Senate panel backs proposal to shift ISP funds to Idaho roads, bridges

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho State Police budget would see a dramatic $16.7 million drop in funding under a new bill headed to the Senate floor. Instead, those funds would be shift to repair the state’s aging roads and bridges. Currently, state police receive 5 percent of the first 25 cents of the state’s fuel tax revenue. The remaining revenue is split between local highway districts and state roads. The Senate Transportation and Defense Committee approved removing ISP from the tax revenue stream. Supporters argued that the measure would shift more money to address Idaho’s estimated $165 million transportation funding shortfall. However, doing so slashes ISP’s budget by 21 percent. Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, co-chair of the Legislature’s joint budget committee, says there’s no guarantee the ISP budget cut could be made up in the state’s general fund.

The bill, SB 1230 , was proposed by Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian. AP reporter Kimberlee Kruesi has a full report here .