherwise provide a requirement for the local public agency share; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, after making up to 12.6 percent of funding available for ready local public agency projects, the Board authorizes staff to prepare for possible economic stimulus funding, the entire $182 million in unfunded state highway expansion projects suggested by staff at the January 7, 2009 special Board meeting, to include the following projects totaling $182 million listed in highway route number order:
US-2, Dover Bridge, Bonner County ($40 million estimated);
US-20, Henry’s Lake Flat Passing Lanes ($4 million estimated);
SH-48, Rigby High School to Yellowstone Highway ($5 million estimated);
I-84, Vista Interchange, Boise ($48 million estimated);
I-86, Chubbuck Interchange Bridge to Pocatello Creek Interchange ($25 million estimated);
US-93, Twin Falls Alternate Route, Stage 2 ($51 million estimated);
US-95, Moscow Mountain Passing Lanes ($5 million estimated); and
US-95, Top of White Bird Grade to Chain-up Area ($4 million estimated); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should eventual stimulus funding exceed the cost of awarding the above projects, staff is instructed to allocate the remaining funding to preservation and restoration projects focusing on the Districts receiving the least funding under the unfunded expansion projects emphasis area; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is authorized to amend the FY09-13 STIP as needed in accordance with USC Title 23 to include the above noted projects; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is authorized to take all necessary actions to conform to any other funding and project delivery requirements that may result from legislation implementing an economic stimulus package in FY09.
Member Gagner acknowledged that the majority of the expansion projects could not be constructed without special funding like the proposed economic stimulus plan. Although he recognizes the importance of these projects, he supports addressing the needs of the existing system by directing more of the money to preservation projects.
Vice Chairman McClure reiterated that the list of projects is not prioritized: the projects are listed in descending route number. The Board will approve the final list of projects for construction.
The motion passed 4-1 with Member Gagner dissenting.
Addition of I-84, 500 West Road Overpass, Near Burley, District 4, to the FY09 State Board Unallocated Program. MTI Amick reported that the I-84, 500 West Road Overpass was struck by an over-height load on January 9. The collision caused damage to the outside girders supporting the travel lanes of 500 West Road. Upon inspection, ITD personnel determined that the northbound lane of 500 West Road should be closed to restrict truck traffic on that lane. The estimated cost to develop the construction plans and complete repairs for the structure is $250,000. The insurance carrier of the vehicle is expected to reimburse these costs. MTI Amick requested FY09 State Board Unallocated Program funds to repair the damaged overpass.
Member Miller asked about the permit process and whether there are measures that can be taken to prevent vehicles from hitting overpasses. MTI Amick stated that detailed information on the process of permitting, seeking reimbursement from the insurance carrier, and establishing a revolving account to pay for these repairs will be presented next month. Motor Vehicles Administrator Alan Frew said the insurance requirements for truckers could be increased to ensure reimbursement will cover the cost of repairing damage to hit structures; however, he added that the vehicle that hit this I-84 overpass was not required to secure a permit.
Member Gagner made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman McClure, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the public's interest for the Idaho Transportation Department
ITB09-03 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 I-84, 500 West Road Overpass, near Burley, was struck by an over-height truck on January 9, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the bridge is currently closed to traffic; and
WHEREAS, District Maintenance and ITD Bridge Inspection personnel estimate the cost of repair to be $250,000; and
WHEREAS, the District has fully programmed all of its capital investment funds in FY09; and
WHEREAS, $2,000,000 is set aside annually for use by the Board for such unforeseen events in the State Board Unallocated Program; and
WHEREAS, $558,000 of funds in the FY09 Board Unallocated Program are available; and
WHEREAS, the Department anticipates reimbursement by the insurance carrier of the motorist who caused the damage to this structure.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the use of FY09 State Board Unallocated funds in the amount of $250,000 to repair the I-84, 500 West Road Overpass, near Burley.
Study of ITD’s Maintenance Management and Pavement Management System Needs. Research Program Manager (RPM) Ned Parrish presented the draft final report on the evaluation of ITD’s needs for automated maintenance management and pavement management tools. The findings include: since the implementation of the new Financial Management System in 2005, ITD has not had a functioning computerized maintenance management system to track maintenance activities; the method of entering maintenance activity information should be compatible with the new Financial Management System; previous work in defining Levels of Service can serve as the baseline for developing performance-based budgeting capabilities; because the Department’s pavement management system does not fully address the needs of District personnel, one District has initiated a pilot project to demonstrate the capabilities of an alternate system; and pavement-related information is not easily accessible by personnel for use in selecting projects and designing treatments.
RPM Parrish summarized the study’s recommendations. A new maintenance management software system should be implemented. It should have the basic functionality that was available in the previous system used with expanded capabilities for performance-based budgeting activities. The estimated cost is $2.7 million plus annual maintenance costs of approximately $300,000. Also, new pavement management software should be implemented to better analyze alternate treatment strategies. This system would cost about $950,000 with annual licenses of approximately $50,000.
Although these recommendations represent a significant investment, numerous benefits and savings can be expected, according to RPM Parrish. Some advantages would be more efficient use of available resources, the ability to justify and secure more funding for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, more accurate and accessible information on the roadway system, and the ability to show the impact of funding decisions. Based on other studies on the return on investment, the recommended investment of $3.65 million for the two systems could pay for themselves in three to five years.
CE Cole elaborated on the need for these systems and explained various scenarios that demonstrated the benefits of the system. He also emphasized that recent audits identified the need for these systems. He outlined the next steps: develop a request for proposal for the recommended systems and services, refine the estimated costs, identify funding sources, and seek Board approval before securing any systems.
Member Gagner asked for clarification on the cost of the proposed system, particularly because District 6 was able to implement a pilot project for significantly less money. CE Cole replied that the District’s expenses were for some hardware and software. It was only for one District, not a statewide system. The estimated funding for a new maintenance management system includes statewide software license and implementation, financial management system interface development, hardware for all Districts, user interface customization, and training.
Member Coleman expressed appreciation for the presentation and believes securing these systems is imperative. He said the data needs to be understandable by non-transportation people, such as legislators and the Department’s constituents. He also noted that the OPE audit estimated the costs of these systems at $6 million. He asked why staff’s estimate is $2 million less and also if the systems could be implemented in phases. CE Cole replied that the OPE audit estimates included additional systems, such as project scheduling. He believes the systems could be phased, as there are a number of components, including purchasing the system, installation, and training. The request for proposal process would provide more information, such as time frames and options for proceeding.
Member Miller expressed concern with funding these systems, particularly because the Division of Motor Vehicles’ systems need to be upgraded too. The general consensus was for staff to proceed with securing pavement management and maintenance management systems.
Comprehensive Analysis of Aircraft Operations. Aeronautics Administrator (AA) John DeThomas reported that a 2008 finding by the Legislative Support Office recommended that a comprehensive analysis be conducted on the state-owned aircraft operations. He presented the final draft on the fleet that consists of a 1979 King Air, a 1978 Cessna 206, and a 1972 Cessna 182. The highest priority for use of the aircraft is for law enforcement and emergency transportation in support of state interests.
The King Air, the only state plane with all-weather capability, can operate from approximately 60 airports in the state and can reach most places in the state within one hour. It is actually controlled by the Idaho State Police (ISP), as it was received from military surplus for the purpose of law enforcement and emergency transportation. ISP does not have an aviation division, so the aircraft was transferred to ITD via an agreement. The plane is also used to transport state employees when it is not needed by ISP.
AA DeThomas said the Cessna 206 and Cessna 182 are single engine piston-propeller aircraft that can carry 5 and 3 passengers, respectively. They are specially equipped with unique equipment to locate aircraft emergency locator transmitters. The first priority for these planes is to search for down or missing aircraft in support of the Divisions’ search and rescue mission. Both are occasionally used to transport passengers. The 206 is also used to support the 30 state-operated airstrips, some of which have no road access. A lower priority use of the 182 is to perform airport inspections for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under a reimbursement contract and to conduct special missions for other state agencies, such as aerial surveys for the Department of Fish and Game.
The report concluded that Idaho’s small aircraft fleet is vital for the state’s emergency use, according to AA DeThomas. Its use for other state transportation essentially covers the cost of maintaining this emergency capability and is in the best interest of Idaho citizens. The Division of Aeronautics can provide this service cheaper than a charter operator.
Several members emphasized the importance of the state aircraft pool. Vice Chairman McClure expressed appreciation for the comprehensive analysis.
Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Member Miller, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho State Legislature, Legislative Services Office
ITB09-04 recommended that the Idaho Transportation Department conduct a comprehensive analysis of state-owned aircraft operations; and
WHEREAS, the Department has agreed to provide such analysis; and
WHEREAS, such analysis of state-owned aircraft operations has been conducted by the Division of Aeronautics for the Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Aeronautics Advisory Board has reviewed the draft analysis and its comments have been included in the latest revisions; and
WHEREAS, the draft analysis has been presented to the Idaho Transportation Board.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the Comprehensive Analysis of Aircraft Operations draft dated January 8, 2009; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the approved Comprehensive Analysis Report be provided to the Legislative Services Office of the Idaho State Legislature
Annual Aeronautics Report. Aeronautics Advisory Board (AAB) Chairman Rodger Sorensen reported on the state’s primary airports. In 2008, the number of passengers traveling through the seven commercial airports decreased 6% from 2007, while aircraft operations declined 17%. He provided updates on issues the Sandpoint, Driggs-Reed Memorial, and Hailey airports are addressing.
AAB Member Bob Hoff provided statistics on aviation fuel and noted that consumption decreased last year, presumably due to the peak prices in July and the poor economic conditions. AAB Member Scott Patrick reported on safety statistics. In 2008, there were 34 aircraft accidents resulting in 5 fatalities. The average for the past ten years is 38.6 accidents with 11.3 fatalities.
Private flying and non-scheduled commercial flying were down from 2007 by approximately 35% and 50%, respectively, according to AAB Member Dan Scott. The forecast for 2009 is expected to be similar to last year for both categories. AAB Member Mark Sweeney said corporate air travel was also down. He mentioned several projects occurring at airports throughout the state, providing optimism for the future.
AA DeThomas said Congress is discussing airport economic stimulus programs; although all of the programming and funding will be done by the FAA. Efforts are continuing on state legislation to address comprehensive airport land use. The Division of Aeronautics staff reported on its various programs. Revenue is below projections by approximately 7%. Informal holdbacks have been identified. A number of projects were completed at state operated airstrips last year, including a restoration project at Cavanaugh Bay. A new shelter and chip seal test strip at the Stanley Airport are planned for the summer of 2009. Fifteen airports have been adopted in the Airport Adoption Program with 516 man hours donated in 2008. The courtesy car program generated $7,375 while it had $2,175 in expenses.
The FY09 Idaho Airport Aid Program contributed $871,000 to general aviation airports and five community airports. The FY09 FAA grants are expected to update the state system plan and complete three airport layout plans. The aerial search program was updated and the Division’s aviation safety program was formalized. The flight operations had more activity in 2008 than the previous year. Some of the other highlights included computerizing the flight administrative system, updating the flight operations manual, and installing an aircraft security system.
The Board expressed appreciation for the informative report. Chairman Manning also thanked the AAB members for their efforts and the important service they provide to ITD.
New Business. Chairman Manning believes it is imperative to pursue some of the recommendations in the OPE audit as soon as possible.
Member Coleman made a motion to authorize an amendment of ITD’s FY10 budget request to reflect a spending authority request to fund a priority list of management systems as recommended in the Office of Performance Evaluation’s audit report and a spending authority request to upgrade the Division of Motor Vehicle’s computer systems. These amendments are to reflect the multi-year nature of each initiative. The forecast released this week lowers available revenue by $3 million in FY09 and $4 million in FY10, making funding these initiatives even more difficult solely from existing resources. Funding of these initiatives should be tied, conditionally, to the Governor’s and ITD’s proposed transportation legislation. It was also noted that the amendment will need approval from the Governor’s Office. Member Gagner seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.
Although the Board meeting officially adjourned at 12:10 PM, the five members present attended the joint germane committee presentation at 1 PM.
Joint Senate Transportation and House Transportation and Defense Committee Presentation. Director Lowe highlighted the FY10 budget request, efficiencies, the peer review, and proposed legislation that has a fiscal impact. Deputy Director Stokes provided an update on the GARVEE Program and the division administrators summarized activities in their respective division.
_______________signed_______________
DARRELL V MANNING, Chairman
Idaho Transportation Board
Read and Approved
February 18, 2009
Boise, Idaho