Highway bonding plan passes 25-9, no debate

Surprisingly, there was no debate at all in the Senate on the GARVEE bonding bill, SB 1427, which calls for just $12 million more in Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonding next year. It’d almost all go to right-of-way acquisition for a project on State Highway 16 west of Boise, and emerged after a big fight in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee earlier in the session. Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, said, “Land prices are probably as low as they’re going to be for a while, so it is an excellent time to be acquiring right of way.” Sen. Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, rose to explain his vote, saying he was supporting the bill “with reluctance,” in hopes that other senators will support regular highway projects in his area in the future.

Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly, D-Boise, who isn’t seeking re-election, is chairing the Senate. When she noted no debate, Hammond said, “Madam president, this is an historic moment for me - it’s frightening.” The vote was 25-9; the bill now moves to the House.