Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, asked ITD Deputy Director Scott Stokes about differences in climate and other issues between northern and southern Idaho that affect roads. “The precipitation in northern Idaho is a particular challenge,” said Stokes, who for many years was ITD’s chief engineer in Coeur d’Alene. “So in ITD’s case, we do our best to design the roads, the bridges and the infrastructure according to the circumstances. … But I would agree with the senator, there are geological differences across the state.”