Idaho must change stimulus spending plan for roads
It appears that Idaho will be able to replace the Dover Bridge in North Idaho, purchase a much-needed maintenance management software system for the Idaho Transportation Department, and pour millions into fixing roads statewide with federal stimulus funds, state lawmakers heard this morning. But there are two things Idaho can’t do with the money: Fund all eight of its high-priority “shovel-ready” projects, and pay off GARVEE bonds. The ITD’s list of eight projects, including the Dover Bridge, adds up to $182 million - the full amount available from the stimulus for highway infrastructure. But the bill requires some of the money to be spent in different ways, and it actually opens the door to using it to fix deteriorating Idaho roads, which state officials hadn’t anticipated. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.