Idaho highway agency plans massive overhaul

BOISE — Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian Ness hopes to save $1.5 million over the next two years by moving employees to roles of inspecting construction projects or clearing snow, rather than pushing paper around the office. Ness announced a broad restructuring today, including trimming management layers and shaking up a culture where 62 managers now manage just a single employee. Ness says 11 assistant manager positions will be eliminated over time. The proposal won Gov. Butch Otter’s backing. Otter praised Ness for his efforts “to streamline the department’s operations, save money and improve service to taxpayers.” Legislators have long criticized ITD’s efficiency, a stumbling block for Otter as he’s tried unsuccessfully to raise transportation taxes. It wasn’t clear if jobs will be cut with the move.